Broken bones and fractures are among the most common types of workplace injuries. Most Pennsylvania employees with this type of injury are eligible for benefits under the state Workers’ Compensation Act. However, bone fracture value can be a complex determination consisting of several factors, including the location of the fracture and whether it resulted in disability. If you suffered a bone fracture injury at work, the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. are available to explain your legal rights and options.

Types of Bone Fractures

There are many types of bone fractures, some more serious than others. A few of the most common types include:

• Avulsion fracture – This occurs when a small fragment of bone attached to a tendon or ligament tears away from the main part of the bone.
• Comminuted fracture – Occurs when the bone shatters into several pieces.
• Compound fracture – When a bone fragment pierces the skin or damages internal organs, it results in a compound fracture.
• Compression fracture – Pressure causes this type of fracture, which typically occurs in the spine.
• Depressed fracture – This type of fracture occurs when the skull bone is pressed inward toward the brain cavity.
• Displaced fracture – When a fractured bone moves out of alignment, it causes this type of fracture.
• Fissure fracture – This type of fracture occurs when the bone is split without breaking entirely.
• Stress fracture – When a bone is stressed repeatedly over time, it can cause a stress fracture.

Causes of Bone Fractures

Workers in almost any occupation can suffer bone fractures as a result of their job duties. Construction workers, delivery drivers, and healthcare providers are just some of the types of workers at risk of suffering a broken bone or fracture on the job. The most common causes of bone fractures include:

• Car accidents – Those involved in car accidents often suffer broken bones or fractures as a result of the impact.
• Slip and falls – Slip, trip, and fall accidents are one of the most common workplace accidents and they often result in bone fractures.
• Falls from heights – Construction workers and others who work from heights may suffer broken bones or fractures as a result of a fall.
• Struck by object/equipment – Workers may suffer a bone fracture if they are hit by an object or piece of equipment.

Bone Fracture Value for Workers’ Compensation

The value of a bone fracture workers’ compensation claim depends on several factors, including the:

• Effect on the worker’s life – How the broken bone adversely impacts the worker’s quality of life is an important consideration.
• Location of the fracture – Where the fracture is located, and whether any damage was done to surrounding tissue or organs affects the value of the claim.
• Physical recovery time – Workers whose injuries cause them to miss work may be entitled to wage loss compensation.
• Resulting disability – More severe bone fractures may result in temporary or permanent disability, both of which may be compensable.
• Type of medical treatment required – Pennsylvania workers may be eligible for benefits covering the cost of physical rehabilitation and other reasonable and necessary medical expenses associated with the injury.

Reading Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Help Workers Obtain Benefits for Bone Fracture Injuries

If you suffered a work-related bone fracture, contact a Reading workers’ compensation lawyer at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. We can help you determine the value of your claim and evaluate your legal options. Our experienced attorneys represent clients in Philadelphia and throughout the state. For a free consultation, please complete our online contact form or call us at 888-PITT-LAW today.

We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania from our offices in Philadelphia, Bensalem, Lansdowne, and Reading, including those in the areas of Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, and the communities of Abington, Ambler, Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, Clifton Heights, Crum Lynne, Darby, Downingtown, Doylestown, Drexel Hill, Essington, Folcroft, Glenolden, Haverford, Havertown, Holmes, Kutztown, Lansdowne, Media, Merion Station, Morton, Narberth, Norristown, Norwood, Philadelphia, Prospect Park, Quakertown, Reading, Roxborough, Sharon Hill, Upper Darby, West Chester, and Wynnewood.