Broken bones are some of the most common injuries in accidents throughout Charleston, South Carolina. While many fractures heal with proper treatment, others can lead to long-term complications, expensive medical care, and substantial time away from work. Understanding how fractures happen, what symptoms to look for, and what your legal options may be can help you protect your health and financial well-being.
This resource explains the types of bone fractures, the causes most frequently seen in Charleston, treatment options, potential complications, and when you may consider contacting a personal injury lawyer.
Types of Bone Fractures
A bone fracture occurs when a force strong enough to overwhelm the bone’s structure causes it to break.
Not all fractures are the same, and the type of break you suffer can significantly affect your treatment and recovery.
Stable Fractures
These breaks leave the bone ends aligned. Though still painful, they often heal well with immobilization.
Transverse Fractures
A transverse fracture is a straight horizontal break across the bone, typically caused by direct impact or significant force.
Oblique Fractures
Angled breaks are often associated with twisting mechanisms during collisions or falls.
Comminuted Fractures
Comminuted fractures are when the bone shatters into multiple pieces. These fractures frequently occur in high-impact events such as car accidents or falls from height.
Compound (Open) Fractures
The broken bone pierces the skin. Because of the increased risk of infection, these fractures require immediate emergency care.
Hairline or Stress Fractures
Small cracks that can result from repetitive strain, overuse, or lower-impact trauma.
No matter the type, medical imaging is necessary to determine the extent of damage and create a treatment plan.
What Accidents Can Cause Broken Bones in Charleston?
Charleston’s growing population, busy roadways, active tourism scene, and coastal activities contribute to environments where accidents can occur and broken bones can result.
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes generate significant force on the body. The impact may cause fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, collarbone, or spine.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
With limited physical protection, pedestrians and cyclists are more vulnerable to severe fractures when struck by vehicles.
Slip and Fall Incidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen in restaurants, stores, hotels, apartment complexes, and public spaces throughout Charleston. Falls can commonly cause fractured wrists, ankles, hips, and ribs.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, ports, industrial facilities, and maritime work environments pose risks for crushing injuries, falls, and being struck by heavy equipment.
Sports and Recreational Accidents
Charleston’s beaches, boating activities, sports leagues, and tourism attractions can lead to fractures when accidents occur.
Regardless of how your fracture happened, proper documentation and medical evaluation are essential steps toward recovery.
Common Symptoms of a Bone Fracture
Fractures are not always obvious.
Symptoms may include:
- Immediate or severe pain
- Swelling or tenderness
- Bruising or discoloration
- Difficulty moving the affected limb
- Visible deformity
- Numbness or tingling
- Inability to bear weight
Even if symptoms feel mild, you should not assume a bone is uninjured. Some hairline fractures are not immediately apparent and only worsen without treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Broken Bones
Most fractures are diagnosed through X-rays, but more complicated cases may require CT scans or MRI imaging. Treatment varies based on the type and severity of the break.
Immobilization
Casts, splints, and braces hold the bone in place while it heals.
Closed Reduction
This is when a physician realigns the bone without surgery.
Surgical Options
More serious fractures may require:
- Pins
- Screws
- Plates
- Rods
- External fixation devices
Surgery may also be needed when bones do not heal properly or additional complications arise.
Rehabilitation
Physical therapy often follows initial healing to restore mobility, strength, and function.
Recovery times vary widely. Some fractures heal within weeks, while others require months of treatment and follow-up care. Many fractures have residual long-term effects that can impact a person’s quality of life for many years after the break heals. Be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal.
What Are Possible Complications From Broken Bones?
While many fractures heal well, complications are possible, especially after high-impact accidents.
These may include:
- Nerve damage
- Infection, particularly with open fractures
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Temporary or permanent loss of mobility
- Malunion or nonunion when the bone heals incorrectly or when the bone fails to heal
Severe fractures can permanently affect mobility and quality of life, especially if they involve the spine, pelvis, or joints.
What to Do After a Fracture in Charleston, SC
If you believe you’ve suffered a broken bone, consider taking the following steps:
- Get medical attention immediately: Prompt treatment and documentation are crucial for proper healing and potential legal claims.
- Report the accident: Whether it occurred in a vehicle, workplace, or public area, make sure an official report is created.
- Document the scene: Photos, witness names, and details of hazardous conditions may later support your claim.
- Follow medical instructions: Gaps in treatment can harm your recovery and your case.
- Preserve records: Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and any associated expenses. These records will be invaluable should you need them.
- Avoid communication with insurance companies: They may downplay the severity of your injury or pressure you to accept a low settlement.
- Contact an attorney: To understand your rights and options, especially regarding potential compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Taking early action can improve both your health and your ability to pursue compensation.
What Compensation Can Charleston Accident Victims Recover for Broken Bones?
If another party’s negligence caused your fracture, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Emergency treatment and hospital bills
- Imaging, surgery, and follow-up care
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability or reduced mobility
More serious fractures typically lead to higher financial losses due to longer recovery times and increased medical costs.
Contact Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation With a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney
If you suffered a broken bone in an accident in Charleston, SC, you do not have to handle the situation on your own. Fractures may seem straightforward, but the legal issues surrounding them often are not. Determining liability, understanding insurance coverage, and calculating long-term medical needs can be complicated.
Reach out to Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm at (843) 278-2222 for guidance and to learn more about your legal options. Ty Robinson has 6 years of experience helping South Carolinians recover after serious accidents. He has recovered millions in compensation for injured clients and provides individualized representation at every stage of the process.
Schedule a free consultation with our Charleston personal injury lawyer today.