Also known as the clavicle, the collarbones are two horizontal bones that lay at the top of the chest region. Their function is to keep your shoulders in line and to protect many of the nerves and blood vessels that are located throughout the neck and shoulder area.
A fractured collarbone is frequently caused by trauma directly to the collarbone or shoulder area. Persons who attempt to stop falls with an outstretched arm may cause a fractured collarbone as can directly falling onto your shoulder. The blunt force trauma of a car crash is also a common reason for a broken collarbone as a person’s shoulder or collarbone can easily come into contact with the steering wheel or dashboard, seat belt or other debris in the vehicle.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation statistics from 2008 note that New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut, are the 2nd and 3rd cities with most reported traffic incidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that caused a broken collarbone due to another individual’s negligence, the injured victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Our personal injury attorneys can assist you in figuring out if you maybe able to make a claim against the negligent party.
Fill out the ‘Free Case Evaluaiton’ form to your right to have your case evaluated by one of our knowledgeable Bridgeport personal injury lawyers right away.
What Causes A Broken Collarbone?
Broken collarbones are a common personal injury among children and teenagers as their bones are not fully reinforced until adulthood. Boys are also more prone to fracturing their collarbones as they are more likely to engage in roughhousing, contact sports and reckless behavior.
Some other common causes of a broken collarbone include:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle and Cycling Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Slip and Falls
- Malfunctioning Products (ladders, cribs, etc)
- Workplace Accidents
- Cheerleading Accidents
Violent attacks may also lead to a broken collarbone and in extreme cases a dog bite or attack could fracture a child or infant’s collarbone as well.
Schedule a free legal consultation with our personal injury team.
Symptoms Of A Broken Collarbone
Mild and serious clavicle fractures are possible and usually this type of injury does not cause the bone to puncture through the skin which may make it more difficult to notice than most other types of broken bones.
Some common mild and serious symptoms collarbone injuries can cause include:
- Immediate pain the shoulder or collarbone area
- Inability to lift or raise the affected arm
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- A bulge on or near the shoulder (this is often the bone extending out)
- Numbing or tingling feelings in the arms and fingers of the affected side
- A grinding noise when raising the arm
The pain caused by an injured collarbone could also cause nausea or dizziness if the injury is serious.
In more serious cases broken collarbones could also lead to:
- Nerve Damage
- Pinched Blood Vessels
- Lung Injuries
Any person who believes they may have an injured collarbone should seek medical attention immediately for a correct diagnosis and to begin the treatment needed for a full recovery.
Broken Collarbone Treatments
Doctors will often diagnose a collarbone injury by checking for common symptoms and through the use of x-rays to determine how severe the fracture is. A collarbone injury can take 6 to 12 weeks to heal and will likely require a nonoperative or surgical treatment.
- Nonoperative
Medications may be prescribed to reduce swelling and pain, the use of a sling or splint will also be employed as clavicle fractures can heal on their own over time. Doctors may take additional x-rays throughout the healing period to keep a close eye on the injury.
- Surgical
If the bone has broken in multiple places, has pierced through the skin, or was just is not healing properly it could be treated with surgery. Fixation devices such as a rod or nail may be used in the process to support the fracture during the healing process.
After treatment physical and occupational therapy is likely to restore muscle strength, flexibility and joint strength.
Common Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Collarbones
What types of compensation can I recover for a broken collarbone in Bridgeport?
If your collarbone injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to several types of damages under Connecticut law. This can include medical expenses for ER visits, X-rays, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment. You can also recover lost wages if your injury kept you from working, and compensation for diminished earning capacity if the injury affects your career long-term. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also recognized. Your catastrophic injury lawyer will help calculate both your current and future losses to make sure your claim fully reflects the impact of your injury.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident that cause my injury?
Connecticut follows a comparative negligence system. This means your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if a jury or insurer finds you 20% at fault, your total damages award would be reduced by that amount. Even if you share some responsibility, you are still eligible to recover damages.
Is there a deadline to file a catastrophic injury claim in Bridgeport, CT?
Yes. In most personal injury cases in Connecticut, including catastrophic injuries like a broken collarbone, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering any damages, even if the other party was clearly at fault. Certain exceptions may apply, such as claims against municipalities or government entities, which require much shorter notice periods. Contacting a Bridgeport attorney at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers as soon as possible ensures your claim is protected from day one.
What evidence is most important in a broken collarbone injury case?
The strength of your case depends on solid documentation. Key evidence includes: medical records and imaging that confirm the fracture, accident reports that show how the injury occurred, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene or your injury. Payroll records or tax returns can prove lost income, while expert testimony may support claims for long-term impairment. Social media posts and videos may also be monitored by insurance companies, so a lawyer can guide you on how to handle them.
Reach Out To Us For A Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has suffered from a collarbone injury at the hands of a negligent or careless party and are seeking legal counsel, our personal injury attorneys are here to help. We understand how frustrating a collarbone injury can be and believe that you should receive the MAXIMUM compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our experienced team of attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers has more than 140 years of combined legal experience and are dedicated to taking exceptional care of our clients.
We are proud to serve throughout Connecticut and have offices located in Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven. Contact our personal injury attorneys at 800-PERKINS to discuss your case at no-cost and no-obligation with one of our knowledgeable lawyers. If you prefer to contact us online, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form on this page – it’s 100% FREE and completely confidential.
