How Common Are Bone Fracture Injuries at Work?
One of the most serious types of work related injury which can mean a lot of time off work, possibly without pay, is to break, crack or crush one of the bones in your body. Fractures require immediate medical attention and usually result in a minimum of four to six weeks recovery time. Fractures most commonly occur in the construction industry, Britain’s largest and most dangerous industry in terms of serious injuries sustained by workers. However, two thirds of fracture injuries affect workers in other industries. Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive show that some 15,000 major injuries are caused by slips and falls in the workplace every year, many of which involve bone fractures. Falls from height and being struck by a moving vehicle or object are common causes of such injuries.
What Causes Broken Bone Injuries at Work?
Workers are most likely to fracture an arm, leg, wrist, hand or foot. Fractures are caused when excessive force is applied to a part of the body either directly (e.g. something falling on or striking a worker) or indirectly (e.g. falling over or off something). The amount of damage depends on the amount of force applied. In the workplace bone fractures most often result from workers tripping on obstacles or slipping on treacherous or uneven surfaces. Workers may fall from height and break a bone, or be struck by an object falling from height. Road traffic accidents involving work vehicles are another common cause of bone fracture injuries.
Typical Bone Fracture Injuries Sustained at Work
There are two medical classifications broken bone injuries – closed / simple fractures, where the bone has not penetrated or lacerated the skin, and open / compound fractures, where the bone has actually broken through the skin. There are also a large number of specific fracture types. A hairline fracture is among the least serious, where a small crack appears in the bone, and normally heals in 4-6 weeks. A spiral fracture is more serious, involving a break that runs around the bone. A comminuted fracture is the most severe type, involving a crushing or shattering of the bone. Serious fracture injuries require from lengthy rehabilitation, and may require the insertion of metal plates and pins, as well as future surgery.
Broken Bones at Work: Treatment & Recovery
Treatment for a broken bone consists in keeping the limb immobile as far as possible. Because of the serious nature of this type of injury, treatment can be prolonged, with many people needing physiotherapy after the injury has healed, because they have been unable to exercise the affected limb and need to rebuild strength and mobility. This would affect someone with a leg fracture, for example, who cannot bear weight on the leg and requires crutches.
Solicitors Claiming Compensation For Bone Fractures at Work
Clients often call us to ask; I broke my arm at work in Liverpool can I claim compensation? The severity of the bone fracture injury, estimated recovery time and the corresponding level of medical treatment required will determine the level of compensation awarded following a successful bone fracture accident claim. A full medical assessment will be required to establish these facts. Damages will include all current and future medical treatment requirements, loss of earnings, future work prospects and pain and suffering. Employers are required by law to have employer’s liability insurance, and this will cover all the costs associated with a successful claim. Our solicitors have experience in representing clients who have sustained bone fractures at work through no fault of their own. Bartletts Solicitors can help you claim the compensation you deserve if you have been injured in such circumstances. Contact our team of specialist lawyers today for free, confidential legal advice that you can rely on.
The Claims Process
Claiming with us is easy. Get a free no obligation initial consultation about your case, your rights, and our no win no fee agreement. All information can be taken over the phone. Medical treatment is local to you. We aim to keep the claims process short by keeping claims out of court. If your claim does need to go to court it is unlikely that you will need to attend court, as cases settle before the final hearing.
Job Security and Sick Pay
We can advise you about job security and dismissal concerns, as well as matters related to sick pay. Dismissal without a valid reason and without due procedures being followed is against the law, and can result in a claim for unfair dismissal being brought against the employer. Employers are also legally obliged to pay Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to injured employees, and may pay more than the minimum depending on the terms of an individual’s employment contract. Contact us today for free no obligation advice.
Your Compensation
Compensation will pay for private healthcare treatment. It will also cover:
- Physiotherapy
- Psychological therapy
- Expenses (such as the cost of travel to hospital appointments)
- Loss of income
- Household adaptations
The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the likelihood that you’ll make a full recovery. We’ll seek expert opinions on what care you’ll need to ensure that the compensation we claim will be sufficient.
Make a free compensation enquiry today
For specialist advice on your personal injury claim, call us now on Liverpool 0151 227 3391 or Chester 01244 645830 or Wrexham 01978 360056 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch.
