Fractures

Introduction

These can range from a broken toe (which starts around £3,300) to a crush fracture leading to amputation of a limb (£55,000+).  Simple fractures will resolve over a limited period of time, whereas more complicated fractures can give rise to extensive medical treatment (often not available on the NHS without a long wait).

More serious fractures can lead to shortening of a limb and a limb-lengthening procedure (which is very painful). Crush fractures can lead to severe internal damage and amputation. Fractures involving joints can also lead to early onset of arthritis and the need to fuse the joint in the future. You will almost inevitably be receiving medical treatment, but who is providing for your family or making sure your mortgage is still being paid? When you have an accident the money may stop coming in, but the bills do not.

In severe cases it is important that your priorities are put first. Where treatment is required rehabilitation can be sought and pressure brought on the other side to pay for this. If you are off work you may also have difficulties paying your rent or mortgage and financial assistance can also be sought. There are timescales for this, so the sooner you instruct a solicitor the better. If you are in hospital your family or friends can arrange this and we will come and see you, rather than waiting until you are able to come and see us.

Large value claims rarely arise from the injury itself. They flow from the effect the injury has on you in the long term.  If you lose your job or career the complexity and value of the case increases dramatically.

What to look for

There are different types and grades of fracture, with the bone being broken either completely or partially. Fractures where the bone sticks out of the skin are known as compound or open fractures and are pretty obvious.  However simple fractures where the bone is not split can be harder to diagnose.  Also fractures to the ribs are rarely checked or x-rayed due to the fact that there is little that can be done other than to leave them to heal with time. Most fractures may be associated with bruising and very simple fractures are easy to confuse with soft tissue injuries.

Motorcycle accidents often result in multiple fractures to the same limb, known as comminuted fractures, or crush fractures. These can have a much more serious long-term effect and in severe cases can lead to amputation.

The matter is further complicated where the fractures extend all the way down a limb, such as the arm, wrist, hand and fingers or the thigh, knee, lower leg, ankle and foot.  Where there are multiple fractures it is not a simple question of adding up the award for each injury as there is overlap between the injuries themselves.  In short, if you break the same leg in 2 places the effect on you may be the same as only breaking it in 1 (i.e. you cannot walk!).

Fractures tot he spine are the most serious and are looked at within catastrophic injuries.

How much?

Example guideline awards for fractures are as follows:

Conclusion

Medical issues are not simple and there can be a wide range in the appropriate amount of award for an injury. Added to this are the ramifications that such an injury can have on your life and the life of your family. You need someone out there fighting for you.  Trust us, insurance companies will not beat a path to your door trying to help you and paying you as much money as possible.

Don't be someone else's learning curve. Call our 24 hour help hotline on 0800 783 6191 for clear, expert legal help or e-mail us at contact@whitedalton.co.uk

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