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Lives can be instantly upended by accidents and injuries. During these tough times, car accident injury lawyers become crucial allies. They advocate for those injured due to others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article underscores the significant role these lawyers play in helping people manage their claims and rebuild normalcy.
Understanding Calcaneus Fractures from Car Accidents: Symptoms, Treatment, and Legal Help
A calcaneus fracture, commonly known as a heel bone fracture, is an injury that can cause significant pain and long-term complications. These fractures often occur due to trauma, such as that experienced in car accidents. The impact from such accidents can lead to various injuries, including fractures, sprains, and strains in the foot and ankle.
# Symptoms of a Calcaneus Fractur
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons identifies several common symptoms associated with a calcaneus fracture:
- Heel deformity
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Inability to put weight on the heel
Calcaneus fractures can vary in type and severity, including stable fractures, displaced fractures, open fractures, closed fractures, and comminuted fractures. Comminuted fractures, where the bone shatters into three or more pieces, are often the most serious and unstable.
# Treatment Options for Calcaneus Fractures
Treatment for calcaneus fractures depends on the type and severity of the fracture. For less severe fractures, nonsurgical options may be sufficient. These include:
- Casting or immobilization
- Physical therapy
- Pain medications
Severe fractures may necessitate surgical intervention. The two primary surgical procedures are:
- Open reduction and internal fixation
- Percutaneous screw fixation
Both surgical options typically require rehabilitation therapy post-surgery.
# Complications from Calcaneus Fractures
Calcaneus fractures do not always heal perfectly and can lead to further complications. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, potential complications 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
Why Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Not every car accident case requires an attorney. You might not need one if:
1. You only sustained property damage to your vehicle, and the insurance company has adequately addressed it.
2. Your injuries are minor and required minimal medical treatment.
3. You reached a fair settlement with the insurance company on your own.
However, consulting an attorney is advisable if:
1. You were hospitalized for your injuries.
2. You required surgery.
3. You have permanent injuries from the accident.
4. The other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Common Mistakes Without Legal Representation:
- Accepting a low offer and having to repay health insurance from the settlement.
- Accepting policy limits without verifying other available coverage.
- Failing to claim underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage properly.
How a Qualified Attorney Can Help:
- Protect your rights under Iowa law.
- Handle communications with insurance companies.
- Identify all applicable insurance policies for maximum recovery.
- Manage interactions with subrogation companies, hospitals, and other medical providers.
- Provide experienced advice on case value and represent you in court if needed.
# Torn Tendons from Car Accidents: Types and Impact on Claims
Common Types of Torn Tendons:
- Shoulder: Includes bicep or rotator cuff tears, often from bracing during impact.
- Ankle: Can occur from sudden impact to the legs.
- Knee: Patellar tendon tears, often disabling, requiring significant force.
Signs of a Torn Tendon:
- Bruising
- Popping or snapping sound
- Numbness or weakness
- Difficulty with movement
- Pain worsening with movement
Treatment of Torn Tendons:
- Nonsurgical: Ice packs, NSAIDs, and sometimes steroid injections.
- Surgical: Required for complete tears, followed by casting, splinting, or slinging, and rehabilitation.
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.