Broken Bone & Joint Injuries

Have You Suffered a Catastrophic Injury in Pittsburgh?

A broken bone or joint injury can affect one's ability to work and function in everyday life. If you or a loved one sustained a serious bone or joint injuries, such as a collarbone fracture or a torn rotator cuff, in an accident involving negligence, you are entitled to compensation.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injury, you may be able to pursue a range of damages, including compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and more.

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our philosophy is built on the foundation of service. We help level the playing field for people who might otherwise suffer unfairly at the hands of corporations, employers, insurance companies, or negligent health care providers.

What is a Broken Bone?

A broken bone, or fracture, occurs when there is a complete or partial break in the continuity of a bone. This can happen due to trauma (like a fall, accident, or sports injury), overuse, or conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis.

Common types of fractures include:

• Simple (Closed) Fracture: The bone breaks but does not puncture the skin. This is the most common type of fracture.
• Compound (Open) Fracture: The bone breaks and pierces through the skin, increasing the risk of infection due to exposure to the external environment.
• Transverse Fracture: A horizontal break across the bone, typically caused by a direct blow or impact.
• Oblique Fracture: A diagonal break across the bone, often caused by a sharp angled blow or twisting force.
• Comminuted Fracture: The bone is shattered into three or more pieces, usually caused by severe trauma like in car accidents.
• Greenstick Fracture: An incomplete fracture where the bone bends and cracks, but doesn't break completely. It's common in children because their bones are softer and more flexible.
• Spiral Fracture: The bone is twisted apart, often seen in sports injuries or physical altercations where a twisting force is applied.
• Compression Fracture: The bone is crushed, leading to it becoming flattened or collapsed. This is often seen in vertebrae, especially in people with osteoporosis.
• Stress Fracture: A small crack in the bone, usually due to repetitive strain or overuse, common among athletes.
• Pathologic Fracture: A break caused by a disease that weakens the bones, such as osteoporosis, cancer, or infection, rather than a specific injury.

What is a Joint Injury?

A joint injury occurs when damage is inflicted on the structures that connect two bones, typically due to trauma, overuse, or degenerative conditions. Joints are surrounded by cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and synovial fluid, which all work together to provide movement, flexibility, and stability. Injuries to any of these components can cause pain, swelling, instability, and reduced range of motion.

The following are common types of joint injuries:

• Sprains: A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which connect bones, are overstretched or torn. This typically results from a sudden twist or fall and leads to pain, swelling, and limited movement.
• Dislocations: A dislocation happens when bones in a joint are forced out of their normal position due to trauma, such as a hard fall. This causes intense pain, visible deformity, and loss of movement in the joint.
• Strains: A strain involves overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons around a joint, commonly due to sudden movements or heavy lifting. It results in pain, muscle spasms, and sometimes swelling.
• Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon caused by repetitive stress or overuse, affecting joints like the shoulder or knee. Symptoms include pain and tenderness, particularly when moving the affected joint.
• Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the bursae, small sacs that cushion joints, become inflamed due to repetitive movements or pressure. This leads to joint pain, swelling, and tenderness, especially in the shoulders, elbows, or knees.
• Cartilage Injuries: Cartilage injuries, like a meniscus tear in the knee, occur when the cushioning material in joints is damaged by trauma or overuse. This causes pain, swelling, and difficulty with joint movement.
• Labral Tear: A labral tear involves damage to the ring of cartilage around the shoulder or hip joint, which provides stability. It leads to pain, a feeling of joint instability, and reduced range of motion.
• Subluxation: Subluxation is a partial dislocation where the bones shift out of place but do not fully separate. It causes discomfort, pain, and temporary instability in the joint.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a chronic inflammation of joints, often due to wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or autoimmune causes (rheumatoid arthritis). It results in pain, stiffness, and gradual loss of joint function.
• Synovitis: Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane, which lines and lubricates joints. This leads to joint swelling, pain, and stiffness, often following injury or repetitive movement.

Pennsylvania Joint Injury Attorneys

Whether your injury happened in a car accident, at work, or it was caused by a defective product, if another person's or a company's negligence contributed to the injury, seek legal counsel.

• Skull fractures
• Spinal fractures
• Collarbone fractures
• Arm and leg fractures
• Shoulder/rotator cuff injuries
• Hand, elbow and wrist injuries
• Hip, knee and ankle injuries
• Foot injuries
• Muscle sprains and strains
• Crush injuries
• Muscle, bone and joint injuries requiring surgery
• Injuries resulting in scars

Our highly experienced Pittsburgh broken bones lawyers put decades of proven experience and extensive legal resources behind your claim, and with contingency fees in place, we only collect our fee after you have collected a judgment or settlement.

Find Out How We Can Help

To schedule a free initial consultation and case review with a Pittsburgh broken bone injury attorney, call (844) 383-0565 or contact us online. We will sit down, review your case and provide guidance on the options available to you.