Broken Bones, Big Claims: Why Fractures Are Often Undervalued in Personal Injury Cases
When people think about serious personal injury cases, they often picture catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain damage or spinal cord paralysis. While those cases are undeniably severe, broken bones—also known as fractures—can be equally life-altering and are frequently underestimated by insurance companies. At Mainor Ellis our Las Vegas Broken Bone Injury Attorneys have seen how insurers downplay the seriousness of fractures to reduce payouts. If you’ve suffered a broken bone in an accident, it’s important to understand your rights and why your claim may be worth more than the insurance company suggests.
The Reality of Broken Bone Injuries
Not all fractures are created equal. A hairline fracture might heal with rest, but a compound or comminuted fracture (where the bone shatters) can require surgery, metal implants, long-term physical therapy, and extended time off work. In some cases, patients may experience permanent loss of mobility or function, chronic pain, or disfigurement.
For example, a fractured wrist from a slip-and-fall in a Las Vegas grocery store might sound “minor” to an insurance adjuster—but if that wrist was your dominant hand and you’re a tradesperson, it can severely affect your ability to earn a living. Similarly, a broken leg from a rear-end car crash can result in months of immobilization, loss of independence, and thousands in medical bills.
How Insurance Companies Minimize Fracture Claims
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and they have a vested interest in limiting the amount they pay out on claims. Here are a few common tactics they use to minimize fracture-related injury claims:
- Downplaying the severity of the injury by labeling it as a “simple break”
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before you know the full extent of your recovery
- Ignoring long-term consequences, such as arthritis, nerve damage, or future surgeries
- Arguing pre-existing conditions are to blame for your pain or limited mobility
- Disputing lost wages or the impact on your ability to work
Fractures may heal on an X-ray, but that does not mean the injury is fully resolved. If you’re still in pain, unable to work, or facing future medical costs, those factors should be reflected in your settlement.
Building a Strong Claim for a Fracture Injury
To ensure fair compensation, it’s essential to work with a personal injury attorney who understands how to document and demonstrate the true impact of a broken bone. At Mainor Ellis, we gather:
- Medical records and diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs)
- Expert opinions on long-term effects and disability
- Testimony from treating physicians and specialists
- Wage loss documentation and evidence of lifestyle changes
- Detailed pain and suffering accounts
We also take the time to calculate future damages, especially if your injury is likely to affect your health or career for years to come.
Don’t Settle for Less—Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you have suffered a broken bone in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or other incident in Las Vegas, don’t let the insurance company convince you it’s “just a fracture.” You may be entitled to significant compensation—and Mainor Ellis is here to help you fight for it.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us build a strong case on your behalf.
Source:
leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-041.html
