{"id":8029,"date":"2023-01-26T15:26:01","date_gmt":"2023-01-26T15:26:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.claims.co.uk\/?page_id=8029"},"modified":"2023-07-27T13:22:57","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T13:22:57","slug":"broken-leg-claims","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.claims.co.uk\/serious-accidents\/broken-leg-claims","title":{"rendered":"Broken Leg Claims"},"content":{"rendered":"

Broken Leg Claims<\/h1>

Leg injury compensation claim<\/h2><\/a>

A broken leg injury is serious and extremely painful. Fortunately, if you have suffered an injured leg and it was not your fault, you could claim a compensation payout from those responsible.<\/p>

Leg injuries will often have some effect on your mobility, but a fractured leg is almost certainly going to put you out of action for some time.<\/p>

The fact is, it’s highly unlikely a broken leg or fractured ankle has been caused by anything other than someone else’s negligence, breach of duty or criminal conduct, whether that’s following a serious car accident, a workplace accident or falling from a height.<\/p>

Where someone else is responsible, it’s even harder to accept that your broken leg will probably mean a substantial period of time off work and a potential drop in wages.<\/p>

Leg injury compensation can make a significant difference to the quality and length of your recovery, particularly if you’ve to undergo further surgery. It’s not uncommon to have to undergo surgery for a broken leg and, sometimes, further surgery in the months ahead to ensure your leg heals fully. Thankfully, with specialist legal help you can claim compensation that properly reflects the nature of your injury and the wider impact on your life.<\/p>

So if you or a loved one has suffered a fractured leg or broken leg injury and you think someone else was to blame, you could make a no win no fee claim. With specialist advice from legally trained advisers about the personal injury claims<\/a> process, call 0800 234 6438<\/span>, or if you prefer, you can request a call back using the contact form here.<\/p>

FACT<\/p>

In 2019, fractures of the patella, tibia or fibula, or ankle were the most common fractures worldwide<\/p><\/div>

SOURCE:<\/b> The Lancet<\/div>

Can I make a no win no fee leg injury claim?<\/h2><\/a>

Yes, if you have a good chance of winning your leg injury claim, your personal injury lawyers will be happy to take on your claim on a no win no fee claims<\/a> basis. You will sign a conditional fee agreement with your solicitor and this will set out the terms of how your claim will be funded.<\/p>

Essentially, there will be no financial risk to you in making your claim because you will not have any legal fees or costs to pay out if your claim is unsuccessful. And if you win, you will receive your personal injury compensation, out of which you will pay what’s known as a ‘success fee’ (up to a maximum of 25% of your total compensation). This success fee is intended to cover any legal fees.<\/p>

You can start the no win no fee leg injury compensation claim process by ringing 0800 234 6438<\/span>. Trained legal advisers can arrange a no obligation consultation with a specialist personal injury solicitor who will take the details of what happened and get the ball rolling.  Personal injury solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority – giving you peace of mind during the broken leg injury compensation claim process.<\/p>

FACT<\/p>

In 2019, there were 892 moderately serious fractured upper leg or pelvic injuries to those injured in road accident in Britain as formally reported; and 786 in 2020<\/p><\/div>

SOURCE:<\/b> Gov.uk<\/a><\/div>

What are the different types of leg fracture?<\/h2><\/a>

Fractured legs and ankles are more common than you might think.  In 2020, more than 1,707 road traffic accident casualties alone suffered a fractured lower leg, ankle or foot. Any broken or cracked bone – even severe crushing injuries – comes with the umbrella term of a fracture.<\/p>

The bone structure in the leg itself is made up of three main bones, together with the knee and hip. The two lower leg bones – located between the knee and ankle – are the tibia (the main weight bearing bone) and the fibula. The femur is the upper leg bone – often referred to as the thigh bone. A fractured tibia is the most common of the leg bones to be fractured. There is also the kneecap (the patella) – the flat, rounded bone which helps protect the knee joint.<\/p>

Few leg fractures are the same for every injured person. Most people who fracture their leg will be significant pain, but even if you’re unsure you’ve suffered a fracture – the advice is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If a fractured leg is not treated quickly you could experience longer term problems which may never completely resolve.<\/p>

Leg fractures vary from one person to another and the injured person’s age and physical condition will effect how long they will take to recover. A fractured femur is a serious and sometimes life-threatening injury and can take months to fully recover from. Elderly<\/a> or physically vulnerable people may never get the full use of their leg back.<\/p>

On the other hand, minor fractures (eg a cracked tibia) may only take a few weeks to heal. But whatever the nature of individuals’ leg injuries, broken leg compensation payouts will reflect the actual injury you’ve suffered and the wider impact on your life.<\/p>

