Bone fractures are among the more potentially serious workplace injuries because, depending on the location and severity of the break, they can lead to a wide range of severe complications, including tissue damage and impaired function of the bone. Individuals who work in high-risk industries like construction tend to be at an increased danger for these types of injuries, but anyone can suffer a bone fracture from repeated, forceful stress to one part of the body over a prolonged period of time.
There are several types of bone fractures that range in severity, including the following:
- Hairline Fractures: Which is a cracked bone, not a full break
- Simple Fracture: May result in a complete fracture, which involves separated fragments, or an incomplete fracture in which the fragments are still together
- Displaced Fracture: A bone that breaks in two or more places, and the ends are no longer aligned
- Non-Displaced Fracture: The bone cracks either partially or all the way through, but the bones remain aligned
- Compound or Open Fracture: A broken bone that breaks through the skin. These are particularly serious because the bone is exposed, so it is highly susceptible to infection
- Closed Fracture: The bones break but does not come through the skin
- Comminuted Fracture: The bone has been shattered into many pieces
- Stress Fracture: Repeated stress causes the bone to break
Signs of a Broken Bone
Some workplace bone fracture injuries will have obvious symptoms including severe pain, and an inability to move or place any weight on the affected area, often presenting immediately after a work accident. Other times, there may be no symptoms of a broken bone other than some swelling. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, if an individual thinks they have suffered a bone fracture, it is important that they seek medical attention as soon as possible to address the issue and prevent the injury from becoming even more serious. A simple x-ray will confirm a bone fracture, whether a hairline fracture or a compound fracture.
How to Treat Bone Fractures
In most cases, bone fractures are treated in one of two ways depending on the location, severity, and type of break. The most common treatment options include the following:
- Immobilization: Casts and splints are the most common form of immobilization. Other examples include traction, which utilizes a system of weights and pulleys to re-align the bones. For some injuries, where these treatment options are not practical, patients must keep weight off the injury for a period of time that allows the bone to heal.
- Surgery: If the injury is more severe, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone. In order to help keep the bones in place, internal screws and plates are often used.
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Bone Fractures
If you suffered a bone fracture, or any other orthopedic injury while at work, it is in your best interest to contact Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We are highly skilled at navigating the complex claims process and we will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.