Partner
Broken bones can take several weeks to heal. In the case of a broken bone injury claim, however, the timeline will usually be different. Various factors – many of which are not in the victim’s control – will affect the duration of settlement proceedings and the time it takes for full resolution of the matter.
Retaining skilled legal counsel will make a difference both in how long it takes to settle and the ultimate outcome. If you suffered a broken bone in Syracuse due to someone else’s negligence, find out how Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC can represent your best interests.
What To Expect During the Healing Process
Bone fractures come in many different forms, and generally bring a sense of deep, aching pain to the victim. Immediate attention is critical both for pain management and to ensure the bone is properly set so it can heal correctly. The average duration for full healing is 6-8 weeks, although some breaks (e.g. hands and wrists) may take as few as 4-6 weeks and others (e.g. tibia) can take at least 20 weeks.
Everyone’s skeletal system is different, so an individual’s unique body makeup will largely affect the timeline. Other relevant factors include:
- The victim’s age, health, nutrition, and whether the victim smokes
- The nature of the bone fracture itself (which part of the body it occurred in)
- The skill of the treating physician and specialists
Not all broken bones are readily apparent, and some fractures can be so tiny the victim may not notice it right away. If you have been in any sort of accident, it’s critical to your overall health that you see a doctor to make sure your injuries are fully treated.
What To Expect During the Settlement Process
The timeline of working out a legal settlement in Syracuse will be different from the healing process. In some cases, the victim is still recovering from the broken bone when the personal injury case is settled; in others, settlement may not come until long after the victim has healed.
Regardless, it will be up to the victim to seek legal compensation from the at-fault party to cover their damages. This process can take a few months or even a year or longer to work itself out, and will be subject to such factors as:
- The nature of the victim’s injuries: Victims often do not suffer only a broken bone, but may have other injuries such as burns, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injury. If these or other problems are present, it will take longer to assess the victim’s losses and therefore calculate an appropriate damages award.
- The facts of the case: Personal injury cases vary in their complexity, from relatively simple slips and falls to multi-vehicle pile-ups. No matter how long the broken bone needs to heal, it takes more time to fully investigate complicated cases, acquire evidence, identify defendants, and serve court papers.
- The attitude of the at-fault party: If the person who caused your broken bone injury is readily agreeable to a settlement offer, this can cut months off the legal process and facilitate the negotiation process. On the other hand, resistance and refusal to cooperate will extend the timeline.
- Attorneys’ schedules, mediation, and other external factors: Certain matters are not within the victim’s control or even their lawyer’s, such as the opposing counsel’s trial calendar or how long it takes to schedule a meeting with a mediator. The victim’s attorney should keep the process moving as quickly as possible, considering these external factors.
Making the Most of Your Syracuse Bone Injury Case
Experiencing a bone fracture can cause you to incur significant medical bills and lost wages, potentially costing you earnings into the future. You may also have to contend with pain and suffering as you recover and heal. But with the right attorney standing up for your legal rights, you can seek the compensation you deserve. Reach out to CDH Law. We can schedule your initial consultation and begin working on your case today.