The humerus is the bone that is located between the shoulder and the elbow. Also known as the upper arm bone, it is responsible for providing structural support and serving as an insertion point of various muscles in the body. Studies have suggested that an upper arm fracture accounts for approximately one to three percent of all fractures in elderly patients and four to six percent of all fractures in their young counterparts. These types of bone fractures are often the result of low-energy trauma, high-energy trauma, and pathologic breaks from metastatic disease.

After an accident resulting in a traumatic injury, like a humerus fracture, it is essential to work with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento who can recover the compensation you need. Contact our law firm today to get started and receive free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

At AutoAccident.com, we have decades of experience working with injured parties throughout California. Our legal team has helped many families recover the maximum compensation they deserve. Let our humeral shaft fracture attorneys protect your rights and guide you through the claims process. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to go over the details of your case and determine your best course of action moving forward.

The symptoms of an upper arm fracture include:

• A severe break in the humerus bone may make the upper extremity a different shape
• Bleeding if the bone fracture or the blunt force trauma has damaged the skin
• Bruising, numbness, swelling, or tingling in the affected area
• Visible deformity of the shoulder or that it is out of place
• Pain that may worsen with moving the arm

The signs of a broken humerus may be mistaken for the symptoms of other injuries such as a rotator cuff tear, proximal ulna fracture, and more. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical treatment right away to determine whether an upper arm fracture has been suffered and to get the proper care.

A fractured humerus may be diagnosed through an X-ray. This may be useful in determining the severity of the injury, location of the break in the bone and provide the basis on whether it has impacted a nearby joint. If a more detailed image of the bone fracture is necessary, a physician may order a computed tomography (CT) scan.

Nonoperative management of humeral shaft fractures is generally indicated in patients deemed ineligible as surgical candidates, more significant tuberosity fractures that have a displacement of 5 millimeters or less, and minimal displacement of the surgical neck of the humerus bone.

Nonsurgical treatment will initially start with a shoulder immobilizer or sling to prohibit shoulder movement for the first two weeks after the bone fracture. Once this has been done, the patient will undergo weekly rehabilitation exercises to gradually increase the range of motion in the shoulder. To confirm the proper healing of the shoulder, weekly or biweekly X-rays may be taken. Medications may also be prescribed by the doctor for pain management and to help reduce swelling.

Surgical intervention is often necessary if a patient presents with vascular compromise or a segmental humerus fracture. This may involve surgical technique, open reduction, intramedullary nailing or fixation, and screws and plates. Shoulder replacement may be necessary for a patient presenting with a severe bone fracture with prior joint degeneration (arthroscopy). After surgery, physical therapy for increasing mobilization may immediately follow.

Following are some of the potential complications of an upper arm fracture:

• Avascular necrosis is common in cases of surgical neck fractures and complex breaks, with several bone fragments interrupting blood supply
• Injuries accompanying the bone fracture, such as rotator cuff injury or glenohumeral dislocation
• Malunion in which indicates healing in the break of the bone that is not in an optimal position, like a bent bone, rotated or twisted in an improper position, or being shorter than normal
• Neurovascular injury in which is reported in approximately a third of cases involving proximate humeral fractures

The prognosis of a broken upper arm will depend on the type of humerus fracture, mechanism of injury, and the age and overall health of the patient. The recovery process may take a year, but the union is generally expected within six to eight weeks.

A personal injury claim for a humeral shaft fracture will provide the financial compensation an injured party needs and hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions. The claimant may be entitled to receive reimbursement for past and future medical treatment expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings due to permanent disability, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Under specific circumstances, punitive damages may be sought from the negligent party as a way of holding them accountable for their egregious conduct.

The types of compensation recoverable through a personal injury case are intended to make an injured party whole for their losses or place in their position before the accident. It is not uncommon for an insurance company to ask for a recorded statement, request signed documents, or make a quick settlement offer after a crash. The unfortunate reality is that these are defense tactics commonly used to downplay the value of claims or outright deny them. That is why it is essential to speak with an accident attorney to ensure your rights and best interests are protected. Watch the video below on how to find the best injury lawyer to handle your humerus fracture case.

If an injured party has a pre-existing medical condition, it may affect the outcome of a personal injury claim in which is brought forward. Knowing how pre-existing conditions are evaluated in these types of cases is essential to helping you stay protected. Firstly, presenting with a pre-existing health condition does not necessarily mean an individual did not suffer injuries in the motor vehicle collision. It may mean that the claimant’s pre-existing injury may have been exacerbated due to the incident in question. This may be established through evidence, such as medical records, to demonstrate differences in clinical assessments before and after the crash.

A detailed medical assessment report is crucial to the outcome of a case. An injury attorney must highlight a pre-existing condition that has been exacerbated, significant changes in medical care, change of treatment plans, and increase in physical limitations or accompanying permanent disability. It is not uncommon for claims adjusters and defense counsel to devalue or reject claims by shifting blame onto the injured party for reported pain complaints based on prior injuries, health, or age in their medical history. Simply because the claimant has a pre-existing condition that may increase their vulnerability to injuries such as humeral shaft fractures does not dismiss the at-fault party from liability.

The bottom line is that there is no reason to pay the price of accident-related injuries caused by the negligence of others. Even if a claimant presents with a pre-existing injury, they may be eligible for financial compensation to help pay for economic and non-economic damages because of an aggravation of the condition. An experienced humeral shaft fracture attorney will know the best way to navigate the personal injury laws of California when handling the case and work diligently to obtain a favorable outcome on behalf of the injured party.

When you retain legal counsel, you can rest assured knowing your accident case is in good hands. A humerus fracture attorney will analyze the facts and circumstances of the incident, take the time to understand what the injured party expects from the claim to accommodate their needs, and build a strong case for maximum compensation. Unlike the insurance company, an injury lawyer will do everything in their power for what is best for the client and their future. An accident attorney may help with the following:

• Conduct an independent investigation of the accident and gather evidence necessary in establishing liability on the part of the other party
• Identify all potentially negligent parties through several techniques and working with accident reconstruction experts
• Assess the traumatic injuries in which have been suffered as a result of the crash and determine the amount of compensation in which is necessary to make the claimant whole again
• Handle communication and negations with the insurance company on behalf of the injured party
• Calculate past, current, and projected expenses and losses from the humeral shaft fracture sustained in the collision
• Consult with medical expert witnesses to determine what type of treatment and accommodations are reasonable and necessary for a broken upper arm
• File a personal injury lawsuit in civil court within the statute of limitations if all attempts at a fair insurance settlement fail
• Build a compelling and strong case to present in court, if necessary

An accident has the potential of leaving you with traumatic injuries, such as upper arm fractures, that may affect all aspects of your life. Knowing what to do after the incident may be challenging and stressful, to say the least. However, you need an experienced attorney on your side who understands personal injury law in California and how to obtain the compensation you need to move forward with your life. For details on how our legal team can help you, contact us today for free, friendly case advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 1.12.23]

Photograph Source: By “Ryutaro” via Pexels

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