Fractures don’t usually seem like very serious car crash injuries, compared to a brain injury or an amputation. With exceptions for open or compound fractures where the bone becomes exposed, many fractures don’t receive proper consideration immediately after a crash.
Anyone with a broken bone from a car crash could face tens of thousands of dollars in losses or possibly more. What makes a fracture so expensive?
The recovery time
Even with cutting-edge medical care, fracture recovery takes time. The human body generally requires a minimum of eight weeks to heal a broken bone. Factors including the severity of the break, the age of the injured person and the size of the bone all influence the recovery timeline. People may be unable to return to work until the bone fully mends.
The treatment costs
A simple fracture may only require an X-ray and a cast. However, after the cast comes off, many people require physical therapy to address the loss of strength and range of motion that develops due to weeks of resting the body part.
More serious fractures may require one or more surgeries to treat. The cost of medical care can far exceed what people initially expect and can even go beyond what insurance covers.
Those with major collision injuries, including fractures, may need help negotiating with insurance providers and seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Recognizing that a fracture may cost more than people initially expect can help those injured in motor vehicle collisions avoid common mistakes, such as settling for far less compensation than they deserve. That’s where having experienced legal guidance can make a difference.