You may have fractured your femur in an auto accident here in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in which case you may be wondering if you can file a claim to be reimbursed for your losses. The losses are no doubt great because a femur fracture may be accompanied by other severe injuries. These injuries, taken together, may have diminished your capacity to work and earn a living, among other things.
Dangers associated with femur fracture
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says that femur fractures arise more from car crashes than from any other incident. It takes a lot of force to break the femur, which is the strongest bone in the body, so crash victims who do have it broken usually suffer as well from torn muscles, ligaments and blood vessels. This can mean blood loss and blood clots. If the bone sticks out from the leg, then there’s the added danger of infection.
The location of the fracture
Most femur fractures, at least those in motor vehicle accidents, occur along the shaft, or midsection. It’s also common for the distal end, which connects the femur to the knee joint, to break in a crash. The femoral neck, which links to the hip joint, is more frequently broken in falls than in crashes. Older people can suffer stress fractures at the femoral neck when they fall due to the fragility of their bones.
How victims can be treated
Some who incur a fracture may be let off with a cast and crutches. Others may need their bone reattached and realigned through the insertion of metal rods and screws. After the treatment, victims may need to take pain medications and regain their strength through rehabilitative care and physical therapy.
How victims can be compensated
If you were clearly not at fault for the crash, you can pursue a personal injury case to seek compensation. A lawyer may help you file your claim with the other side’s insurance company and even negotiate on your behalf. If negotiations fail, then you may need to take the case to court.
