The wrist is a complex structure of interconnected bones that are vulnerable to breaking and fractures when bent or twisted in unnatural ways in bad car accidents.
Wrist fractures in a car accident can be both painful and debilitating, affecting victims' ability to perform everyday tasks. Understanding how this type of injury happens and the symptoms can help Delaware crash victims take fast action to protect their health and legal right to financial compensation. After an accident, seek immediate medical attention, then contact an experienced Georgetown car accident attorney for a free consultation.
Common broken wrist injuries
There are many types of car accident wrist injuries. Here is some information about the most frequently sustained ones.
Scaphoid fracture
This is the most common type of wrist fracture. The scaphoid bone is the smallest bone in the wrist, and it is located in the center of the wrist. It can fracture due to the hand's impact on the steering wheel or other surfaces.
Distal radius fracture (general)
The distal radius is the larger bone in the forearm that meets the wrist. A general distal radius fracture is most often caused by a direct blow to the wrist.
Colles fracture
This is a specific type of distal radius fracture that is characterized by a backward displacement of the wrist in which the broken bone tilts upward. The opposite of a Colles fracture is a Smith fracture - the broken bone tilts downward.
Barton fracture
This occurs when the radius, a forearm bone in the wrist's radio-carpel joint, breaks and dislocates from the wrist.
Wrist fracture symptoms
It is always important to seek medical attention after a car accident, even when there are no apparent injury symptoms. You may have a severe injury like a concussion, internal damage, or fractured wrist and not yet know it. Wrist fracture symptoms can vary, and sometimes the pain they cause can be delayed by hours or days. In most cases, wrist fracture symptoms include:
- Pain. The wrist will be very painful, especially when it is moved.
- Swelling. The wrist will be swollen and tender.
- Deformity. The wrist may appear deformed, especially if the fracture is displaced.
- Loss of function. The wrist may be unable to move normally.
Wrist fractures caused by car accidents can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial pain. Healing a wrist fracture can take a long time, and it's essential to start medical treatment as soon as possible for the best outcome. If a wrist does not heal properly, it can cause pain and limit motion for a lifetime. However, even with proper treatment, some people may experience long-term problems with their wrists, such as pain, stiffness, and weakness.
Seeking compensation for wrist fractures
If your wrist was injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. At Gill, Welsh, and Chamberlain, P.A., we can investigate the accident, calculate the full impact and financial cost of the injury over a lifetime, and help you file a claim for the compensation you deserve. Our car accident lawyers negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to get results and will stand by your side throughout the entire process
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free case evaluation.