Trying to put a brave face on a difficult situation is an admirable trait in many circumstances. In the wake of a car crash, for example, instead of opining on your bad luck for suffering an injury, you could accept what happened with good grace and feel grateful that you didn’t suffer a head injury if you have to deal with broken bones.
Fractures may seem on the surface to be a less-concerning sort of injury than other common and severe injuries people suffer in motor vehicle collisions, but they are still serious injuries that can bring with them a host of expenses. Feeling grateful for not suffering a worse injury is a positive thing, but don’t let that keep you from seeking the benefits and compensation you need because of your broken bone.
Broken bones can cost thousands in medical expenses alone
A single broken bone could consume several months of your wages before you even have a chance to fully recover. The federal government estimates that a broken leg, for example, could cost an individual as much as $7,500. Those whose injuries necessitate surgery, medical devices such as wheelchairs or crutches, or physical therapy may have to pay even more for their recovery.
In addition to those extremely high medical costs, people will often also have to worry about lost wages, as not everyone can continue to perform their job without full mobility. Depending on how severe the fracture was, you could miss several months of work while simultaneously racking up thousands in medical debt.
Some broken bones are worse than others
Breaking a finger or a toe can be painful, but that fracture likely won’t prevent you from living your daily life. Severely breaking your femur could leave you unable to work, exercise or even maintain your own home.
If you suffer a fracture of the spine, whether it is in your back or neck, you may have to remain on bed rest for weeks to recover fully. In some cases, fractures to the spine may produce nerve damage or permanent mobility issues. Regardless of what bone you break, it’s important to look at the long-term prognosis for your health, your mobility and your future income.
Broken bones can have secondary consequences
While most fractures heal cleanly, some people experience permanent consequences from a fracture. For example, nerve damage resulting from the trauma of the break could result in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a degenerative and lifelong nerve disorder that can cause weakness and pain. Broken bones in children could lead to uneven growth, while broken bones in senior citizens can lead to rapid health decline, severe infections and even death. Treating a broken bone as the serious medical emergency it is helps ensure that you receive the care you need and that you pursue the compensation you deserve after someone causes a crash that leaves you severely injured.