Breaking a bone is a painful reminder of the dangers of accidents. Washington has a number of exciting things to do, from riding motorcycles to climbing mountains. However, these activities also come with the risk of serious injuries, such as broken legs.
If you or someone you care about breaks their leg in an accident, it’s important to know about the treatment options and how to recover from the damage caused by the accident. This may involve taking legal action, which can be made easier by working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Washington.
Contact CCD Law Today
At CCD Law, we understand the emotional trauma that can result from any accident, but especially those that cause fractured or broken legs. Our team of experienced Washington personal injury lawyers is dedicated to helping victims like you determine liability and gather evidence to pursue a claim for damages. If you’ve been injured in a Washington accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We are here to support you in your recovery.
How Common Are Broken Leg Injuries in Washington?
Data from the United States Bone Joint Initiative found that between 11 and 15 million of all fractures happen in the leg. As the data shows, broken bones and fractures in the leg are common injuries that can happen in many different ways in Washington. Usually, they occur in the following ways:
- Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, or being hit by a vehicle
- Accidents in industries that involve heavy machinery or construction work
- A direct blow or forceful impact to the leg
- Falling from a height or slipping and falling on a surface
- High-impact sports or activities
- Continuous repetitive motions or excessive stress on the leg
The severity of a broken leg can vary depending on the cause of the injury and the type of fracture. If you think you have broken your leg, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early treatment can help to prevent complications and speed up the healing process. Still, it’s important to understand the different types of broken leg injuries that can happen to you.
Treating a Broken Leg in Washington
The answer to how a broken leg is treated in Washington depends on the specific type of break and how healthy the injured person is overall. It’s important to understand that each broken leg injury is different in terms of how bad it is and what the outlook is. Some of the more common types of broken legs include:
- Fractures of the femur, tibia, fibula, or patella
- Stress fractures
- Compound fractures
- Spiral fractures
- Avulsion fractures
Further, the treatment and time it takes to recover will be different for each person. More serious breaks will need more extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Usually, broken legs are treated in the following ways:
- Traction – Traction means pulling on the leg to line up the broken bone and help it heal. This is done when the break is serious or when the bones are not in the right place.
- Surgery – Sometimes an operation is needed to put the bones back in place and keep them steady using screws, metal plates, or rods. This is usually done for serious breaks or when the bones are not aligned properly.
- Rehabilitation – After a leg fracture, physical therapy is often needed to help regain movement, strength, and flexibility in the leg. This may involve exercises, training on how to walk, and other methods to regain the ability to move around.
- Pain management – It’s important to effectively control pain during the recovery process. Pain medicines, nerve blocks, or other techniques may be used to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Follow-up care – People with a leg fracture will need ongoing medical care, including regular check-ups and monitoring for potential problems like infection or nerve damage.
Again, the treatment options and prognosis for a broken leg are going to depend heavily on the circumstances. Moreover, different types of fractures can affect nerves and blood flow to your leg, which can lead to different complications. Overall, getting prompt medical care from a specialist is the best chance you have at effectively treating your injury. With that hurdle cleared, you can turn your attention to exploring your legal options.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer if You Broke Your Leg in Washington?
While a broken leg is indeed a serious injury, there’s no legal requirement that says you have to hire a lawyer to represent you in a claim. With that said, it’s always a good idea to consult with our team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Washington to get a better idea of the challenges involved in dealing with a broken leg and the legal aspects of filing a claim.
Here are the general steps involved in the claims process that our team can guide you through:
- Gather evidence – Our team will investigate the accident and help you collect important documents and evidence to support your claim. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, getting contact information from witnesses, and gathering relevant medical records.
- File an insurance claim – If you have the insurance information of the person responsible for the accident, our team can assist you in filing a claim with their insurance company. This initiates the claims process.
- Negotiate a settlement – Once the claim is filed and the investigation is complete, the insurance company of the at-fault person will usually offer a settlement. Our team can review the offer and negotiate for a higher amount if you believe it’s too low.
- File a lawsuit – If you’re unable to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation. Our team will advise you on the best approach based on your case. If successful, you may recover damages that help compensate for your injuries.
Damages
It’s important to know that the process of filing a claim and recovering damages can be complex and time-consuming. While every claim is different, the following damages are generally available in a Washington personal injury claim:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment – This includes the money you spent on medical care due to the accident, such as hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, medications, and therapy. It also covers any future treatment you might need.
- Lost wages from missed work – If your injuries prevented you from working, you can receive compensation to cover the wages you would have earned during that time. This can include both past and future lost wages.
- Costs related to pain and suffering – Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. It encompasses feelings of hurt, upset, or stress. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to alleviate these difficulties.
- Costs related to loss of companionship or enjoyment of life – If the accident has affected your ability to engage in activities you enjoy or has made your life less enjoyable, you can receive compensation for that. It may include not being able to pursue hobbies, spend time with friends, or perform daily tasks as before.
Remember, even though it’s not mandatory, it’s important to consult with a lawyer who understands these matters to learn about your options and receive assistance throughout the legal process. They can assess the value of your case and help you obtain a satisfactory result for you and your family.
Skilled and Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Washington
If you have suffered a broken leg or any other injury in Washington, our team of skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers at CCD Law can help. Since 1948, we have been committed to guiding our clients through the legal process, helping them get the compensation they deserve. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
