Broken bones are a common personal injury that is suffered in a variety of accidents in Texas, from motor vehicle collisions to slip and falls. When a victim is diagnosed with a broken bone, the doctor will classify it as a compound or simple fracture. The difference lies in whether the broken bone has pierced the skin. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, consulting a qualified San Antonio personal injury lawyer can be crucial in seeking compensation for medical bills and other damages.
What Is a Simple Fracture?
A simple or closed fracture describes a bone that has broken in one or more places but has not broken the skin. The skin remains closed and intact. A simple fracture is less severe than a compound fracture, as without any broken skin, there is generally no visible wound over the fracture site and the risk of infection is low.
Signs of a simple fracture may include pain or swelling in the affected area, possible bruising, and trouble moving the fracture site. The limb or part of the body where a bone has broken may or may not show visible signs of deformity. Simple fractures are generally treated with immobilization of the area using a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal on its own.
What Is a Compound Fracture?
A compound fracture means that a bone has broken and the sharp edge of the splintered bone has pierced or punctured the skin. It is also known as an open fracture, as it results in an open wound. Compound fractures come with a higher risk of health complications than simple fractures, such as:
- Serious infections due to exposure of the bone and wound
- Damage to surrounding soft tissues, including muscles, tendons and skin
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Possible heavy bleeding and shock
- Slower healing and potentially the failure to heal properly (delayed union or nonunion)
- The need for additional surgeries
- Scarring or physical disfigurement
Treatment for a compound fracture generally involves cleaning the wound site, surgery to realign or reconnect the bone (often using pins, plates or screws), and antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. Compound bone fractures come with a longer recovery time than simple fractures in most cases.
How Are Bone Fractures Diagnosed?
If an accident victim suspects one or more broken bones, he or she should go to a hospital immediately. A health care provider will conduct a physical examination and may diagnose a compound fracture by sight or use medical tests to check for a simple fracture, such as x-rays, MRIs or CT scans. It is especially important to see a doctor for an open fracture or damage to the bones of the spinal cord.
When to Contact a Broken Bone Lawyer in Texas
Both simple and compound fractures can arise from many different preventable incidents in the State of Texas. Common examples include motor vehicle accidents, falls, accidents at work, job-related repetitive stress, sports and recreational activities, and physical violence. If someone else’s careless or wrongful acts caused the broken bone, the victim may be eligible for compensation.
If you are diagnosed with a simple or compound fracture and believe someone else is to blame, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. The at-fault party may be responsible for paying for your bills and losses. An attorney can investigate your accident to help you understand your legal options, and then pursue maximum financial compensation on your behalf.