What is a fracture injury?

A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. It occurs when a bone cracks, splits, or breaks completely due to trauma or excessive force. Fractures commonly occur in accidents such as car crashes, falls, or construction incidents and may require immobilization, surgery, or rehabilitation depending on the severity.

What are the most common types of fractures?

Common fractures include closed fractures (where the skin remains intact), open fractures (where the bone pierces the skin), displaced fractures (where bone fragments shift out of alignment), and stress fractures (small cracks caused by repeated strain). The type of fracture often determines the treatment and recovery time.

How long does it take for a fracture to heal?

Most fractures heal within six to twelve weeks, although severe breaks may take several months. Healing time depends on the bone involved, the severity of the fracture, and the person's overall health. Some injuries require surgery, physical therapy, or extended rehabilitation before full recovery.

What accidents commonly cause fractures on Long Island?

Fractures frequently occur in accidents involving significant force or impact. On Long Island, broken bones are commonly caused by car accidents, truck collisions, slip and fall incidents, construction accidents, and bicycle crashes. These injuries often occur when the body strikes the ground, pavement, or another object.

Are fractures considered serious injuries under New York law?

Yes. Under New York Insurance Law §5102(d), fractures are specifically classified as a “serious injury.” This means a person injured in a motor vehicle accident may pursue compensation for pain and suffering if the crash caused a broken bone.

What symptoms may indicate a broken bone?

Common signs of a fracture include severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity in the injured area, and difficulty moving the limb. Some people hear or feel a snapping sensation at the time of injury. A medical evaluation and imaging tests such as X-rays are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Can fractures require surgery?

Yes. Surgery may be required when the bone fragments are displaced, unstable, or involve a joint. Orthopedic surgeons may use plates, screws, rods, or pins to stabilize the bone while it heals. Surgical treatment is often necessary for severe fractures or complex breaks.

What complications can occur after a fracture?

Although many fractures heal properly, complications can occur. These may include chronic pain, arthritis, nerve damage, or improper bone healing. Severe fractures can also lead to long-term mobility limitations that affect a person's ability to work or perform daily activities.

Can you recover compensation for a fracture injury?

If a fracture was caused by someone else's negligence, the injured person may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. Damages may include medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering related to the injury.

What bones are most commonly fractured in accidents?

The bones most frequently fractured in accidents include the wrist, arm, ankle, ribs, collarbone, and hip. These bones often absorb the impact during falls or collisions when a person instinctively attempts to brace themselves.

When should you see a doctor for a suspected fracture?

You should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a fracture. Delaying treatment can worsen the injury and increase the risk of complications. Doctors typically use imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to confirm a fracture and determine the appropriate treatment.

Why are fractures common in slip and fall accidents on Long Island?

Fractures frequently occur in slip and fall accidents because people instinctively extend their arms or twist their bodies to break a fall. On Long Island, these accidents often happen on icy walkways, unsafe stairways, poorly maintained sidewalks, or wet commercial floors.

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Fractures—commonly called broken bones—are among the most painful and disruptive injuries people experience after an accident. A fracture occurs when a bone is partially or completely broken due to trauma or excessive force. These injuries often result from sudden impacts such as vehicle collisions, falls, or workplace accidents.

While some fractures heal with immobilization and time, many require surgery, hardware such as plates or screws, and months of rehabilitation. In severe cases, fracture injuries can lead to permanent limitations, chronic pain, or arthritis. When a fracture is caused by someone else’s negligence, the injured person may have the right to pursue compensation through a Long Island Personal Injury Claim.

At Palermo Law, we represent individuals throughout Long Island who have suffered serious fracture injuries in accidents. Our approach focuses on three priorities: pursuing the maximum settlement available, reducing the stress our clients experience during the legal process, and moving cases forward efficiently without sacrificing quality or attention to detail.

What Is a Fracture?

A fracture is a partial or complete break in the structure of a bone. Doctors use the term “fracture” as the medical equivalent of what most people call a broken bone.

Fractures can occur anywhere in the body and vary widely in severity. Some fractures involve small cracks in the bone, while others cause the bone to break into multiple pieces or pierce the skin.

