Broken/Fractured Bone from an Accident? Our Attorneys Can Help
Broken bones are among the most recognizable injuries, but no two fractures are the same. Some heal cleanly; others require surgery, hardware, or months of rehabilitation—and a portion never returns to pre-injury function. A Chicago broken bone injury lawyer can help you navigate medical bills, time away from work, and the long-term impact on your life.
When another party’s negligence causes your fracture, you shouldn’t carry the financial burden alone. Our serious injury lawyers are ready to help evaluate your claim, calculate full damages (including future care), and handle insurers while you focus on recovery.
Even “obvious” injuries can be undervalued by insurers. Adjusters may downplay your pain, cite a quick X-ray “healing as expected,” or comb through your social media to argue you’re fine. By the time a low settlement runs out, it’s often too late to ask for more.
Protect your claim early: We handle communications so you don’t make statements that hurt your case.
Value the long term: We account for surgery, hardware removal, infection risk, arthritis, and job impact—not just today’s bills.
Leverage medical proof: We work with orthopedists, physical therapists, and vocational experts to document limitations and future needs.
Before you speak with the insurer, talk to a Chicago Broken Bone Injury Lawyer about your options.
Fractures and broken bones can happen in countless situations — but when another party’s negligence is involved, Illinois law allows you to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Understanding how and why these injuries occur helps identify the liable parties and build a strong case for damages. The most frequent causes include:
Car accidents, truck, and motorcycle crashes: Traffic collisions are the leading cause of bone fractures in Chicago. Common fracture sites include the femur, ribs, wrists, and collarbones. High-speed impacts can cause compound or comminuted fractures that require surgery and hardware installation. When another driver violates traffic laws, drives distracted, or speeds, they can be held liable for your injuries.
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: Cyclists and pedestrians are highly vulnerable in crashes with motor vehicles. Even at low speeds, victims can suffer pelvic, leg, or skull fractures. These injuries often involve crosswalk violations, unsafe turns, or inattentive drivers who fail to yield the right of way. Claims typically include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for long-term mobility issues.
Slip and fall incidents: Falls on unsafe property — such as wet floors, icy sidewalks, broken stairs, or unlit hallways — frequently cause wrist, hip, and ankle fractures. Under Illinois premises liability law, property owners must maintain safe conditions. Failure to do so can make them financially responsible for resulting injuries.
Construction and workplace accidents: Workers in construction, manufacturing, and warehouse settings face high risks of crush injuries and falls from heights. These often lead to multiple fractures or compound breaks. While workers’ compensation may apply, many cases also involve third-party liability — such as defective equipment, negligent subcontractors, or unsafe site management — allowing injured workers to seek additional damages beyond standard benefits.
Sports and recreational injuries: Contact sports like football, soccer, or hockey, as well as recreational activities such as skiing or rock climbing, can cause spiral or displaced fractures. When injuries result from negligent coaching, faulty equipment, or unsafe facilities, victims may have grounds for a civil negligence claim.
Defective products: Faulty consumer goods — such as defective ladders, tools, exercise machines, or protective gear — can cause severe fractures when they fail under normal use. Under Illinois product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held accountable for injuries caused by design defects, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings.
Animal attacks: Severe dog bites or knock-downs often cause arm, wrist, or facial fractures when victims attempt to defend themselves or fall. Illinois’ strict liability laws for dog owners make them responsible for injuries caused by their pets, even if the animal has no prior history of aggression.
Each of these scenarios can result in complex orthopedic injuries that require costly medical care, physical therapy, and time away from work. A qualified Chicago broken bone injury lawyer can help identify the negligent party, collect evidence such as accident reports and medical records, and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Types of Bone Fractures
How a bone breaks influences treatment, recovery time, and case value. Common fracture patterns include:
Closed vs. Open (Compound): A closed fracture doesn’t break skin; an open fracture does—raising infection risk, hospitalization, and surgical costs.
Non-Displaced vs. Displaced: Non-displaced bones remain aligned; displaced fractures require reduction (often surgical) before fixation.
Simple/Transverse: A clean, 90-degree break; often stabilized with casting or a simple fixation.
Oblique: Angled break; more prone to shifting and may need hardware.
Spiral: Twisting force; frequently unstable and painful; often needs surgical fixation.
Comminuted: Bone shatters into ≥3 pieces; typically requires plates/screws or rods and longer rehab.
Greenstick/Buckle (Pediatric): Partial breaks are common in children; growth-plate (physis) injuries can affect limb development and future athletics.
Compression: Often in vertebrae; can cause height loss and chronic pain.
