Broken Bone & Fracture Lawyers in NYC

Types of Fractures

Fractures vary in severity and treatment requirements:

• Simple (closed) fracture: The bone breaks but doesn't pierce the skin. Usually treated with casting or splinting.
• Compound (open) fracture: The broken bone breaks through the skin. High risk of infection; often requires surgery.
• Comminuted fracture: The bone shatters into multiple pieces. Typically requires surgery with pins, plates, or screws.
• Hairline (stress) fracture: A thin crack in the bone, often from repetitive stress. Can be difficult to diagnose initially.
• Displaced fracture: Bone fragments separate and don't align properly. Usually requires surgical realignment.
• Compression fracture: The bone is crushed, common in vertebrae. Often seen in falls and car accidents.

Common Fracture Locations

Different accidents tend to cause fractures in specific areas:

• Leg fractures: Femur, tibia, fibula fractures common in car accidents and pedestrian knockdowns.
• Arm fractures: Radius, ulna, and humerus breaks often from falls or bracing during impact.
• Wrist and hand: Frequently broken when catching yourself during a fall.
• Ankle fractures: Common in slip and fall accidents and motorcycle crashes.
• Hip fractures: Especially serious in older patients; often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Rib fractures: Common in car accidents; can puncture lungs or cause internal bleeding.
• Skull fractures: Serious head injuries that often accompany traumatic brain injury.
• Vertebral fractures: Spinal fractures can cause chronic pain or neurological damage.

Fractures Qualify as "Serious Injury" in New York

New York's no-fault insurance system limits when you can sue for pain and suffering. However, bone fractures are specifically listed as "serious injuries" under Insurance Law §5102(d). This means:

• Any fracture: even a broken toe, allows you to file a lawsuit
• You can recover pain and suffering, not just economic damages
• No need to prove the fracture meets other serious injury thresholds
• Insurance companies cannot argue the fracture isn't "serious enough"

This is a significant legal advantage. Make sure your medical records clearly document the fracture with imaging (X-rays, CT scans).

Complications from Fractures

Even "simple" fractures can lead to serious complications:

• Malunion: The bone heals in an improper position, causing pain and limited function.
• Nonunion: The fracture fails to heal, requiring additional surgery.
• Infection: Especially with compound fractures; can lead to serious complications.
• Nerve damage: Broken bones can injure nearby nerves, causing numbness or weakness.
• Blood vessel damage: Sharp bone fragments can damage arteries or veins.
• Arthritis: Fractures involving joints often lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
• Chronic pain: Some fractures cause long-term pain even after healing.

Compensation for Fracture Injuries

A fracture claim may include:

• Emergency room treatment and X-rays
• Surgery (if needed): ORIF, bone grafting, hardware placement
• Hospital stays
• Casting, splinting, and medical devices
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Follow-up appointments and imaging
• Pain medications
• Lost wages during recovery
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent impairment or limitations

Common Causes of Fractures in NYC

We handle fracture cases caused by:

• Car accidents: The force of collision frequently breaks legs, arms, ribs, and facial bones.
• Motorcycle accidents: Riders often suffer multiple fractures due to lack of protection.
• Pedestrian accidents: Being struck by a vehicle commonly causes leg and hip fractures.
• Slip and fall accidents: Falling on icy sidewalks, wet floors, or stairs breaks wrists, ankles, and hips.
• Construction accidents: Falls from heights and falling objects cause severe fractures.
• Bicycle accidents: Collisions with vehicles or road hazards cause arm, collarbone, and leg fractures.

Don't Settle Too Early

Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers after a fracture, hoping you'll accept before understanding the full impact. But fractures can have lasting effects, chronic pain, stiffness, arthritis, and limitations that affect your work and daily life.

We don't settle fracture cases until you've reached maximum medical improvement and we understand the complete picture. That's how we ensure you receive fair compensation.