In Fresno, accidents present a range of challenges and uncertainties. Among the potential traumatic injuries, fractures or breaks in the leg stand out as some of the most severe. Considering that your legs play a crucial role in your mobility, any injury to this part of the body can have significant and lasting implications for your life.
Understanding your options is crucial when dealing with any injury, but it’s even more important when there’s a broken leg involved. Whether it’s about medical treatment, physical recovery, or legal action, working with experienced traumatic injury lawyers can greatly impact your path to recovery.
Reach Out to Maison Law Today
At Maison Law, we understand the emotional distress that can occur after accidents, particularly those causing broken or fractured legs. Our team of experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers is dedicated to helping victims like you by establishing liability and gathering evidence to seek compensation for damages.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our team is here to provide support throughout your recovery journey.
How Do Broken Legs Happen in Fresno Accidents?
While it is indeed a serious injury, the fact is that a broken leg can occur in many different ways in Fresno.
Your leg is comprised of various components, including bones and muscles, all working together to facilitate different leg movements, such as:
- Bending and straightening the knee
- Rotating the lower leg
- Performing activities with the foot and ankle
The primary bones in the leg include:
- Femur – The femur is the long bone located in the upper leg, extending from the hip to the knee. It is the largest bone in the leg and plays a crucial role in leg movement and strength.
- Tibia – The tibia is one of the two bones in the lower leg, situated on the inner side. It runs from the knee to the ankle and is responsible for supporting body weight and enabling movement at the knee joint.
- Fibula – The fibula is the other bone in the lower leg, located on the outer side. It runs parallel to the tibia and provides stability to the leg while also participating in ankle movements.
Whether it happens during a car accident or a fall while enjoying the city, your leg and its components are susceptible to trauma and injury. Still, some of the ways that broken legs happen in Fresno accidents are more common than others. Most of the time, a broken leg can result from any of the following:
- Car Accidents – Collisions on the road, whether involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, can result in a forceful impact that causes leg fractures.
- Slip and Fall Accidents – Tripping, slipping, or falling on uneven surfaces, slippery floors, or poorly maintained premises can lead to leg fractures.
- Workplace Accidents – Accidents at construction sites, factories, or other workplaces can involve falls from heights, machinery accidents, or heavy object impacts, which may cause broken legs.
- Sports and Recreational Activities – Participating in sports or recreational activities can sometimes lead to falls, collisions, or direct impacts that result in leg fractures.
- Motorcycle or Bicycle Accidents – Crashes involving motorcycles or bicycles can lead to severe leg injuries, including fractures, due to the lack of protection for the legs.
- Pedestrian Accidents – Being struck by a vehicle or involved in other pedestrian accidents can cause significant leg injuries.
The seriousness of a broken leg can differ based on the cause and type of fracture. If you suspect a broken leg, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Early treatment can prevent complications and promote faster healing. It’s also essential to familiarize yourself with the various types of broken leg injuries that could occur.
Types of Broken Legs and Treatment Options After a Fresno Accident
In Fresno, broken legs can result from various causes, leading to different types of fractures. Each fracture is distinct, which means the treatment and recovery process may vary. Some common types of broken leg injuries include:
- Fractured femur – This occurs in the thigh bone, the largest and strongest bone in the leg.
- Fractured tibia – A break in the shin bone, located below the knee and above the ankle.
- Fractured fibula – A fracture in the smaller bone of the lower leg, running alongside the tibia.
- Fractured patella – A common injury affecting the kneecap, which protects the front of the knee joint.
- Stress fractures – Hairline fractures caused by repetitive stress or overuse, often seen in athletes or those with repetitive leg movements.
- Spiral fractures – Fractures that twist around the bone due to rotational force.
- Comminuted fractures – A fracture where the bone breaks into multiple pieces.
- Compound fractures – Extremely traumatic injuries where the broken bone pierces through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Avulsion fractures – Fractures occurring when a tendon or ligament pulls away a piece of bone, often due to forceful contractions.
Treatment Options for Broken Legs
Treatment for broken legs in Fresno depends on the type and severity of the fracture, as well as the individual’s overall health. Each case may require different care and recovery time. Common treatment methods include:
- Immobilization – Using casts or braces to keep the leg still and promote bone healing for a specific period.
- Traction – Applying a constant pulling force to realign bones and promote healing, suitable for severe or displaced fractures.
- Surgery – Surgical intervention to align and stabilize bones using screws, plates, or rods, required for severe or displaced fractures.
- Rehabilitation – Physical therapy to restore leg movement, strength, and flexibility through exercises and walking training.
- Pain management – Controlling pain and discomfort during the recovery process through medication or other techniques.
- Follow-up care – Ongoing medical care, regular checkups, and monitoring for possible complications like infection or nerve damage.
Suffering a broken leg in an accident can be challenging physically and emotionally. Exploring legal options may be necessary to seek recovery for the damages incurred.
Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer If You Break Your Leg in Fresno?
While a broken leg is a significant injury, there is no legal obligation to hire a lawyer for your claim. However, it’s wise to seek advice from our experienced personal injury lawyers in Fresno. We can offer valuable insights into handling your broken leg injury and navigating the legal aspects of making a claim.
First and foremost, though, our team can guide you through the initial process by walking you through the following:
- Our team will help you gather evidence for your claim, including taking photos of the accident scene, getting witness information, and collecting relevant medical records.
- We will assist you in filing an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to initiate the claims process.
- Once the claim is filed and the investigation is complete, the at-fault party’s insurance company may offer a settlement. Our team will review the offer and negotiate for a higher amount if needed.
- If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, our team will advise you on filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation. If successful, you may receive damages to help cover your injuries.
Damages
Filing a claim and recovering damages can be a complex and time-consuming process. While each claim is unique, the following damages are generally available in a Fresno personal injury claim:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment – This covers the money spent on medical care due to the accident, including hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, medications, and therapy. It also includes future treatment costs.
- Lost wages from missed work – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can receive compensation for the wages you would have earned during that time, including past and future lost wages.
- Costs related to pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional distress experienced due to the accident, including feelings of hurt, upset, or stress.
- Costs related to loss of companionship or enjoyment of life – Compensation for the impact on your ability to engage in enjoyable activities, spend time with friends or perform daily tasks as before.
While consulting with a lawyer is not mandatory, it is essential to understand your options and receive assistance throughout the legal process. A lawyer can assess the value of your case and help you achieve a satisfactory result for you and your family.
Skilled and Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Fresno
If you’ve suffered a broken leg or any other injury in Fresno, our team of skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers at Maison Law can help. Throughout our years of practice, we have been dedicated to guiding our clients through the legal process and helping them obtain the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
