Suffering from broken bones due to an accident can be a life-altering experience. Not only can it lead to significant physical pain and medical expenses, but it can also impact your ability to work and enjoy everyday activities.
Accidents and Bone Injuries
Broken bones are among the most common injuries in various types of accidents, including car crashes, slip and falls, workplace incidents, and more. These injuries can range from simple fractures to complex breaks requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. When another party’s negligence or wrongdoing causes your injury, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages.
Causes of Broken Bones
Car Accidents
High-impact collisions in Charleston, whether they involve cars, motorcycles, or bicycles, are a leading cause of broken bones. The force exerted during a crash can cause fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Charleston, West Virginia slip and fall accidents commonly occur due to wet floors, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained walkways. These falls can result in broken wrists, hips, and ankles, particularly in older adults. Falls on stairs can lead to severe fractures, especially if handrails are absent or inadequate.
Workplace Accidents
Workers on construction sites are at high risk for broken bones due to falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, or equipment malfunctions. In addition, heavy machinery and equipment in industrial settings can cause fractures if they malfunction or if safety protocols are not followed.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are vulnerable to fractures when they collide with cars or other vehicles. Helmets can protect against head injuries, but limbs remain exposed.
Birth Injuries
Improper handling during childbirth can lead to fractures in newborns.
Defective Products
Defective products, such as malfunctioning tools or equipment, can lead to accidents causing broken bones. Product liability claims against the manufacturer can be pursued in these cases.
Who is Liable for My Broken Bone?
Determining liability for a broken bone in a personal injury claim hinges on proving negligence or fault. Here’s an overview of who might be held responsible in various scenarios:
Vehicle Accidents
- Driver: Liable if they caused the accident, for instance, through reckless driving, speeding, or DUI.
- Employer: May be liable if the driver is working at the time of the crash or a commercial vehicle is involved.
Slip and Fall Accidents
- Property Owner: Responsible if the accident was due to hazardous conditions like wet floors or uneven surfaces.
- Tenant: May be liable if they failed to address known hazards in a rental property.
Workplace Accidents
- Employer: Liable if unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or lack of proper equipment caused the injury. Workers’ compensation often covers these injuries.
- Third Party: Such as contractors or equipment manufacturers, if their negligence contributed to the accident.
Birth Injury
- Healthcare Provider: Liable for broken bones due to surgical errors or improper handling.
Defective Products
- Manufacturer: Liable if a defective product causes injury.
- Distributor/Retailer: Also accountable if they sold the defective product.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered broken bones due to an accident, do not hesitate to reach out to Tiano O’Dell, PLLC for legal assistance. We offer free consultations to discuss your case so you may learn more about how we can help you secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Call (304) 720-6700 or message us online today.