A fracture is one of the most serious accidents you can experience in a car accident. That is why you would expect fractures to play a big part in accident compensation. Here are some of the factors that determine how much you can expect for a fracture:
Type of Fracture
There are many different types of bone fractures; they are usually classified based on the extent of the fractures. For example, there is a hairline fracture that is used to describe situations where there is a barely visible crack in the bone. On the other end of the scale, there is a comminuted fracture, a serious fracture that has left the bone shattered into different pieces. The type of fracture determines the size of the damage because it influences different things such as the level of pain, treatment required, and even associated complications.
The Location of the Bone
The location of the fractured bone also matters because some bones of the body are more sensitive or important than others. For example, a fracture of the skull is one of the most dangerous fractures you can experience because the bone protects your brain, a vital part of your being. If your skull fracture isn't properly handled, it may allow foreign substances to leak into your brain and cause serious damage to the brain. Therefore, a skull fracture may receive a higher valuation than, say, a fracture of the finger.
The Required Treatment
The nature of treatment will always be a major factor when negotiating a car accident claim or when pursuing a car accident case. This is because treatment options differ in cost, pain, duration, and complexity, among other things. For example, a simple fracture may just need to be set to fuse and heal while some fractures, especially those that shatter the bones, may require surgery. In some cases, you may even require bone replacement to deal with your fracture.
The Prognosis of the Injury
Lastly, the possible outcome of your fracture will also determine how much settlement it can attract. This is because some fractures heal well while other develop complications and require further treatment down the line. The prognosis is needed because the person who caused your injury should compensate you not only for your current state of injury but also for any future complications that directly relate to the injury.
Note that your injury is just one of the things that determine your eventual damages. Your job, lost wages, and location of the fracture, among other things, also play a part in the calculation of damages. For more information, contact companies like The Gil Law Firm.