Broken Bones Claims
When you’ve sustained broken bones, a good horse accident solicitor will be aware that different types of fracture can lead to very different claims. While some fractures heal quickly, others can result in a lifetime of problems. Having the money to ensure the best possible rehabilitation can make all the difference.
At HorseSolicitor we know all about the types of fractures riders tend to suffer, and our specialist lawyers have the expertise to make sure you get the right initial help, the right advice and to maximise the damages you get.
How serious is my fracture?
It depends on the type of fracture.
Many equestrians suffer from broken arm or leg bones and they tend to have a relatively good prognosis. If it’s a simple fracture in the middle of a bone then you’ll probably recover well.
Unfortunately if the break is more complicated or it’s near a joint then things can be a bit more serious.
To avoid under settling your horse accident claim, you need to instruct an equine accident solicitor who understands how horse accident claims work and the potential medical implications which these accidents can cause.
If you settle without fully investigating a claim, and it later turns out that you’ve settled for a fraction of the claim’s potential worth, you cannot reopen it at a later date.
Should I accept an early offer?
Each case turns on its own facts, but it’s worth considering why the defendant’s insurance company has chosen to make an early offer.
Insurers are aware that most claimants go on to make a good recovery from fractures, but that those that don’t, can have very valuable claims. By attempting to settle your horse accident claim early, they are hoping that by the time you find out, it will be too late.
Get in touch with us and we’ll be able to discuss both the merits of any offer and the risk of settling a claim without knowing how you will recover.
What is an intra-articular fracture?
Intra-articular fractures are those in which the break crosses the internal surface of a joint. They are usually accompanied by some degree of soft tissue damage around the joint.
Unfortunately, the prognosis for intra-articular fractures is not good. Osteoarthritis often sets in to the joint and you can eventually need joint replacement or joint fusion.
Artificial joints need periodic replacement, this alone can lead to substantial medical costs or a long excruciating wait for NHS treatment.
The good news is if your injury was someone else’s fault, then you’re entitled to private medical treatment. We’ll figure out exactly what type of injury you’ve sustained, assess the risks and include any future costs into your claim. Our clients tell us that, having the money to go private, makes all the difference.
What help is available?
Access to rehabilitation is key if you’ve broken bones. The type of rehabilitation you require will depend on the fracture you’ve sustained but can range from intensive physiotherapy to revision surgery to remove or alter metalwork that was needed to stabilise a fracture.
This can be arranged on a private basis to avoid delay and increase your chance of recovery.
Who will pay for it?
We can make the other side pay for your rehabilitation as part of the claim. We can often do this even if liability is disputed.
What are the common types of broken bone?
Displaced means that the pieces don’t line up and surgery is usually required to correct the alignment.
An undisplaced fracture is where the bone is broken but the pieces are still in the right place.
A comminuted fracture is where the bone breaks into multiple pieces.
A compound (or open) fracture is where the skin has been pierced by the bone.
Intra-articular fracture is when the break goes though the inside of a joint.
How much can I recover for a fracture suffered in a horse accident claim?
It really depends on the exact nature of the break and what the predicted recovery period is. To get a rough idea, check our personal injury calculator [insert link] and then get in touch and we can give you a more detailed valuation.
What are my financial losses?
As well as the compensation you will get for your pain, suffering and loss of amenity. Your horse accident claim can also include all of the financial losses that you have incurred as a result of the incident. This is not limited to money that you have spent, it also includes the recovery of money that you should have received but didn’t get.
If you’ve sustained an injury, you’re likely to have had to take time off work, relied on others to care for you and your horse, and incurred many other of out of pocket expenses, in addition to losses that you might suffer in the future.
We’ll calculate exactly what the accident may cost you over your lifetime to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation.
Call us now and to find out how much you could claim.