Understanding the Impact of Broken Bone Injuries
Broken bones — medically known as fractures — vary widely in severity and impact on your daily life. While some fractures heal in a handful of weeks with proper treatment, others can lead to permanent disability, chronic pain, and long-term complications.
Types of Broken Bones and Fractures
Our Shreveport broken bone attorneys have extensive experience representing clients with all types of fractures, including:
- Simple Fractures
Also called closed fractures, these breaks don't pierce the skin but still cause significant pain and disability. - Compound (Open) Fractures
When the broken bone punctures through the skin, creating an open wound and increasing the risk of infection and complications. - Comminuted Fractures
Where the bone is shattered into multiple pieces, often requiring surgical intervention and extended recovery time.
- Compression Fractures
Common in the spine after car accidents or falls, these occur when vertebrae collapse under pressure. - Spiral Fractures
Caused by twisting forces, these fractures wrap around the bone in a spiral pattern and often indicate abuse in children. - Stress Fractures
Tiny cracks in bones caused by repetitive force or overuse, common in workers who perform repetitive tasks. - Hairline Fractures
Small cracks that may not be immediately visible on X-rays but can cause significant pain and limited mobility. - Displaced Fractures
These occur when the broken bone fragments are separated and misaligned, requiring manipulation or surgery to realign them properly. - Avulsion Fractures
When a small piece of bone attached to a tendon or ligament gets pulled away from the main part of the bone.
Common Broken Bone Locations

Throughout our decades of practicing personal injury law, we've seen fractures in virtually every bone in the body. Some of the most common locations include:
- Wrist Fractures
Often the result of trying to catch yourself during a fall, leading to breaks in the radius or scaphoid bones. - Ankle Fractures
Common in slip and fall accidents, these can involve one or multiple bones and may require surgical repair. - Hip Fractures
Particularly devastating in older adults, hip fractures can lead to life-threatening complications and permanent mobility issues. - Vertebral Fractures
Breaks in the spine that can range from painful but stable compression fractures to catastrophic injuries with spinal cord involvement. - Rib Fractures
Extremely painful injuries that can complicate breathing and lead to secondary issues like pneumonia. - Skull Fractures
Often associated with traumatic brain injuries and requiring immediate medical attention. - Collarbone (Clavicle) Fractures
Commonly broken in car accidents when the shoulder impacts the steering wheel or door. - Leg Fractures
Breaks in the femur (thigh bone), tibia, or fibula (lower leg) often require surgical fixation and extended rehabilitation. - Shoulder Fractures
These often occur when someone trips and falls and reaches out their straight arm to brace the fall to the hard surface.
Common Causes of Broken Bones in Shreveport, LA
At Rice & Kendig, we've helped hundreds of Shreveport families after suffering broken bones in various accidents. Our experienced attorneys understand both the physical pain and emotional challenges you're facing.
Steps to Follow After a Broken Bone Injury in Shreveport, LA
The actions you take after suffering a broken bone can significantly impact both your recovery and legal rights. Our Shreveport broken bone attorneys recommend these essential steps to protect your health and future claim:
Your Health Comes First: Seek Immediate Medical Care
Never delay medical attention after a fracture, even if the injury seems minor. Many broken bones, especially in the spine or skull, can have hidden complications that worsen without proper treatment.
Visit a Shreveport medical facility promptly, follow all treatment recommendations, and attend every follow-up appointment. Your health is the priority; these medical records will also document your injury's severity and progression for your legal claim.
Tell Your Story: Document Your Recovery Journey
Create a thorough record of how your broken bone affects your daily life.
- Take clear photos of your injuries, casts, braces, and mobility devices as your treatment progresses.
- Save all medical records, bills, and prescriptions in one organized location.
- Keep a daily journal noting your pain levels and activities you cannot perform due to your injury. Track all missed workdays and calculate your lost income.
This documentation helps our Shreveport broken bone lawyers demonstrate the full impact of your injury.
Capture the Scene: Preserve Critical Evidence