Common Types of Fractures

There are many different types of fractures, and the way a bone breaks can affect both treatment and recovery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that fractures can range from simple cracks in the bone to complex injuries involving multiple fragments. Doctors commonly classify fractures into several categories.

Closed FractureSimple Fracture — the bone breaks but the skin remains intact. The most common type seen in falls and collisions.
Open FractureCompound Fracture — broken bone pierces or is exposed through the skin, carrying high infection risk and serious complications.
Displaced FractureMisaligned Break — bone fragments shift out of alignment and typically require surgical intervention with plates or screws.
Comminuted FractureShattered Bone — the bone shatters into three or more fragments. Often results from high-impact crashes or severe trauma.
Stress FractureHairline Crack — small cracks from repetitive force rather than a single event. Common in workers and athletes under ongoing strain.
Greenstick FractureIncomplete Break — the bone bends and partially cracks rather than breaking completely. Most often seen in children’s softer bones.

Regardless of the type, fractures frequently involve significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Recovery may take weeks or months, and severe fractures can permanently affect a person’s ability to work or perform everyday activities.

Fracture Recovery Timeline

Day 1	Seek Medical Care Imaging confirms the fracture type. Treatment begins — immobilization, surgery, or emergency stabilization depending on severity.
Weeks 1–6	Bone Stabilization Most simple fractures stabilize within 6 weeks. Surgical cases involve hardware placement, with limited mobility during this phase.
Weeks 6–12	Rehabilitation Begins Physical therapy restores strength and range of motion. Many fractures heal within 6–12 weeks, though complex breaks take longer.
Months 3–12+	Full Recovery or Complications Severe fractures may cause permanent arthritis, nerve damage, or chronic pain — ongoing impairments that significantly increase claim value.
Ongoing	Maximum Medical Improvement Claims are best evaluated once MMI is reached — when the full scope of long-term effects is medically documented.

Accidents That Commonly Cause Fracture Injuries

Broken bones often occur when the body is subjected to sudden force or impact. Research consistently shows that falls and motor vehicle collisions are among the most common causes of fractures.

On Long Island, fracture injuries frequently result from the following types of accidents.

01 Leading Cause Car Accidents The violent forces in a crash cause bones to break when the body strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or door frame. High-energy impacts are among the leading causes of serious fractures in New York. Wrist Ribs Leg Pelvis	02 Catastrophic Force Truck Accidents Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Smaller vehicles absorb catastrophic force in a collision, producing devastating fracture patterns not seen in typical car crashes. Spine Leg Pelvis Hip
03 Instinctive Bracing Slip & Fall Accidents When a person instinctively braces a fall, the outstretched arm absorbs the impact. Millions of adults are treated for fall-related fractures annually, per CDC data — many on unsafe Long Island walkways. Wrist Ankle Hip Arm	04 NY Labor Law Protections Construction Accidents Falling from scaffolding, being struck by objects, or caught in equipment — construction sites expose workers to the most severe fracture risks. New York Labor Law provides special protections for injured workers. Skull Spine Arm Leg

Car Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of fracture injuries. The violent forces involved in a crash can cause bones to break when the body strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or door frame. Wrist, rib, leg, and pelvic fractures are common in serious collisions.

If you suffered a fracture in a crash, a Long Island car accident lawyer can help explain how injury claims are handled after a motor vehicle collision.

Truck Accidents

Collisions involving large commercial trucks often produce catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. Fractures involving the legs, spine, and pelvis are common when smaller vehicles collide with tractor-trailers.

Learn more about these cases on our Long Island truck accident lawyer page.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls are one of the most common causes of broken bones. According to CDC fall injury statistics, millions of adults are treated every year for fall-related injuries, many of which involve fractures.

Slip and fall accidents often cause fractures of the wrist, ankle, hip, or arm when a person instinctively tries to brace their fall. These injuries frequently occur on unsafe stairways, poorly maintained sidewalks, wet floors, or icy walkways.

Our Long Island slip and fall lawyer page explains how property owners may be held responsible when dangerous conditions lead to an injury.

