Types of Severe Fractures
Multiple fracture cases often involve:
- ✓Compound (open) fractures: Bone pierces the skin
- ✓Comminuted fractures: Bone shatters into multiple pieces
- ✓Displaced fractures: Bone fragments separate
- ✓Pelvic fractures: Can cause internal injuries
- ✓Spinal fractures: Risk of cord damage
- ✓Skull fractures: Associated with brain injury
When Fractures Become Catastrophic
Fractures rise to catastrophic level when they involve: multiple bones or locations, complications like infection or non-union, need for multiple surgeries, permanent hardware implantation, lasting disability or limited mobility, and chronic pain conditions.
Long-Term Complications
Severe fractures can lead to permanent problems including: chronic pain, arthritis in affected joints, limited range of motion, leg length discrepancy, hardware complications, and osteomyelitis (bone infection).
Compensation for Multiple Fractures
Victims may recover compensation for: surgical procedures and hardware, physical therapy and rehabilitation, future surgeries (hardware removal, joint replacement), lost wages during recovery, permanent disability benefits, and pain and suffering.