Hairline Fractures After a Tampa Auto Accident: Is It Worth Filing a Claim?
Hairline fractures may be much worse than they initially seem, and car crashes can easily cause them. What should you do if you have recently received this type of diagnosis? Is it worth filing an auto accident claim in Tampa? Or is this injury too “minor” to be worth the effort? This is a conversation you may want to have with both your doctors and an experienced attorney.
What Is a Hairline Fracture?
Also known as a “stress fracture,” a hairline fracture is a very small crack. Because this is a minor type of broken bone, a hairline fracture may be virtually undetectable after a car crash. Even radiologists may fail to detect hairline fractures when examining x-rays. While hairline fractures can certainly be caused by direct, blunt force trauma, they are more commonly associated with repetitive strain and overuse.
Hairline Fractures Can Still Be Problematic
While hairline fractures may be minor compared to “complete” breaks, they still require medical attention. Many people experience severe pain when dealing with hairline fractures, and this pain can gradually increase to the point where it becomes unbearable. If you suspect that you might have suffered a hairline fracture in a car accident, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Rest is usually very important when healing from a hairline fracture. This means you may have to stay off your feet or avoid using your arms (depending on the location of the fracture) for weeks. This can lead to significant income loss. While treatment for a hairline fracture may be relatively straightforward (such as ice and compression), medical appointments can still be costly.
An Auto Accident Claim Gives You Time to Recover
Although an auto accident claim might seem like a lot of effort, it can provide you with vital compensation for lost income and medical bills. Without this financial safety net, you may feel pressured to return to work too quickly. Fail to give yourself enough time to rest and recover, and you could make your fracture worse.
In the worst-case scenario, the fracture could increase in severity, eventually leading to a more complete break. At this point, you may face months of missed work instead of weeks. It may even get to the point where the affected bone becomes malformed.
In addition, an auto accident claim really isn’t very complicated, especially if you work with an experienced lawyer. Your attorney can handle your claim, negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf, and take all other necessary steps while you focus on the healing process.
Can a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If you are concerned about a hairline fracture after a car accident in Tampa, the first person you should contact is your family doctor. From there, you can assess whether it makes sense to file a claim. Generally speaking, pursuing compensation for your medical bills and lost income is logical, regardless of how severe the underlying issue might be. Continue this discussion by contacting the Tampa car accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson today.
Source:
healthline.com/health/hairline-fracture#takeaway
