Between heavy traffic and reckless drivers, Miami-Dade County sees more than 60K collisions reported every year, resulting in more than 300 fatalities. 20% of the accidents that occur in FL take place in Miami-Dade County.
One of our clients in Miami received substantial compensation after suffering severe fractures in a car accident requiring multiple surgeries, demonstrating the realities of severe fracture injuries and their long-term impact.
We've handled numerous cases involving severe fractures; through this experience, we've learned that accident victims often face:
- Multiple surgical procedures over an extended period
- Substantial rehabilitation requirements
- Significant medical expenses
- Extended time away from work
- Complex insurance challenges
The Surgical Journey and Recovery Process
Our Miami accident cases have involved various types of severe fractures, each requiring specific surgical approaches and recovery periods:
Leg Fractures
Types of fractures:
- Compound femur (thighbone) breaks
- Complex tibia/fibula fractures
- Multiple fracture points
- Open fractures with soft tissue damage
Emergency surgery (within 24 hours):
- Initial stabilization and external fixation
- Rod insertion for femur fractures
Recovery timeline:
- Hospital stay: 5-7 days
- Physical therapy: 4-6 months
- Return to work (desk job): 3-4 months
- Full recovery: 9-12 months
Hip and Pelvic Fractures
Types of fractures:
- Acetabular fractures (hip socket)
- Pelvic ring fractures
- Complex hip joint breaks
- Multiple pelvic bone fractures
Initial surgery:
- Emergency stabilization
- Pain management procedures
Recovery process:
- Hospital stay: 7-10 days
- Initial rehabilitation: 6-8 months
- Return to work: 6-12 months
- Complete recovery: 12-18 months
Upper Body Injuries
Types of fractures:
- Comminuted shoulder fractures
- Displaced collarbone breaks
- Complex arm fractures (humerus, radius, ulna)
- Multiple fracture patterns
Surgical procedures:
- Shoulder reconstruction
- Collarbone repair
- Arm fracture fixation
Recovery timeline:
- Hospital stay: 3-5 days
- Physical therapy: 3-4 months
- Return to work: varies by occupation
- Full recovery: 6-12 months
Treatment Costs and Financial Impact
The expenses for severe fracture treatment extend well beyond the operating room. Based on our experience with Florida accident cases, here's what patients typically face:
Surgical and Medical Expenses
Initial emergency care:
- Emergency room trauma care
- Surgical procedures (varies by fracture type)
- Medical imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
- Pain management treatments
Ongoing medical needs:
- Follow-up surgeries
- Regular doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment for home use
Rehabilitation Costs
Physical therapy:
- 3-5 sessions weekly
- Specialized equipment
- Home exercise programs
Additional therapy:
- Occupational therapy
- Pain management sessions
- Mobility assistance devices
Impact on Work and Income
Short-term losses:
- Lost wages during hospital stays
- Missed work during recovery
- Reduced hours during rehabilitation
Long-term effects:
- Career changes due to physical limitations
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost job benefits
- Professional retraining costs
Securing Your Rights After Severe Fractures
Insurance companies often try to minimize compensation by:
- Pushing for quick settlements before all surgeries are complete
- Underestimating future medical needs
- Disputing the necessity of follow-up procedures
- Questioning ongoing treatment costs
To protect your rights, you need to:
- Document all medical procedures
- Keep records of all expenses
- Follow your doctor's treatment plan
- Don't sign insurance settlements without legal counsel
- Contact an experienced injury attorney immediately
What Will The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary Do for You?
Miami ranks as the fifth most congested urban area nationwide, with concerning accident statistics that often result in severe fractures. The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary specializes in these complex cases.
These cases often involve:
- Extensive surgical procedures
- Long rehabilitation periods
- Substantial medical costs
- Long-term disability impacts
- Complex insurance challenges
What sets us apart:
- We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your accident and injuries
- We work closely with medical specialists to document all necessary procedures
- We collaborate with accident reconstructionists and experts to establish liability
- We precisely track all medical costs and lost wages