Broken bones are among the most common injuries people suffer in accidents. Whether caused by a car crash, a slip and fall, or a workplace incident, a fracture can significantly disrupt your life.
For victims in Louisiana, knowing how the law applies to their injury claim is essential. State law establishes deadlines for filing lawsuits and rules that affect how damages are calculated. If you or a loved one has suffered a fracture due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Understanding Broken Bone Injuries
A broken bone, or fracture, occurs when force applied to the bone is greater than the bone’s ability to withstand it. Fractures vary in severity and can range from simple breaks that heal with a cast to complex injuries requiring surgery.
Common types of fractures include:
- Simple fractures – Clean breaks where the bone remains aligned.
- Compound fractures – Breaks where the bone pierces the skin, increasing infection risk.
- Comminuted fractures – Bones shattered into multiple pieces.
- Greenstick fractures – Partial breaks, more common in children.
- Stress fractures – Small cracks caused by repetitive force.
No matter the type, a broken bone can limit your mobility, affect your ability to work, and lead to long-term complications. Recognizing the type of fracture and its severity is the first step in understanding the impact of your injury.
Causes of Broken Bones in Louisiana
Broken bones often result from accidents caused by negligence.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Car accidents – High-impact crashes frequently result in fractures, especially to arms, legs, ribs, and hips.
- Slip and fall accidents – Falls on uneven surfaces, wet floors, or poorly lit areas often cause broken wrists, ankles, or hips.
- Workplace injuries – Construction workers and laborers face higher risks of bone fractures due to falls, falling objects, and machinery accidents.
- Sports accidents – Contact sports and recreational activities can also lead to broken bones.
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents – When vehicles collide with vulnerable road users, fractures are common and often severe.
These causes show how easily negligence can result in fractures, underscoring the need for accountability when injuries occur.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for broken bones depends on the severity of the injury.
Options may include:
- Casting or splinting – To immobilize the bone while it heals.
- Surgery – Inserting pins, plates, or rods to stabilize the bone.
- Physical therapy – To restore strength and mobility.
- Pain management – Medications and ongoing treatment for discomfort.
Recovery can take weeks or months. Severe fractures may result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or permanent disability. Proper treatment and rehabilitation are essential not only for healing but also for demonstrating the long-term impact of your injury in a legal claim.
Louisiana Law and Broken Bone Injury Claims
If you’ve suffered a broken bone because of someone else’s negligence, the recovery process can be overwhelming—both physically and financially. Deadlines for filing a claim can be strict, and missing them could affect your ability to recover compensation.
That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can explain your options, guide you through the process, and help protect your right to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Damages You May Recover
If you suffered a broken bone in Louisiana due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost wages – Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Future medical care – Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or surgeries needed for long-term recovery.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – When fractures prevent you from engaging in hobbies or daily activities.
The damages available in a broken bone case highlight just how important it is to pursue fair compensation after a serious accident. By documenting every aspect of your losses, you improve your chances of securing the recovery you deserve.
Steps to Take After Suffering a Broken Bone
If you have suffered a fracture in an accident, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Prompt treatment is critical for your recovery and creates an official record of your injury.
- Document the accident – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and anything that contributed to the accident.
- Get witness information – Collect names and contact details of people who saw what happened.
- Keep records – Save medical bills, work absence records, and notes about your pain and limitations.
- Contact a Louisiana personal injury lawyer – An attorney can evaluate your claim, deal with insurers, and ensure deadlines are met.
These steps provide a strong foundation for your claim, making it easier to prove liability and damages later. Acting quickly and methodically helps preserve evidence and strengthens your legal case.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Broken Bone Case
Insurance companies often try to downplay broken bone injuries, offering settlements that cover only immediate expenses but ignore long-term costs.
A skilled Louisiana personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
- Work with medical experts to prove the severity of your injury.
- Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.
- File a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
- Represent you in court if necessary.
With legal representation, you stand a better chance of recovering damages that truly reflect the impact of your injury. Having a lawyer ensures you are not pressured into accepting less than your case is worth.
Contact Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. for a Free Consultation
Broken bones may seem straightforward, but their impact on your health and finances can be life-changing. By seeking prompt medical care, documenting your damages, and working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you have suffered a broken bone due to someone else’s negligence, do not wait. Contact the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. at (504) 500-5000 for a free consultation.