A broken bone is rarely “just” a broken bone.
Following a serious car accident, fractures can affect nearly every aspect of your life. Medical treatment may involve surgery, months of rehabilitation, missed work, chronic pain, and uncertainty about when or if you’ll fully recover.
While some fractures heal with relatively few complications, others result in permanent limitations that affect your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, or care for your family.
If another person’s negligence caused your injuries, Missouri law may allow you to recover compensation for both your current losses and the long-term impact your injury has on your life.
At The Hines & Wilson Law Firm, we’ve spent decades helping injured Missourians understand their legal options and pursue the compensation they deserve while focusing on what matters most, healing.
Common Broken Bone Injuries After a Missouri Car Accident
The force generated during a collision can place tremendous stress on the human body, even in crashes that don’t initially appear severe.
Some of the most common fracture injuries include:
- Femur fractures
- Tibia and fibula fractures
- Pelvic fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Clavicle (collarbone) fractures
- Rib fractures
- Facial fractures
- Vertebral and spinal fractures
- Ankle fractures
- Hip fractures
Each injury presents unique medical challenges and may affect the value of a personal injury claim differently.
Understanding the Different Types of Fractures
Not every broken bone is the same. The severity of a fracture often determines the treatment required and the length of recovery.
Closed Fractures
The bone breaks but remains beneath the skin.
Open (Compound) Fractures
The broken bone pierces the skin, creating a higher risk of infection and often requiring emergency surgery.
Displaced Fractures
The bone fragments move out of alignment and frequently require surgical repair.
Comminuted Fractures
The bone shatters into multiple pieces, making reconstruction more complex.
Intra-Articular Fractures
When a fracture extends into a joint, it can significantly increase the risk of arthritis, chronic pain, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Not every fracture is immediately obvious after an accident.
Some symptoms develop gradually as adrenaline wears off.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Deformity
- Numbness or tingling
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that worsens over time
Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates important documentation for your injury claim.
Diagnosing a Broken Bone
Doctors may use several diagnostic tools to evaluate the extent of your injuries, including:
- Physical examination
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI imaging when soft tissue damage is suspected
Accurate diagnosis helps ensure appropriate treatment while documenting the full extent of your injuries.
Treatment May Continue Long After the Accident
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture.
Common treatments include:
- Splints or casts
- Closed reduction
- Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)
- Plates and screws
- Intramedullary rods
- External fixation devices
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
Recovery may take weeks, months, or even years, particularly when multiple fractures are involved.
Long-Term Effects of Serious Fractures
Even after a bone heals, many accident victims continue to experience long-term complications.
These may include:
- Chronic pain
- Reduced mobility
- Arthritis
- Permanent limp
- Limited range of motion
- Nerve damage
- Difficulty returning to work
- Permanent disability
These long-term effects are important when calculating the true value of a personal injury claim.
What Should You Do After Suffering a Broken Bone?
The steps you take after an accident can affect both your recovery and your legal case.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even if the injury seems minor, prompt treatment establishes an important medical record connecting your injuries to the accident.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Skipping appointments or stopping treatment too early gives insurance companies an opportunity to argue that your injuries were not as serious as claimed.
Save Medical Records
Keep copies of:
- Emergency room records
- Diagnostic imaging
- Surgical reports
- Therapy records
- Medical bills
- Prescription receipts
Document Your Recovery
Consider keeping a journal that tracks:
- Pain levels
- Sleep disruptions
- Missed work
- Activities you can no longer enjoy
- Emotional challenges during recovery
This documentation often becomes valuable evidence.
How Missouri Law May Affect Your Claim
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system.
That means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your recovery may simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Missouri also generally allows five years to file a personal injury lawsuit, although waiting too long can make it more difficult to preserve evidence and build a strong case.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on your injuries, compensation may include:
Medical Expenses
- Emergency treatment
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- Rehabilitation
- Future medical care
- Prescription medications
Lost Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Future lost income
Pain and Suffering
Serious fractures often involve more than medical bills.
Compensation may also include:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
If Your Injury Happened at Work
Not every broken bone results from a traffic collision.
If your fracture occurred while performing your job duties, you may have rights under Missouri’s workers’ compensation system. In some situations, an injured worker may also have a separate personal injury claim against a third party whose negligence contributed to the accident.
Understanding which claims may apply can make a significant difference in the compensation available.
Why Working With an Experienced Missouri Injury Lawyer Matters
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize orthopedic injuries by suggesting victims will eventually recover.
However, recovery isn’t always complete.
A serious fracture can affect your health, your career, and your quality of life for years to come.
At The Hines & Wilson Law Firm, we work to understand the full impact of your injuries, not just today’s medical bills, but future treatment, lost earning capacity, and the ways your life has changed because of someone else’s negligence.
Our goal is simple: protect your rights while you focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a broken bone claim worth in Missouri?
Every case is different. The value depends on factors such as the severity of the fracture, whether surgery was required, lost income, future medical needs, and the long-term impact on your life.
Do all broken bones require surgery?
No. Some fractures heal with casting or splinting, while others require surgical repair using plates, screws, or rods.
How long does recovery usually take?
Minor fractures may heal in several weeks, while severe fractures can require months of rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Missouri’s pure comparative fault law allows injured people to recover damages even if they share some responsibility for the accident, although the amount may be reduced.
What if my broken bone happened at work?
If your injury occurred on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on the circumstances, you may also have a separate personal injury claim against a negligent third party.
The Hines & Wilson Law Firm Is Here to Help
A broken bone can change your life in an instant, but you don’t have to face the recovery process alone.
Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, a workplace accident, or another act of negligence, The Hines & Wilson Law Firm has decades of experience helping injured Missourians protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve suffered a serious fracture because of someone else’s negligence, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.
