- Red Oak Car Accident Injury Attorneys
- Phone: 641-792-3595
- Directions
Sudden accidents and injuries can upend lives. During these trying times, car accident injury lawyers are essential allies. They advocate for those injured by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article highlights the crucial role these lawyers play in assisting individuals with their claims and restoring normalcy.
A calcaneus fracture, a break in the heel bone, is an injury that can result from a car accident. This type of fracture is extremely painful and can lead to long-term complications. Trauma to the feet during a car accident can cause calcaneus fractures, along with other injuries such as sprains or strains in the foot and ankle area.
Symptoms of a Calcaneus Fracture
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the common symptoms of a calcaneus fracture include:
- Heel deformity
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Inability to put weight on the heel
Fractures can vary in severity and type, including stable fractures, displaced fractures, open fractures, closed fractures, and comminuted fractures. Comminuted fractures are particularly serious, characterized by the bone shattering into three or more pieces, making them highly unstable.
Treatment Options for Calcaneus Fractures
The treatment for a calcaneus fracture depends on the type and severity of the injury. For less severe fractures, nonsurgical treatments may be sufficient, including casting, immobilization, physical therapy, and pain medications.
In cases of severe fractures, surgery may be necessary. Two primary surgical options are:
1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This involves repositioning the bone fragments and securing them with metal plates and screws.
2. Percutaneous Screw Fixation Surgery: This involves inserting screws through small incisions to stabilize the fracture.
Both surgical options require rehabilitation therapy after the procedure to ensure proper healing and recovery.
Complications from a Calcaneus Fracture
Calcaneus fractures may not always heal as expected, leading to potential complications. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, complications can include:
- Infection
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Complications in skin healing
- Nerve stretch
- Chronic pain
- Joint stiffness
- Tendon irritation
- Nerve irritation
Understanding Expert Witnesses for Car Accident Cases
An expert witness is a professional with extensive experience and qualifications in a specific field related to the case. They provide expert testimony to help clarify disputed facts, such as determining fault in an accident or assessing the extent of medical damages.
How is Expert Testimony Handled in Court?
According to the Iowa Rules of Evidence Rule 5.702, an expert witness must possess specialized knowledge that assists the court in understanding evidence or determining a fact in issue. The judge decides whether a witness qualifies as an expert and if their testimony will help resolve disputed facts. There may be a pre-testimony hearing where the qualifications of the expert are contested by both parties.
Once the expert testifies, the opposing side can cross-examine them to challenge their testimony and highlight any biases or errors.
How Do Expert Witnesses Help a Car Accident Case?
Expert witnesses can be crucial in establishing two major aspects of a car accident lawsuit: fault and damages.
1. Fault: Accident reconstructionists can testify about the speed, point of view, and impact forces involved in the accident. Engineers or scientists may also provide testimony in cases involving product liability or road design errors.
2. Damages: Economists can assess the value of lost wages and benefits, while medical experts like treating doctors and rehabilitation specialists can testify about injuries and future medical needs.
Understanding Lumbar Strain Injuries After a Car Accident in Iowa
Car accidents frequently result in back injuries, with lumbar strains being particularly common. A lumbar strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons in the lower back, often caused by the sudden impact of a car accident.
What is a Lumbar Strain Injury?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a lumbar strain involves injury to the muscles or tendons in the lower back, characterized by intense localized pain that can be debilitating. Severe strains may also cause muscle tearing, inflammation, and back spasms.
Causes of a Lumbar Strain Injury
Lumbar strains often result from direct trauma to the back, such as that experienced in a car accident. The injury occurs when the muscles or tendons in the lower back are twisted, pulled, or torn due to the trauma.
Treatment Options
Lumbar strains can cause significant pain and limit the range of motion. Treatment may include pain medications, massage therapy, and physical therapy. The recovery process can take weeks or months, and the injury may be classified as acute or chronic depending on its duration.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.
Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.
That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.