The human body is made up of over 200 different types of bones, but the two largest can be found in the legs. Altogether there are four bones in a person’s leg, including the:
- Femur – thigh bone
- Tibia – right shin bone
- Fibula – left shin bone
- Patella – kneecap
The femur is the largest bone in the body and is nearly 20 inches long while the fibula is nearly 17 inches long. Due to the size of these bones, a fractured, or broken, leg is a rather common personal injury particularly for those who experience some sort of trauma.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a broken leg at the hands of a negligent party, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you wish to seek legal counsel, our attorneys can help you determine if you are entitled to make a personal injury claim.
For a free review of your accident incident, fill out the ‘Free Case Evaluaiton’ form to your right – it’s 100% FREE and completely confidential with one of our Bridgeport personal injury lawyers.
Causes Of A Broken Leg
Certain health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can lead to decreased bone density which may heighten the risk of a leg fracture. Elderly persons and young children may also be more susceptible to leg fractures as their bones are much more fragile.
Some other common causes of a broken leg include:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle and Bicycling Accidents
- Sports Injuries
- Slip and Falls
- Defective Products
Repetitive stress on the leg bones during certain physical activities such as running or ballet dancing can also increase the risk of suffering from a leg fracture.
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Symptoms Of A Broken Leg
As there are multiple bones within the leg, there can be multiple breaks or fractures. Along with being the longest bone in the body the femur is additionally the strongest bone and it takes serious trauma for it to break. Breaks in the tibia and fibula may not be as obvious but a person will still have noticeable symptoms.
Some common symptoms and signs to watch for include:
- Severe pain that worsens with movement
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Inability to walk
When a leg fracture occurs the bone may even break through the skin making the injury obvious, however, if it does not accident victims should keep an eye out for any abnormalities around the leg along with the noted symptoms.
A broken leg could lead to further complications such as nerve damage, bone infection and unequal leg strength. Anyone who thinks they may have broken their leg should seek medical assistance immediately.
Broken Legs: Treatment Options
Similar to other breaks and fractures, a broken leg can take an extended amount of time to heal but will vary on the type of break that occurred. If the leg is broken in multiple parts healing time will likely be longer than if it were an incomplete fracture which is when the bone cracks but does not necessarily break apart.
Some other common leg fractures include:
- Open fracture – the bone has pierced through the skin
- Closed fracture – the bone has been broken, but has not pierced through the skin
- Comminuted fracture – the bone has broken into several pieces
- Complete fracture – the bone has broken into two or more parts
Treatments will vary on the type of break and x-rays will be used to determine what type of a break occurred and the best treatment method to employ.
Most likely a broken leg will call for immobilization, which means a cast or splint will be applied to restrict movement of the injured leg. Medication may also be prescribed to reduce swelling and pain as well as any potential infection if the fracture came through the skin.
If there were multiple fractures in the leg, it extended into a joint, or was an unstable or displaced fracture surgery maybe part of the treatment. In some cases plates, rods and screws may have to be inserted during surgery to aid in the healing process.
On average a fractured leg will take at least 6-8 weeks to heal if not longer. Physical therapy may be prescribed after a cast or splint has been removed in order to properly restore leg mobility. The total amount of healing time varies, but it could take months for a leg fracture to completely heal.
Common Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Legs
What types of compensation can I recover for a broken leg in Bridgeport?
If you suffer a broken leg due to someone else’s negligence in Bridgeport, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. This typically includes medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgery, medications, and physical therapy. You can also recover lost wages if your injury prevents you from working, as well as future lost income if your leg fracture affects your long-term earning ability. Other recoverable damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in some cases, home modifications or mobility aids needed due to permanent limitations. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we ensure your settlement fully reflects both immediate and long-term impacts of your injury.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit for a broken leg in Bridgeport?
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including broken leg claims, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline usually prevents you from filing a lawsuit, even if your injury is severe. It’s important to act quickly, especially for complex cases that may involve multiple parties, insurance claims, or long-term medical expenses. Our catastrophic injury attorneys in Bridgeport can help you file your claim on time while ensuring all potential damages are considered.
Do I need a lawyer to negotiate with insurance after a leg fracture?
While it’s possible to speak directly with insurance companies, having an attorney is highly recommended in Bridgeport. Insurance adjusters often aim to settle quickly for the lowest possible amount, which may not cover your full medical costs, lost wages, or long-term effects. A lawyer from Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers can handle all communications, document your injuries, and negotiate a settlement that accurately reflects the seriousness of your broken leg and its impact on your life.
What evidence is most important to prove fault in a broken leg accident?
To prove fault, you need clear documentation showing how the accident happened and the injury’s impact. Medical records, accident or police reports, photos of the scene, and witness statements are all key. Records of lost wages and treatment costs also help demonstrate damages. Your catastrophic injury lawyer will guide you in collecting and preserving this evidence to strengthen your claim.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers For More Information
A broken leg is a frustrating injury that could take months to properly heal and possibly even cause further lifelong complications. You or your loved ones should not have to suffer due to the negligence of others, our lawyers can provide the comprehensive legal counsel you need to determine if you’re entitled to making a claim.
We can help guide you through the entire litigation process to ensure that you receive the MAXIMUM compensation you deserve. With more than 140 years of combined legal experience, Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers has assisted many clients throughout the state of Connecticut. We have offices located in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford. Contact us at 800-PERKINS to discuss your accident injury claim with one of our knowledgeable lawyers – our intake staff is available 24 hours a day.
If you prefer to contact us online, simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form on this page.
