$100,000 Auto Accident Settlement
Multiple Broken Bones After a Chicago-Area Car Accident
While driving in a Chicago suburb, our client was involved in a serious car accident when another driver crossed a major street without stopping for a traffic signal. Our client was transported to the emergency room with multiple injuries, including broken bones that required internal fixation with plates and screws. Multiple surgeries followed.
Although the other driver had low insurance policy limits, Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC secured the maximum available settlement of $100,000 for our injured client.
Internal vs. External Fixation of Broken Bones
Some fractures are clean breaks that can be supported and stabilized from outside the body while the bone heals. In many cases, a cast or splint may be enough to hold the bone in position until it regains strength and stability.
More serious fractures may require external fixation. This treatment can involve pins placed through the skin and attached to an outside frame or compression device that helps hold fractured bone fragments in place. Once the bone has healed, the pins and external device may be removed.
In other situations, a surgeon may decide that the better option is internal fixation, as occurred in our client’s case. With this method, the broken bone fragments are repositioned into proper alignment and then held in place with implants such as screws, plates, rods, nails, wires, or pins. These implants are commonly made from strong materials such as titanium or stainless steel.
When a joint cannot be repaired and must instead be replaced, different implant materials may be used. These materials are designed to be compatible with the body and to reduce the risk of reaction or rejection.
Types of Internal Fixation Devices
- Screws: Medical-grade screws are designed to hold bone fragments together. They come in different sizes and designs depending on the bone involved and the type of fracture being repaired.
- Plates: A plate works like an internal splint. It is attached to the bone with screws to keep fractured pieces stable while the bone heals. Depending on the injury, a plate may later be removed or left in place permanently.
- Rods and nails: Some fractures, especially those involving long bones such as the femur or tibia, may be treated with a rod or nail inserted through the center of the bone. This can help stabilize the fracture during healing.
- Pins and wires: When bone fragments are too small for a screw or plate, pins or wires may be used. In some cases, they are used along with another fixation method.
Serious Bone Fractures After an Auto Accident
Broken bones that require internal fixation are serious injuries. Surgery, hardware placement, therapy, follow-up care, pain, lost income, and reduced mobility can all affect the value of an injury claim. Even when insurance limits are low, careful legal work may help secure the maximum recovery available.
If you suffered broken bones or another serious injury in an automobile crash, call Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC at 312-243-9922 or contact us online for a free consultation.