Gathering evidence about how your injury occurred is crucial for establishing liability.
- If possible, take photos or videos of the accident location, whether it's an uneven sidewalk, hazardous stairs, or vehicle damage.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information and record their observations while memories are fresh.
- Request copies of any incident reports, police records, or workplace accident documentation.
- Keep damaged personal items that show the force of impact.
These details strengthen your case by clearly showing how and why your broken bone occurred.
Beware of Friendly Voices: Navigate Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance adjusters often contact injury victims quickly, seeming helpful while actually seeking to minimize payment. Protect your broken bone claim by declining to give recorded statements without legal representation. Don't sign medical authorizations or settlement offers without attorney review.
Remember that early settlement proposals rarely account for potential complications or the full extent of your recovery needs.
Help Is Only a Quick Phone Call Away: Contact Our Caring Legal Team for Honest Answers
The sooner you have legal representation after a broken bone injury, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears quickly, and Louisiana has specific deadlines for filing injury claims. Our Shreveport broken bone lawyers will immediately work to document your case, handle all insurance matters, and connect you with appropriate medical specialists.
True Cost of Broken Bones: The Full Compensation You Deserve

Many people underestimate the financial impact of a broken bone. What seems like a straightforward injury can lead to significant expenses and losses. Our Shreveport broken bone attorneys fight for comprehensive compensation that covers:
Medical Expenses
Broken bones often require extensive medical treatment. Your compensation should cover all healthcare needs, including:
- Emergency care and ambulance services
- X-rays, CT scans, and other diagnostic imaging
- Surgical procedures to set bones or insert hardware
- Hospital stays and follow-up appointments
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
- Medical equipment like crutches, wheelchairs, or braces
- Future medical care for complications or hardware removal
Even a "simple" fracture can result in tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, while complex breaks can lead to six-figure medical bills.
Lost Income and Career Impact
Broken bones often force you to miss work during recovery. Depending on your job and the location of your fracture, this can range from days to months of lost income. The money we can get you in your case should address the following:
- Wages lost during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous position
- Lost benefits and advancement opportunities
- Vocational rehabilitation if you need to change careers
- Lost business income for self-employed individuals
We work with economic experts to calculate not just current losses but the long-term financial impact of your injury.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain of a broken bone can be excruciating, and the emotional toll of dealing with limited mobility and dependency on others adds another layer of suffering. You deserve compensation for:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life and activities
- Sleep disturbances due to pain
- Depression or anxiety related to your injury
These non-economic damages are often substantial in broken bone cases due to the significant pain and lifestyle disruptions these injuries cause.
Additional Damages
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to:
- Compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement
- Coverage for necessary home or vehicle modifications
- Reimbursement for household services you cannot perform
- Punitive damages in rare cases of gross negligence
- Loss of consortium damages for your spouse
At Rice & Kendig, we conduct a thorough analysis of every client's situation to ensure we pursue the maximum amount of money possible. Insurance companies often try to minimize broken bone claims, but we make sure they understand the true impact of your injury.
Understanding Louisiana Laws Affecting Your Broken Bone Case

Successfully navigating a broken bone injury case requires a deep understanding of Louisiana's complex legal landscape. Here are the key legal elements that could affect your case:
Recent Changes to Filing Deadlines
Louisiana recently enacted significant changes to personal injury filing deadlines:
- For injuries occurring before July 1, 2024: One-year filing deadline from the date of injury.
- For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024: Two-year filing deadline from the date of injury.
These strict deadlines mean you must act quickly to protect your rights. Certain types of claims, particularly those involving government entities, may have additional notice requirements with even shorter timeframes.
Comparative Fault Rules
Louisiana follows a "pure comparative fault" system under Civil Code Article 2323. This means:
- You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
- Your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault you have.
- Even if you're found to be 90% responsible, you can still recover 10% of your damages.
For example, if you're awarded $100,000 for your broken bone injury but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. Our attorneys work diligently to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.
Multiple Liable Parties
Broken bone cases often involve multiple responsible parties. We conduct thorough investigations to identify all potential sources of compensation, including:
- Vehicle drivers and owners
- Property owners and managers
- Product manufacturers
- Employers and contractors
- Government entities
Louisiana law allows the pursuit of claims against all parties who contributed to your injury, potentially increasing your total compensation.
Insurance Coverage Issues
Understanding insurance coverage is crucial in broken bone cases:
- Louisiana requires a minimum auto liability coverage of $15,000 per person for bodily injury.
- Homeowner's and business liability policies typically have higher limits.
- Umbrella policies may provide additional coverage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply in auto accident cases.
We identify all available insurance policies and ensure they are properly leveraged to maximize your compensation.
Wondering What Your Broken Bone Case Is Really Worth?
Insurance companies often undervalue fracture injuries. Our attorneys know the true cost of your recovery and will fight for every dollar you deserve.
or Call Us
(318) 222-2772