Broken bones, medically referred to as fractures, are more than just a mere inconvenience; they are serious injuries that can profoundly impact a person’s life. Please continue reading as we explore your legal rights and options in New York if you suffer a broken bone due to another party’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Understanding these rights is crucial for securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our seasoned Queens Personal Injury Attorneys today to successfully navigate the complexities of the legal landscape following such an injury.
What Are Common Causes of Broken Bones in New York?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that bones are remarkably robust. In fact, they are four times stronger than concrete. Despite this strength, bone fractures are a common injury, typically caused by a significant force. Common causes of broken bones include:
- Slip and falls
- Auto accidents
- Defective product-related injuries
- Dog bites
- Falling objects
The severity of a bone injury can vary greatly depending on the type of fracture sustained. A hairline fracture, for instance, where a crack forms in the bone without a complete break, heals much quicker than an open fracture, where the bone breaks and pierces through the skin, becoming visible. Other types include spiral, unstable, and stable fractures.
What Compensation Can I Seek Following a Broken Bone?
Broken bone injuries often result in intense pain, limited mobility, and significant disruption to daily life. These injuries typically occur when a force exceeding the bone’s structural integrity causes a break or crack. While minor fractures may heal relatively quickly, complex cases can necessitate extensive medical intervention, rehabilitation, and a prolonged recovery. In addition to the physical toll, such injuries can also lead to substantial financial burdens due to medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care. As such, it’s crucial to understand the damages you can seek.
Generally, when you suffer a broken bone due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to seek various forms of compensation. The primary goal of such compensation is to make you “whole” again, as much as possible, by covering the tangible and intangible losses you have incurred. You can seek compensation for your economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages, as well as compensation for your non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, depression, and insomnia.
In rare cases, you may be awarded punitive damages. These are not intended to compensate you for your losses but rather to punish the defendant to deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are normally only awarded in cases involving gross negligence or malicious intent.
It’s important to note that New York is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault for the injury. That said, it’s in your best interest to connect with a qualified attorney who can help determine the best course of action given the unique circumstances of your case.
At The Law Offices of George Poulos, we are prepared to help you fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can assist you during these difficult times.