As the victim of a car accident in Great Neck, New York, you may even now be dealing with the long-term effects of your injuries. One of the more serious injuries that can arise in a crash is a femur, or thighbone, fracture.
How the femur can fracture
The femur is usually fractured in one of three places. Among car crash victims, it usually happens along the shaft, or midsection. Other times, the distal end, which connects the femur to the knee joint, can be broken. These are sometimes called knee fractures. Hip fractures, which occur at the femoral neck, are a third possibility, though these are more widespread among elderly people who take a bad fall.
The consequences of a fracture
Car crashes are the leading cause of femur fractures, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, while falls come in second. Crash-related fractures usually go beyond stress fractures, though, and can actually be life-threatening. Victims may tear muscles and ligaments, suffer blood loss, develop blood clots and, if the bone protrudes from the skin, run the risk for an infection.
Treatments for femur fractures
Femur fractures typically require immediate medical attention. If the bone is displaced, the victim will undergo surgery where doctors insert a metal rod and screws into the bone to reattach the parts and straighten everything. Metal plates may be used for hip or knee fractures. Doctors may also give antibiotics through an IV and prescribe oral antibiotics after victims are released from the hospital. Pain medications, rehabilitative care and physical therapy usually follow.
A lawyer to give you personal attention
Though New York is a no-fault state, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit if your insurance company cannot cover all the losses. A lawyer may evaluate your case and give you personalized advice and guidance throughout the filing process. You may even have the lawyer negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement. If successful, you could be covered for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and a diminished capacity to earn a living.