The most common leg injuries involving a fracture are:<\/p><\/div>

Closed fractures<\/h3><\/a>

Straightforward leg fractures that typically heal quickly with minimal treatment, even if it’s a complete break. Fortunately, an xray will usually reveal the fracture (the skin will not be broken) and, with a plaster cast and a few weeks’ of rest, the leg should be back to normal.<\/p><\/div>

Open fractures (also called compound fractures)<\/h3><\/a>

Open (or compound) fractures of the leg are significant injuries as the fractured bone actually punctures the skin, leading to an open wound. This usually causes additional damage such as torn muscles and other soft tissue and nerve damage. Open fractures are typically caused by excessive trauma, including road traffic accidents<\/a> and falls from a height.<\/p>

Unsurprisingly, urgent medical treatment is necessary to give the injured person the best chance of a good recovery. Surgery will be necessary to realign the bone – and metal rods and screws may be needed to hold the bone in place while it heals. The wound itself was also need to be treated, and may well need surgical cleaning to reduce the risk of infection.<\/p>

It’s not unusual in this cases for further surgery to become necessary, for example if the bone is not healing correctly or to removes rods and screws. Unfortunately, this can all mean a relatively lengthy period of rehabilitation maybe necessary.<\/p><\/div>

Displaced fractures<\/h3><\/a>

Where a broken bone in the leg is displaced, the parts of bone need to be realigned with surgery to make sure the bones heals in its correct position. This is called ‘reduction’. Displaced fractures may need rods, pins and plates inserted to ensure the bones properly heals and to the correct length.<\/p><\/div>

Comminuted fracture<\/h3><\/a>

A bone that is broken or shattered into at least three parts is known as a comminuted fracture and will probably need surgery, before a plaster cast or splint is used to immobilise the leg.<\/p>

Other common fractures include greenstick fractures (mostly in children); stress fractures; and impacted fractures.<\/p>

You might have been unlucky enough to have suffered more than one type of fractured bone and other injuries, becuase of someone else’s negligent or criminal conduct. To begin your leg injuries claim call 0800 234 6438<\/span>, or if you prefer, ask for a call back using the contact form here.<\/p><\/div>

DID YOU KNOW:<\/b> Excessive workouts and overuse can cause a stress fracture of a leg bone, particularly the shin<\/div>
SOURCE:<\/b> US National Library of Medicine<\/div>

What are the symptoms of a leg fracture?<\/h2><\/a>

Most leg fractures are extremely painful from the get-go so you’ll know if you have a fractured leg. If a bone actually breaks, you’re likely to have felt or heard it crack and you probably won’t be able to put any weight on it. It may become swollen or bruised at the site of the fracture and you may find that a part of your leg is ‘deformed’, such as lump or your leg is strangely bent. And you will probably be in a significant amount of pain and discomfort and could even also be experiencing symptoms of shock.<\/p>

A fractured leg needs urgent medical treatment at your nearest A&E department, so it’s important to call 999 or (if you think it’s safe to do so) get a loved one to take you to your nearest emergency department.<\/p>

In a few cases, you may not even realise you have a fracture. You might only have swelling and some bruising; or pain when the area is touched or pressed. Even if you think you’ve sustained relatively minor injuries, any developing symptoms that could indicate a fracture or broken bone in the leg should be checked by medical professionals.<\/p>

FACT<\/p>

There are 4 bones in the human leg – the tibia, fibula, patella and femur<\/p><\/div>

What are the most common causes of a leg fracture?<\/h2><\/a>

Bone fractures, including broken and cracked leg bones, can result from any accident where excessive force is involved – whether that’s in workplace accidents, a car accident causing multiple fractures or a criminal act. Fractured or broken bones are also more likely with people who have also an underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis, but that doesn’t mean they’re inevitable.<\/p>

It’s easy at times to think you are the one responsible for your injury, for example, becuase you’ve simply slipped or tripped over something that you ‘should have seen’. However, don’t assume you were to blame, it could well be that someone else should in fact be held negligent. For example, if you tripped over a poorly located trolley in Tesco, the supermarket should be held liable. The important thing is, talk through the accident with specialist personal injury lawyers who can consider the full circumstances. They will then explain who should be held responsible.<\/p>

Common causes of accidents leading to broken or fractured legs include:<\/p><\/div>

Accidents at work<\/h3><\/a>

Are you a manual worker? A construction or factory worker or someone who works in agriculture, for example? If so, you’re at a greater risk of a workplace accident and fractured leg injuries. For that very reason, your employer has a strict legal duty of care to take reasonable risks to protect your health and safety. If they fail to protect you and you have an accident and break your leg, it’s only fair that your employer is asked to pay compensation.<\/p><\/div>

Sporting accidents<\/h3><\/a>

Fractured legs are not uncommon on the football or rugby pitch, simply because of the very nature of these games. The fact is, any contact sports that involve close contact at high speeds creates a risk of injuries, including broken bones. Players know this and participate while taking on the risk of injury, however, organisers still have a duty to minimise that risk as far as is reasonable.<\/p>

