Broken bones

You don’t have to be involved in a serious incident to end up with broken bones.  A simple slip or trip could cause you to break a limb if you fall awkwardly.  Even if your broken bone isn’t serious, you may be able to claim compensation.

Types of broken bone

A broken or cracked bone is known as a fracture and this can happen to any bone in the body.   A fracture where the skin around the bone has not been broken is called a ‘simple’ or ‘closed’ fracture. If the bone breaks through the skin, this is called a ‘compound’ or ‘open’ fracture.  This is more serious because the bone is open to infection.

Serious fractures, especially those affecting the joints, can also lead to osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis in the UK.

Symptoms and treatment

The symptoms of a fracture depend on the bone and how badly it’s been broken, but they include:

• pain and swelling
• bruising or discoloured skin around the bone or joint
• the limb or part of the body being bent at an unusual angle
• being unable to move or put weight on the injured limb
• a grinding or grating sensation or sound in the bone or joint.
  

Normally the fractured bone will have to be kept still for several weeks.  Once it has healed you will probably need physiotherapy to build up its strength and mobility. 

Claims Direct can help

If you have suffered from a broken bone it is vital you get rehabilitation and Claims Direct will support you through this process, ensuring you get the treatment you need. 

Call Claims Direct now on 0800 884 0321 for a free first discussion if you’ve suffered a broken bone in an accident. You can speak to a trained representative, or leave your details on our online web form and we'll call you right back.