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When people hear the term “broken bone,” they often assume it is a straightforward injury that will heal with time. However, not all fractures are alike. Some breaks are relatively simple and resolve with minimal long-term impact, while others are severe and can change the course of a victim’s life.
Understanding the difference between a simple break and a severe fracture is critical for anyone injured in a Houston accident, particularly when seeking compensation for medical care, lost wages, and future treatment.
What Is a Simple Break?
A simple break, also known as a closed fracture, typically involves a clean break in the bone without damage to the surrounding skin or tissues. These injuries often occur from falls, sports activities, or low-impact collisions. In most cases, simple breaks are stabilized with casts or splints and may heal within weeks to a few months.
While painful and disruptive, simple breaks typically have a good prognosis when treated appropriately. Most victims return to their normal activities without significant long-term complications. However, even a simple break can become more complicated if it is misdiagnosed, improperly set, or if the victim develops an infection. That is why medical follow-up is crucial, even in cases that seem straightforward.
How Severe Fractures Differ
Severe fractures are more than just broken bones. They often involve multiple breaks, crushed bone fragments, or displacement that requires surgical repair. Open fractures, where the bone pierces the skin, fall into this category. These injuries are common in high-impact incidents such as car accidents, truck crashes, or industrial accidents in Houston.
Unlike simple breaks, severe fractures may require extensive medical treatment, including multiple surgeries, metal plates or rods, and months of physical therapy. Victims may face prolonged hospital stays and ongoing rehabilitation. The recovery process is often uncertain, with a greater risk of complications such as nerve damage, chronic pain, or reduced mobility.
Why Severe Fractures Can Lead to Lifelong Pain
The consequences of a severe fracture can persist long after the bone has healed. Chronic pain is common due to nerve involvement, arthritis in the affected joint, or permanent damage to surrounding muscles and ligaments. Some victims experience reduced strength or range of motion, which limits their ability to work or participate in daily activities.
In Houston, where many residents work in industries that require physical labor, the long-term impact of a severe fracture can be devastating. Lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and ongoing medical bills add financial stress to an already painful recovery. That is why victims need an attorney who understands both the medical and legal challenges these injuries present.
How a Houston Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize bone injury claims by treating all fractures as minor, rather than categorizing them according to severity. This approach overlooks the profound differences between a simple break and a severe fracture. Our experienced Harris County personal injury lawyer can gather medical evidence, consult with experts, and demonstrate how a severe injury has affected the victim’s life.
By holding negligent drivers, employers, or other responsible parties accountable, victims can pursue compensation for:
- Current and future medical treatment.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy.
- Lost income and reduced earning potential.
- Pain and suffering caused by chronic pain or disability.
Contact Charles J. Argento for Experienced Representation
If you or a loved one suffered a fracture in Houston, do not assume it is a minor injury. The difference between a simple break and a severe fracture can determine whether you make a full recovery or face a lifetime of challenges.
At Charles J. Argento, we have decades of experience helping injury victims secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at (713) 225-5050 or online for a complimentary consultation and discover how we can help you move forward.
