Broken Arm | Bicycle Accident | Arvada Injury Lawyer | D.J. Banovitz

The city of Arvada, Colorado, is a popular place for cyclists to enjoy nature, as a means of exercise, to run errands, or to commute to and from work on a daily basis. But bicycle accidents can and do happen. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 13 cyclist fatalities in Colorado in 2012. When a cyclist accident isn’t fatal, though, one of the common injuries that results is a broken arm.

Broken arm recovery can vary depending on the symptoms of the fracture, its severity, as well as the treatment required, as discussed below. A personal injury attorney can help you recover damages related to your treatment and recovery time.

Causes of a Broken Arm from Bicycle Accident in Arvada

When a cyclist is hit by a motor vehicle and falls off of his or her bike, the immediate reaction is to reach for the ground in order to break the fall. As a result, the palm of the hand often strikes the ground, which could break bones in the hand, wrist, arm, and collarbone.

When the cyclist does not extend his or her arm to break the fall, a cyclist might land on his or her elbow, which can also cause a broken arm. The part of the body where the person’s hand or arm is struck, as well as the force of the impact, will determine the location and severity of the break.

Bicycle Accident in Arvada: Symptoms of a Broken Arm

MedlinePlus states that broken bones are typically characterized by certain characteristics.

Swelling, bruising, bleeding
Pain
Visible deformity
Numbness and tingling
Limited mobility in the arm
Protrusion of the bone through the skin (which can increase risk of infection after a fracture)

Bicyclists should always seek medical care after an accident even if they do not experience symptoms of a broken bone or other injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately evident, and a doctor may discover them upon performing an evaluation.

Bicycle Accident in Arvada: Treatment for a Broken Arm

The treatment options for a broken arm – and thus broken arm recovery – will vary greatly depending upon the severity and the location of the break. The first thing that will be required is a thorough examination from a medical professional to determine details about the break. Usually, this process will employ the use of x-rays or other diagnostic imaging methods.

Once a doctor has completed his or her assessment and diagnosis, treatment will begin. The doctor may have to move pieces of the bone in order to return them to their correct positions. When breaks are severe, surgery may be required.

In most cases, a simpler break will require treatment in the form of immobilization, or a cast or splint. Depending upon the specifics of the injury, a patient may have to wear a splint between 8 to 32 weeks. Usually, a pain medication will be prescribed, and the patient will be encouraged the ice the injury.

Serious care will be needed if one of the following happened.

Nerve damage
Lacerations to the skin (broken through the skin)
Blood vessel damage
A complex fracture

Bicycle Accident in Arvada: Broken Arm Recovery Period

Time spent recovering from a broken arm will vary, but can take several months in many cases. Broken arm recovery requires waiting for the bones to heal while immobilized by a cast or other method mentioned above. In some cases, the recovery period will also involve physical therapy that can last several months. This allows the patient to regain mobility and use of the arm.

An Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages for Broken Arm Recovery

If you’re a cyclist that has been hit by a motorist in Arvada and experienced a broken arm as a result, talk to a lawyer about the damages you may recover for broken arm recovery.

At the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz, we understand. To start working on your claim today, or to get answers to any of your legal questions, call us today at 303-300-5060.