Broken Wrists After a slip and fall

Our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Indiana Can Assess Your Broken Wrist Injury After an Accident to Get You the Compensation You Deserve

The human wrist is a marvel of engineering. It can turn your arm and hand in a variety of directions. It can twist and turn. It is used in nearly every single action we take on a daily basis. Breaking a wrist can happen in a variety of ways due to the many tiny bones in a relatively small area – scaphoid, Colles, “snuffbox” and ulna fractures and other fractures all can happen in the wrist.

Most slip and fall incidents should never have happened. Unfortunately, then falls happen they can cause serious injuries. Some injuries can be so significant that they can require surgical interventions, rehabilitation, and prolonged time out of work amongst many other consequences that may permanently affect a person’s life. One type of injury that commonly happens with slip and fall incidents are wrist fractures.

A broken wrist after a slip and fall can result in significant pain, disability, and complications—particularly for children if a growth plate has been damaged. For the elderly, it can result in debilitating arthritis that severely inhibits future usage.

Anytime an individual suffers any type of injuries in a fall – but particularly with the potentially devastating consequences of a wrist fracture – it is wise to seek legal guidance from experienced slip and fall lawyers in Indiana like ours.

Wrist Fractures Explained

A wrist fracture is often referred to as a broken wrist. A person is considered to have a broken wrist when there is a break in one or more bones in the lower arm, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is varying degree of fractures, with some being minor while others are severe and may puncture the skin (open fracture).

What Causes a Broken Wrist?

Most wrist fractures occur when a person tries to catch themselves during a fall. This type of fall is fairly common with slip and fall or trip and fall injuries. Some people fall on their bottom and the hands hit the ground to stop the fall. Others fall with hands outstretched to prevent their face from hitting the ground.

Other types of broken wrists after a slip and fall occur when a person falls on their wrist in a compromising position, including falling “up” stairs and striking the side of the wrist on the next step.

The type of fall usually results in a different fracture site in the wrist.

Common causes of wrist fractures from slip and fall injuries include the following:

• Falling down a flight of stairs or up stairs
• Slipping on debris
• Snow and ice that is not properly treated
• Wet floors
• Falling on garbage that is left on the floor
• Unlevel flooring
• Falling on a bunched-up carpet
• Falling over a hole in the ground
• Falling on a spilled product that is not cleaned up in a timely manner
• Slipping on wet or slippery surfaces such as flooring that has excessive soap or wax, and
• Other common causes of falls in Indiana that could result in a broken wrist after a slip and fall.

Here at Shaw Law, our experienced slip and fall lawyers in Indiana handle cases involving a broken wrist after a slip and fall. We have a proven track record of success representing victims and their families for these serious types of injuries.

To learn more about our services, contact us by calling (260) 777-7777 to schedule a FREE consultation with our compassionate and experienced team.

What are the Symptoms of a Wrist Fracture?

There are certain symptoms a person may have after a slip and fall incident that may indicate that they have experienced a wrist fracture Common symptoms of a wrist fracture include the following:

• Severe pain, especially when trying to move the hand or when trying to grip or squeeze something
• Bruising
• Visible deformity (bent wrist)
• Tenderness
• Swelling

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have a broken wrist after a slip and fall in Indiana.

Treatment for a Wrist Fracture

Wrist fractures require treatment and will not heal on their own if not properly corrected. There is a variety of treatments for wrist fractures. Common treatments for wrist fractures include the following:

Immobilization - this refers to splinting or casting the wrist. This is very common, whether surgery is required or not. Immobilization helps the bones heal in the proper location.

Surgery - Surgery is sometimes required for more severe wrist fractures. Rods, screws, plates or pins may be required to hold the bones in place in order for them to heal correctly. Indications for surgery include damage to nerves, blood vessels and surrounding ligaments, fractures that extend into a joint, open fractures, or fractures that are not properly healed from immobilization.

Physical Therapy - Physical therapy is often needed for wrist fractures. This involves exercises to help regain full strength and movement. Sometimes, complete restoration of strength and movement is not always possible. Physical therapy may be necessary for several months.

What Complications Can Occur as a Result of a Wrist Fracture?

There are certain complications that can occur after an individual has experienced a wrist fracture as a result of a slip and fall incident. Possible complications include the following:

• Infection if an individual with a wrist fracture required surgery
• Permanent disability, stiffness, or aching
• Osteoarthritis may occur years later if the fracture extended into a joint
• Blood vessel and nerve damage
• Damage to a growth plate
• Weakness
• Range of motion restrictions, and
• Other common injuries that may be compensated under Indiana law.

Did You Suffer a Broken Wrist After a Slip and Fall Incident in Indiana? Please Contact Our Law Firm for Help

A broken wrist is incredibly painful and can be debilitating, resulting in permanent weakness, range of motion restrictions, and other disability. These injuries are particularly devastating to young children who may have growth plate injuries.

If you or a loved one suffered a broken wrist after a slip and fall in Indiana, call our experienced slip and fall lawyers at (260) 777-7777 for a FREE consultation to learn what your rights may be under the law.