For example, a hockey player who was not provided with effective shin guards and is hit in the lower leg with a hockey stick and breaks their shin bone, should be able to claim compensation from the organiser for failing to provide protective equipment.<\/p><\/div>

Gym accidents<\/h3><\/a>

Gym equipment is dangerous if not used properly or if equipment is not maintained as it should be. Gym users who are unfamiliar with pieces of equipment should be initiated before the gym owner\/instructor is satisfied they can use it without supervision.<\/p>

Anyone who has an accident and fractures their leg or ankle while using poorly maintained gym equipment; or while trying to use a piece of equipment that they’ve not been trained to use; should have every right to claim compensation for what’s happened.<\/p><\/div>

Impact trauma<\/h3><\/a>

Excessive force can fracture a bone. This is known as a traumatic injury and result from, for example road traffic accidents, falls from scaffolding, sporting injuries, and tripping over an falling awkwardly.<\/p>

Find out more about making an elderly fall claim.<\/p><\/div>

Road traffic accidents<\/h3><\/a>

Car accidents<\/a> involve speed and excessive force. It’s not surprising that survivors of road traffic accidents often sustain broken or fractured legs and other injuries. In fact, bone injuries are the most common injury caused by car accidents. Where the accident was caused by another driver’s careless or dangerous driving, you should be able to start a compensation claim for your leg injury.<\/p><\/div>

Poorly maintained stairways and steps<\/h3><\/a>

Those who are able-bodied tend to use walkways, pavements, carparks, steps and stairs without even thinking about it. After all, we should feel safe going out and about our daily lives free from worrying about falling or tripping. Unfortunately, accidents on stairs and pavements happen unexpectedly because the local authority or other organisation has failed minimise the risks to visitors.<\/p>

Councils have a duty of care to keep steps, pavements etc on their land safe as far as they reasonably can. If they don’t and someone trips or slips and break a leg, the injured person could be eligible to claim compensation under public law.<\/p>

If the accident took place on private property through on fault of your own, you may be able to claim compensation from the owner\/occupier of the property under what’s known as ‘occupiers’ liability’ law.<\/p><\/div>

Playground injuries<\/h3><\/a>

Children don’t consider risk in the same way as adults, which makes them particularly accident prone. Local councils and private individuals or organisations who provide and operate children’s playgrounds and play equipment must ensure children are kept reasonably safe – or they can expect an accident to happen. Adequate and regular risks assessments should be carried out to identify whether there are any risks, and take steps to minimise them.<\/p>

Their duty of care includes keeping equipment in a good state of repair and ensuring appropriate warning signs and instructions for using equipment are located clearly. If this duty is breached and a child has suffered a broken leg, an injury claim can be made.<\/p>

Find out more about compensation for playground accident claims<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>

DID YOU KNOW:<\/b> In the seven years to 2019, more than 368,000 children were admitted to hospitals in England for bone fractures.<\/div>
SOURCE:<\/b> British Medical Journal<\/div>

Child abuse<\/h3><\/a>

Child abuse takes many forms, including physical abuse which can lead to broken legs and other serious leg injuries. Sadly, fractured bones in children are more likely when very young and not yet walking. THere may be instances where a claim could be made on the injured child’s behalf (the local council, for example) if the child was allowed to remain at risk. THese cases are challenging and specialist advice from experienced child abuse injury lawyers is vital.<\/p><\/div>

Diseases and conditions<\/h3><\/a>

Bone-weaking conditions, like osteoporosis, type 1 diabetes and bone cancer, increase the risk of a broken leg (known as a ‘pathological fracture’). But having such a condition does not mean you cannot make a compensation claim if the accident occurred through no fault of your own. So long as your solicitor can prove someone else was negligence, you should have every right to claim compensation.<\/p>

For free legal advice, call now on 0800 234 6438<\/span>. Trained advisers can partner you with specialist solicitor who will let you know if you’re entitled to make a leg injury claim.<\/p>

FACT<\/p>

Osteoporosis causes more than 500,000 broken bones every year in the UK<\/p><\/div>

SOURCE:<\/b> Royal Osteoporosis Society<\/div>

What are the potential complications of fracturing your leg?<\/h2><\/a>

Thankfully, fractured leg bones usually heal if treated properly from the start. That said, it’s not unusual to have a period of physiotherapy once the plaster cast is removed, to help with muscle tone and movement, but soon you’ll be back to normal.<\/p>

However, significant broken leg injuries can be a different story. Complex fractures, and breaks where metal rods and screws have been necessary, can mean further surgery; scarring; issues; and deformity. You may also find you have permanent and substantial disablement – and in the worst case, you may have a significant disability (for example, a leg amputation).<\/p>

If you’re left unable to walk, you could be facing the prospect of using a wheelchair. Some of the potential problems associated with fractured legs include:<\/p>