Compensation for a Thumb Fracture
Many victims of car accidents sustain serious fractures. One type of fracture that occurs often is a thumb fracture. A broken thumb is a serious injury because we use our thumbs constantly. The thumb has two bones. One extends from the tip of the thumb to the knuckle, and the other extends from the knuckle to the base of the thumb. People often suffer this injury after a car accident, pedestrian accident, motorcycle accident, or some other negligent act that causes injury to a victim.
Following your thumb fracture, it is important to be aware of your legal rights and options. You may be entitled to compensation following your injury. Contact the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Premier Law Group today to find out how we can help you. Call 206.285.1743 to speak with one of our attorneys and begin your FREE case review.
What to Expect After a Thumb Fracture
A thumb injury near a joint often involves a long healing process. It can also lead to other complications. A person with a broken thumb may experience pain, swelling, numbness, or a deformed look as well. Victims experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical treatment right away to prevent improper healing.
Moreover, to properly begin the healing process, an orthopedic doctor will realign the fractured bones in the thumb. They will also use a cast to hold the thumb in place. Patients typically will have to wear a cast for up to 6 weeks. A doctor will then check X-rays to track the progress of the fracture as well, and make sure that the bones are in alignment.
Furthermore, if surgery is necessary, a doctor will realign the bones and have the patient wear a cast as well. This is similar to nonsurgical treatment. After surgery, a patient will need physical therapy to regain strength and movement in the thumb.
Complications Following a Thumb Fracture
Many people think of a thumb fracture as just an inconvenience. However, these injuries can result in serious complications if not treated properly. If a patient experiences complications, or the physician does not maintain proper alignment and rotation while the fracture is healing, the fracture could cause a permanent loss of function.
Potential Complications
The potential complications of thumb fractures include:
- Degenerative arthritis
- Malunion
- Nonunion
- Infection
- Malrotation
- Joint contracture
- Adhesion of the tendon to bone.
Improperly treated fractures can also lead to finger deformities. These deformities can result in difficulty performing normal activities as well.
Treatment
Additionally, most thumb fractures will require a splint to keep the thumb still and prevent further injuries. Also, in severe fracture cases, a physician may use surgery to place wires, screws and pins to hold the fractured bones together. Complicated fractures may also require costly physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Impact on Work
Moreover, a thumb fracture can also have an impact on a victim’s ability to work. However, this depends on the severity of the injury as well as the amount of dexterity required on the job. The most severe fracture complications may necessitate a change in jobs if loss of function in the thumb becomes permanent.
Costs
Furthermore, the financial and emotional costs of a complicated thumb fracture can be devastating. Permanent loss of function can result in reduced income potential, which makes it difficult to pay for medical care and other expenses. An experienced Seattle thumb fracture attorney can review your case to determine if you have a valid claim.
The Seattle personal injury attorneys at Premier Law Group have the experience necessary to represent the victims of a complicated thumb fracture. If you or a loved one has a complicated fracture or loss of function, please contact us at 206.285.1743 for a free case review.
For a free legal consultation with a thumb fracture lawyer serving Seattle, call (206) 285-1743
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What Causes a Thumb Fracture?
A thumb fracture is often the result of direct stress to the thumb, or an injury to the hand. Common causes of thumb fractures include:
- Power tool or physical labor related injuries, such as working with power saws, drills, and other tools.
- Slamming your thumb in a door
- Jamming a finger or thumb
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
Furthermore, patients with a history of bone disease, including osteoporosis, or calcium deficiency have a higher risk of suffering finger or thumb fractures.
Types of Thumb Fractures
Fractures of the thumb can include Bennett fractures and Rolando fractures, at the base of the thumb, between the metacarpal bone and the wrist-bone. Additionally, thumb fractures at the joints are also more difficult to treat and have a higher risk of complications.
Fracture Symptoms
Symptoms of a thumb fracture include:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to move the thumb
- Pain
- Deformity of the thumb
Diagnosis of a Thumb Fracture
Thumb bones can break in a variety of ways and at different locations. They can break across the bone, into several pieces, or shatter completely as well. A doctor will often perform a physical examination and x-rays to determine the nature and extent of the fracture. It is also important to be detailed in your explanation of your accident and injury when speaking with your doctor.
Thumb Fracture Treatment
Furthermore, thumb fractures can be treated surgically or non-surgically.
Nonsurgical Treatment
For non-surgical treatment, a doctor will set the bone into place and put either a cast or a splint on the affected hand. Holding the thumb still will give it an opportunity to heal in the correct position. A splint for a broken thumb is typically worn for about 3 weeks. At the end of this period, a doctor may also take follow-up x-rays to be sure the bone is healing properly.
Surgical Treatment
With more severe fractures, surgery may be required to stabilize the fractured bones. While surgery performed on the thumb is usually successful, infection, tenderness, and risk of later arthritis, are also possible complications. Physical therapy can also be used to increase strength and range of motion in the injured thumb following surgery.
Contact the Seattle Injury Lawyers at Premier Law Group
At Premier Law Group, we understand the pain and suffering that you are going through following a thumb fracture injury. We also know you may have questions and want the best personal injury lawyer to help you with your claim. If you or a loved one is suffering from a thumb fracture injury, please call the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Premier Law Group today. Our attorneys are available for a free case review about your injuries.
Call 206.285.1743 now to learn more about your case. And as always, there is no fee unless we win your case.
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