Femur or other broken bone in a car accident: what happens with my claim?

A broken bone is one of the clearest injuries in a Massachusetts car accident case. Under state law, a fracture automatically allows you to claim pain and suffering, even if your medical bills are under the usual $2,000 threshold.

Why fractures are treated differently

Massachusetts limits pain and suffering claims to cases with more than $2,000 in medical bills or certain serious injuries. A fracture is on that list. That means the question isn't whether you can claim pain and suffering, it's how much your injury has affected your life. Learn more in can I get pain and suffering in Massachusetts?

Femur fractures

The femur (thigh bone) is the strongest bone in the body, so breaking it takes serious force, like a head-on crash or a collision with a truck. Femur fractures often require surgery with a rod, plates, or screws, a hospital stay, and months of rehab. Many people can't work or drive for a long stretch. All of that is part of the claim.

What affects the value of a fracture claim

• Which bone and how bad the break. A clean break in a finger is different from a shattered leg.
• Surgery and hardware. See does needing surgery change the value of my case?
• Recovery time and lost income.
• Permanent effects. Arthritis, a limp, limited motion, or future surgery to remove hardware.

What to do

1. Follow your orthopedic doctor's plan, including physical therapy.
2. Keep records of missed work and the help you've needed at home.
3. Take photos of your cast, brace, scars, and mobility equipment.
4. Don't settle until your doctor says you've healed as much as you're going to. See should I settle while I'm still in treatment?

Get a Free Consultation

Broke a bone in a crash in Western Massachusetts? Call Attorney Daniel A. Pava at 413-781-8700 for a free review. More on our Springfield car accident lawyer page.

Phone: (413) 781-8700
Email: daniel@pavalaw.com
Office: 1380 Main St, Suite 301, Springfield, MA 01103