When Fractures Are More Serious Than They Appear

Broken bones are some of the most common injuries due to car accidents, falls, and other unexpected events. While many people think of fractures as straightforward injuries that will eventually heal, the truth is that they can carry long-term consequences.

Under Florida law, broken bones are considered legally significant injuries that can greatly influence the outcome of a personal injury claim. Having a conversation with a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer early in the recovery process is key.

Reasons Why These Injuries Are Legally Significant

A fracture is not just a temporary inconvenience. Even with proper treatment, broken bones can result in complications that affect a person’s health, work, and quality of life for years to come. Some of the hidden dangers include:

• Surgical needs. Many fractures require surgery with pins, plates, or screws, leaving behind hardware that may later need removal.
• Chronic pain. Some breaks never fully heal, leading to arthritis, nerve pain, or mobility problems.
• Time away from work. Depending on the job, a person may be unable to work for weeks or even months.
• Permanent disability. Severe fractures, such as spinal or pelvic breaks, can cause lasting disability and change a person’s entire lifestyle.

Florida courts recognize that broken bones are more than just temporary injuries. They can be life-altering and justify significant compensation.

Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, minor car accident injuries are typically handled through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Yet when injuries are serious, such as fractures, a victim may step outside of the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault party.

This is important because PIP coverage is limited, usually capped at $10,000. For someone with a fractured leg, arm, or rib, medical bills alone can quickly exceed that amount. By proving the injury meets Florida’s threshold for a serious injury, a victim can pursue full compensation for medical expenses beyond PIP limits, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, and long-term rehabilitation.

How Broken Bones Affect Compensation

Fractures influence both the amount and the type of compensation awarded in a case. A simple fracture with a succinct recovery plan may justify less compensation than a complicated break that requires multiple surgeries or prevents a person from returning to work. Insurance companies often downplay simple fractures, suggesting victims will heal quickly. In reality, many fracture victims face years of physical and financial challenges.

Those healing from a bone break should have strong legal representation to level the playing field. A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can gather medical records, consult with experts, and build a case that demonstrates why a fracture is legally significant and why full compensation is necessary.

Do you want to learn more about your recovery options? Accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, and Vero Beach lead to more than just short-term injuries, they could define your health and financial stability for years. With the legal support from the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez you can fight for the compensation you need to truly recover. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.