WHEN IS A BROKEN BONE FROM A CAR CRASH A LONG-TERM HEALTH ISSUE?

Getting into a serious motor vehicle crash can cause catastrophic injuries. Almost everyone has heard horror stories about brain injuries or spinal cord injuries that left someone completely changed in the wake of a crash.

If you’re only injury in a motor vehicle accident was a broken bone, you might feel quite fortunate. After all, modern trauma care is so advanced that you likely won’t have any residual issue from the injury.

Simple fractures can be set quickly and efficiently without a hospital stay. Even compound and severe fractures can heal well with surgical intervention. However, there are some circumstances in which a broken bone could wind up being a more severe injury than you might expect.

Broken bones in children can damage the growth plate

Children and teenagers face a special risk that isn’t pertinent to adults in a crash that causes a broken bone. While the human body is still in the process of growing and developing, the growth plate inside the bone is active.

Unfortunately, the growth plate can suffer damage in the event of a fracture that can leave someone with a lifetime of medical issues related to abnormal tissue and bone development. They could require extensive surgery and ongoing medical care for years to ensure proper development after a growth plate injury.

Sometimes broken bones can cause nerve damage

Most broken bones heal cleanly with timely medical intervention. However, even the simplest fracture poses a risk for long-term medical consequences. Specifically, it is possible for the nerves at the site of the broken bone to develop an injury that will persist indefinitely.

This condition, known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, will persist or even get worse as the broken limb heals. The pain may become deeper or feel like a burning or tingling sensation. People may also experience unusual developments of hair and nail tissue near the affected area. This condition can affect someone for the rest of their life.

Broken bones can be serious for people with medical conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions are likely one of the most significant risk factors for a long-term negative outcome with a broken bone. From autoimmune conditions that increase your risk of developing a severe infection to conditions that prevent your body from adequately healing itself, existing medical conditions can exacerbate the impact of a broken bone and vice versa.

Those dealing with the consequences of car accidents that resulted in major injuries may have rights to compensation for lost wages and medical expenses. Talking about your circumstances with an experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney is a good first step toward improving your lot after a major accident.