Helping Clients in Joplin and Springfield after Fractures in Workplace Accidents

A bone fracture can stop you in your tracks in an instant, or it might develop over time. In any situation, a fracture is an injury that can be painful, limit movement, and require medical treatment. If you sustained a fracture in the course of your employment, you should discuss your rights with an experienced Missouri workers' compensation attorney right away. The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton represents workers with a wide range of injuries. Whether you have a seemingly minor injury or a permanently disabling condition, you deserve workers' compensation benefits for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other relevant losses. Contact us if you sustained a bone fracture at work in or around Springfield or Joplin.

Common Causes of Fractures at Work

Fractures can happen in many different ways on the job, as any impact, trauma, or overuse can result in a crack or full break in a bone. Considering the number of bones you can fracture - in your hands, wrist, arms, ribs, pelvis, hips, legs, ankles, feet, and more - there should be no surprise that almost any type of accident can result in a fracture. Some common causes of this type of injury include:

• Falls from high places
• Slip and falls
• Getting hit by objects
• Lifting accidents
• Motor vehicle crashes
• Heavy machinery and power tool accidents
• Overuse or repetitive motion

Anytime someone falls or suffers any kind of impact, it is entirely possible that they can sustain a fracture or multiple fractures.

Fractures Can be Serious

Even a stress fracture from overuse can be a painful injury, and it is important to get treatment as soon as you suspect that something is wrong. Most people mistake a stress fracture for a soft tissue injury and fail to get medical attention, which can cause the injury to worsen. Stress fractures should be diagnosed through imaging tests, and workers should get the treatment they need. Traumatic fractures can be particularly serious and should get immediate medical treatment. Some fractures might need immobilization with a cast or brace for weeks while it heals on its own, and the fracture victim will need to refrain from using that body part during this time. Other fractures might need additional treatment, such as:

• Compound or open fractures - These involve the bone breaking through the skin. To prevent infection, a surgeon will usually need to clean the wound and reset the bone.
• Displaced fracture or multiple fractures - If the bone fragments do not align properly, you might need plates, screws, or other hardware to hold the bone in the right place to heal.

Contact a Missouri Bone Fractures Lawyer for Assistance

Even a simple broken bone can keep you off your feet for weeks, and many fractures are not that simple. At The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton, we help workers with fractures obtain the workers' compensation benefits they deserve. Contact us to schedule an appointment at either our Springfield or Joplin office to have a Missouri bone fracture attorney review your rights.