
Broken Bone Attorney in Austin, TX
When someone suffers a broken bone, it can impact many aspects of their life, including their ability to work, drive, sleep, bathe, and perform daily tasks. Broken bones can happen for several reasons, and, unfortunately, it is sometimes due to the negligence of another party. However, speaking with an Austin broken bone lawyer can help injured victims learn about their legal rights and how the compensation process works.
Austin is still growing quickly; there is more traffic, and there are still building projects going on all around the city. Because of this, broken-bone accidents continue to be frequent on highways like Interstate 35, MoPac Expressway, and Loop 360, as well as in apartment buildings, shopping malls, and crowded pedestrian zones close to South Congress and Downtown Austin.
About The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, represents injury victims in Austin and throughout other Texas communities. Our law firm is located at 4303 Russell Drive, Austin, TX 78704, and has worked on thousands of personal injury cases. Our lawyers have experience with car accidents, truck incidents, and cases involving serious injuries that change a person’s ability to function.
The legal team at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, can provide services in English and Spanish. We are available 24/7 to speak with someone who has been hurt in an accident. Our approach to each broken bone case is to educate injured individuals on the claims process and protect their rights.
Understanding Broken Bone Injuries
Adults and children have over 200 bones in their bodies. Broken bones range from some of the least serious injuries to life-altering conditions that require surgeries and long-term care. Some fractures heal quickly, while others may never completely recover.
A fracture happens when a bone is cracked, broken, or shattered. This occurs when the bone experiences a sudden trauma or too much pressure. Broken bones are common injuries in Austin accident cases due to vehicle collisions, motorcycle crashes, bicycle incidents, pedestrian accidents, construction incidents, falls, and other trauma. Fractures can be categorized in several ways based on their severity, including the following:
- A displaced fracture means the break is into two or more pieces that are not lined up straight. This typically requires surgery to realign the bone with metal hardware.
- A non-displaced fracture is a break where the bone has cracked, but the two ends remain aligned. Some of these injuries can heal without surgery, but they may still cause extreme pain.
- A closed fracture means the bone does not break through the skin.
- An open fracture, also known as a compound fracture, is when the break in the bone pierces the skin and causes an open wound. Open fractures can cause severe infections.
One of the most common causes of broken bones and fractures, especially among older people, is falls. Each year, about 319,000 older people are placed in the hospital for a hip fracture. One out of every ten falls results in a serious injury that can restrict their activities. Also, each year, about 3 million emergency room visits for the elderly are due to falls.
Common Causes of Broken Bones
Fractures can occur in countless accidents throughout Austin. Traffic congestion, construction zones, and crowded sidewalks create many opportunities for serious falls and injuries to occur. Some accidents that commonly cause broken bones include those involving:
Some common causes of accidents include:
Many accidents happen at intersections throughout Austin or along highways with high traffic volume. I-35 near Downtown Austin is notoriously busy, and accidents along Ben White Boulevard often involve serious injuries.
Broken Bone Laws in Austin
Texas laws allow injury victims to file a claim if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 mandates that personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. If someone waits too long to file a claim, they may not be allowed to pursue compensation.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 explains modified comparative fault. An injured person can still recover damages if they were not more than 50% at fault. If someone was partially at fault for the accident, their total recovery amount is reduced based on their percentage of fault.
FAQs
Yes. In some instances, a break can actually get worse after it occurs. Sometimes, if there is swelling, the full extent of the break is not seen until later, when the swelling goes down. For this reason, it is important to seek follow-up care with your doctor after any major trauma to the bones.
Jobs that require heavy labor tend to be significantly impacted by fractures. Construction workers, delivery drivers, nurses, warehouse workers, and mechanics might find it difficult to return to work after injuries to the back, legs, arms, or hands. Office workers can also be impacted by a fracture if they cannot type, drive, or sit for long periods of time.
In a broken bone case, compensation may be available to you for your economic and non-economic damages. This can include medical bills, lost wages, damaged property (such as vehicle damage in a car accident), and pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is compensation for the physical pain and emotional hardship you endured because of the accident. You can seek compensation for these and other losses from the negligent party that caused or contributed to your accident.
Medical records can be your strongest evidence in a broken bone case. This is because most fractures can be proven with objective tests, like X-rays, CT scans, and operative reports. Other helpful forms of evidence include:
- Pictures of injuries
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Video surveillance footage
- Evidence of lost wages
Keep track of all your appointments, and note how pain and recovery affected you.
Hire a Broken Bone Lawyer Today
If you suffered a broken bone injury, an Austin broken bone attorney can seek compensation for your losses. The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, can represent you. Hire a broken bone lawyer by contacting us today.