Construction Accidents

Construction sites contain many hazards that can lead to serious fractures, including falling objects, unsafe scaffolding, and falls from height. Construction workers may suffer broken bones in falls, equipment accidents, or structural failures.

Our Long Island construction accident lawyer page discusses the legal protections available to injured workers under New York law.

Why Choose Palermo Law for a Fracture Injury Case?

When someone suffers a serious fracture, the financial and personal consequences can be overwhelming. Medical treatment, physical therapy, lost wages, and long recovery periods can create significant stress.

At Palermo Law, we help injured clients navigate the legal process while they focus on healing.

Experience Handling Serious Injury Claims

Fracture injuries often require complex medical documentation and expert analysis to prove the full extent of the harm suffered. Our legal team works with medical professionals, accident investigators, and other experts to build strong cases for our clients.

A Coordinated Legal Team

Your case is handled by a structured legal team that includes:

Experienced legal assistants who gather medical records, billing documentation, and insurance information
• Associate attorneys who investigate the accident and develop the legal strategy
• Steven Palermo, a trial attorney with decades of experience handling serious injury cases

This coordinated approach helps ensure that every case receives careful attention and strategic oversight.

Personalized Client Attention

We understand that every injury affects a person’s life differently. Our firm takes the time to understand each client’s medical condition, recovery challenges, and financial concerns.

Our goal is not only to pursue compensation but to provide clear guidance and support throughout the legal process.

1	Medical & Expert Network Fracture cases require medical documentation and expert analysis. Our team coordinates with physicians, accident investigators, and specialists to build the strongest possible record of your harm.
2	Coordinated Three-Tier Team Your case is handled by legal assistants who gather records, associate attorneys who build strategy, and Steven Palermo — a trial attorney with decades of serious injury experience — providing oversight.
3	Long Island Local Knowledge We understand Nassau and Suffolk County courts, local insurance practices, and the procedures that directly affect outcomes in Long Island personal injury cases.
4	Maximum Recovery Focus Our three-priority approach: pursue the maximum settlement available, reduce client stress, and move cases forward efficiently — without sacrificing quality or attention to detail.
5	Nine Offices Across Long Island From Elmont to Riverhead, we have offices positioned throughout Nassau and Suffolk County — wherever you are on Long Island, experienced counsel is close by.

Compensation Available in Fracture Injury Cases

A fracture injury can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. When another party’s negligence caused the injury, compensation may be available for both economic and non-economic damages.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, compensation may include:

Economic Damages	Non-Economic Damages
Medical Expenses Hospital treatment, surgery, plates and screws, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and all ongoing medical care.	Pain & Suffering Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and the overall impact on your daily life and relationships.
Lost Income Wages lost while recovering, plus reduced earning capacity if the fracture permanently limits your ability to work.	Loss of Quality of Life Serious fractures may permanently limit activities you previously enjoyed — hobbies, recreation, or physical engagement with family.
Future Medical Care Projected costs for ongoing treatment of long-term complications — arthritis, limited mobility, chronic pain.

Economic Damages

Non-Economic Damages

Medical Expenses

Hospital treatment, surgery, plates and screws, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and all ongoing medical care.

Pain & Suffering

Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and the overall impact on your daily life and relationships.

Lost Income

Wages lost while recovering, plus reduced earning capacity if the fracture permanently limits your ability to work.

Loss of Quality of Life

Serious fractures may permanently limit activities you previously enjoyed — hobbies, recreation, or physical engagement with family.

Future Medical Care

Projected costs for ongoing treatment of long-term complications — arthritis, limited mobility, chronic pain.

Determining the full value of a fracture injury claim often requires careful review of medical records, expert opinions, and the long-term prognosis of the injury.

About Palermo Law

Palermo Law represents injury victims throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County. Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury cases and has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients.

We are a Long Island-based firm with deep roots in the communities we serve. Our attorneys understand the local courts, insurance companies, and legal procedures that often affect personal injury cases in this region.

With offices located across Long Island, we are committed to providing accessible legal representation to injury victims throughout the area.

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Palermo Law, P.L.L.C.

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