Complicated Fractures in Houston Injury Cases: Why the Type of Break Impacts Compensation

When most people think of broken bones, they picture a simple cast and a few weeks of healing. However, fractures are far more complex in many Houston personal injury cases. A bone break’s type, severity, and long-term consequences can dramatically influence an injury victim’s compensation.

At Charles J. Argento, our Texas personal injury lawyer understands that not all fractures are the same. From high-impact car crashes to pedestrian and workplace accidents, we’ve seen firsthand how complicated fractures can alter a person’s life—and how insurance companies often try to downplay their seriousness.

Understanding Different Types of Fractures

In personal injury claims, the medical classification of a fracture plays a key role in determining damages.

Common types include:

• Simple fractures: Clean breaks that may heal quickly with minimal intervention.
• Compound fractures: Breaks where the bone pierces the skin, often leading to higher infection risk and emergency surgery.
• Comminuted fractures: Bones shattered into multiple pieces, often requiring reconstruction or hardware.
• Displaced fractures: Bones that break and shift out of alignment, typically needing surgical correction.
• Growth plate fractures (in children): These can disrupt development and lead to permanent impairment.

The more complicated the fracture, the more extensive the treatment, the pain, and the disruption to daily life. These factors directly affect compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.

Why Fracture Type Affects the Value of Your Case

Insurance companies evaluate claims based on medical records and the anticipated recovery cost. A simple wrist fracture may result in a modest payout, but a shattered femur with multiple surgeries and physical therapy may justify six figures or more in damages.

Complicated fractures often involve:

• Multiple surgeries or procedures.
• Risk of permanent impairment or mobility issues.
• Extended rehabilitation or physical therapy.
• Chronic pain or future joint problems.
• Scarring and disfigurement (especially in compound fractures).

Additionally, if your injury affects your ability to work, especially in a physically demanding job, the impact on your earning capacity can dramatically increase the value of your claim.

Proving the True Impact of a Serious Fracture

To maximize compensation, it’s essential to fully document the severity of your injury and how it has affected your life.

This includes:

• Detailed medical records and imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
• Expert medical testimony about future complications.
• Vocational experts, if your work life has been altered.
• Pain journals and daily living impact statements.

Without thorough documentation, insurance companies may classify a severe fracture as minor, offering a lowball settlement that doesn’t reflect your suffering.

How Charles J. Argento Can Help

If you’ve suffered a complicated fracture in a Houston accident, you deserve an advocate who understands the medical and legal nuances of your injury. At Charles J. Argento, we build detailed, evidence-backed cases that demand full and fair compensation for your pain, losses, and future needs.

Call (713) 766-4479 or contact us online today for a free consultation. We may be able to help you recover the maximum compensation you’re entitled to after a serious injury.