Intra-Articular: Break extends into a joint (wrist, ankle, knee); higher risk of post-traumatic arthritis and long-term limitations.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery for Broken Bones
Care usually begins with X-rays; CT or MRI may be needed for complex or joint-surface injuries. Treatment options depend on stability and location:
Immobilization: Casts/splints or walking boots for stable fractures.
Closed Reduction: Realigning the bone without surgery, followed by immobilization.
Open Reduction & Internal Fixation (ORIF): Surgery using plates, screws, rods, or wires.
External Fixation: Temporary frames for severe soft-tissue damage or staged surgeries.
Rehabilitation: Physical/occupational therapy to restore strength, range of motion, and function.
Complications to document: nonunion/malunion, hardware failure, nerve/tendon injury, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), infection, and arthritis—each can increase future care needs and damages.
Getting Compensation for Broken Bones in Illinois
Even a “clean” fracture means medical care and time off work. More complex breaks drive costs up quickly. If negligence caused your injury, you may seek damages for:
Medical expenses: ER, imaging, casting, surgery, hospitalization, medications, and follow-ups (see medical expenses)
Permanent Restrictions: Reduced lifting/standing, tool use, or fine motor tasks impacting employment
Documented Complications: Infection, nonunion, malunion, CRPS, or hardware failure
Liability for Broken Bones & the Illinois Claim Process
To recover compensation, we must prove negligence: the at-fault party owed you a duty, breached it, and caused damages. We then pursue all applicable insurance coverage and responsible parties. See our overview of the legal process for what to expect.
Evidence That Strengthens a Broken Bone Case
Accident reports, witness statements, photos/video, and scene or product evidence
Imaging (X-ray/CT/MRI), operative notes, clinic records, and PT/OT documentation
Work restrictions, employer correspondence, pay stubs, and vocational assessments
Pain journals and daily-activity logs showing functional limits and recovery milestones
Why Work with Staver for a Fracture in Chicago
Orthopedic Insight: We translate imaging and surgical notes into clear, persuasive proof of harm and future needs.
Future-Focused Valuation: We account for arthritis risk, hardware removal, and job impact—not just today’s bills.
Negotiation & Litigation: We prepare every case as if it may go to court, strengthening your position at the table.
If you’ve suffered fractures due to someone else’s negligence, let us handle insurers and legal issues while you focus on healing. When you choose Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., you get a responsive team committed to documenting your injuries, projecting future needs, and pursuing fair compensation.
To discuss your case now, fill out our contact form or call (312) 236-2900. Consultations are free and there are no up-front costs.
Chicago Broken Bone Injury FAQs
Do I Need Surgery for a Broken Bone?
It depends on the break’s stability and location. Displaced, intra-articular, comminuted, and open fractures often require surgery (ORIF) to restore alignment and function. Your surgeon’s recommendations, imaging, and response to initial treatment guide the decision.
How Long Does a Fracture Case Take?
Insurers usually won’t fully evaluate a claim until your condition stabilizes (maximum medical improvement). Simple cases may resolve in a few months; surgical or complicated recoveries typically take longer so future needs can be accurately projected.
What If I Was Partly at Fault?
Illinois follows comparative fault. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility and can be barred at a certain threshold. We investigate liability, preserve evidence, and challenge unfair fault arguments.
Can I Recover for Future Problems like Arthritis?
Yes, when supported by medical evidence. Intra-articular and displaced fractures increase arthritis risk. We use physician opinions and literature-supported projections to claim future care, injections, bracing, or joint procedures if indicated.
What Damages Can I Claim for a Broken Bone?
Medical costs (ER, imaging, surgery), rehab, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, necessary household help, and pain and suffering. We also consider hardware removal and long-term treatment needs.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?
Not before speaking with an attorney. Early statements can be used to minimize your injuries. We handle communications, protect your rights, and coordinate recorded statements only when appropriate.
How Is Case Value Determined?
Liability clarity, injury severity, treatment (especially surgery), time off work, complications, and permanent limitations all matter. Learn more at Value of an Injury Case.
What’s the Deadline to File?
Many Illinois personal injury claims must be filed within two years, but exceptions can apply (minors, some product or medical claims). Speak with a lawyer promptly to preserve your rights and evidence.
Suffer a Broken Bone? Contact a Chicago Lawyer for Help
If you’ve suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to worry about insurance issues while trying to focus on healing. When you choose Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., you can feel confident knowing that we will handle your legal needs while you concentrate on the hard work of recovery.
To discuss your case now, fill out our contact form or call us at (312) 236-2900. Consultations are free, and there are no up-front costs.
Serious injuries don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, which is why we are always available to help if you have been hurt. Our team is available around the clock to provide the support you need.
