What are the signs of a broken collarbone. How long does it take to heal from a collarbone fracture. Can a car accident cause a broken collarbone. Who will pay for medical care after a collarbone injury. How much time do you have to request compensation.

Understanding Collarbone Fractures: Symptoms and Sensations

A fractured collarbone, also known as a clavicle fracture, can be a painful and debilitating injury. The collarbone plays a crucial role in connecting the breastbone to the rib cage and regulating upper body movements. When broken, it can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility.

The primary symptoms of a broken collarbone include:

• Intense pain that increases with shoulder movement
• Limited range of motion in the affected arm
• Swelling and discoloration around the shoulder area
• A visible bulge or deformity at the fracture site
• Grating or popping sounds when attempting to move the shoulder
• Stiffness or inability to move the shoulder

Is a fractured collarbone always immediately apparent. While severe fractures may be obvious due to intense pain and visible deformity, some minor fractures might not be as noticeable at first. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent shoulder pain or difficulty moving your arm after an accident or injury.

Causes of Collarbone Fractures: The Role of Car Accidents

Can a car accident cause a broken collarbone. Yes, motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of collarbone fractures. The force of impact during a collision can cause the shoulder to compress against the seat belt or steering wheel, leading to a fracture. Other common causes include:

• Falls onto an outstretched arm
• Direct blows to the shoulder
• Sports injuries, particularly in contact sports
• Birth injuries in newborns

Why are collarbone fractures more common in car accidents. The clavicle’s position and structure make it vulnerable to the forces experienced during a collision. Additionally, while seat belts are crucial for overall safety, they can sometimes contribute to collarbone injuries due to the sudden restraint they provide during impact.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Collarbone Fractures

How do doctors diagnose a broken collarbone. Medical professionals typically use a combination of physical examination and imaging tests to diagnose a collarbone fracture. These may include:

1. X-rays to visualize the fracture
2. CT scans for more detailed imaging in complex cases
3. MRI scans to assess soft tissue damage around the fracture site

What treatment options are available for a fractured collarbone. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Common approaches include:

• Immobilization with a sling or figure-eight brace
• Pain management medications
• Physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion
• Surgical intervention for severe or complicated fractures

Does a broken collarbone always require surgery. Not necessarily. Many collarbone fractures can heal without surgical intervention. However, surgery may be recommended in cases where the bone is severely displaced, there are multiple fracture fragments, or if the bone has broken through the skin.

Recovery Timeline and Healing Process

How long does it take to heal from a broken collarbone. The healing time for a collarbone fracture can vary significantly depending on several factors:

• Age of the patient (children typically heal faster than adults)
• Overall health and lifestyle habits
• Severity of the fracture
• Treatment method employed

On average, children may recover in 3 to 6 weeks, while adults might require up to 3 months for complete healing. However, it’s important to note that full recovery and return to normal activities may take longer, especially for athletes or those with physically demanding jobs.

What can patients do to promote faster healing. While the healing process takes time, patients can support their recovery by:

• Following their doctor’s instructions carefully
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Gradually increasing activity levels as advised by a healthcare provider
• Attending all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions

Legal Considerations: Seeking Compensation for Collarbone Injuries

Who is responsible for covering medical expenses after a car accident-related collarbone fracture. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be held financially responsible for your medical bills and other related expenses. This is where personal injury law comes into play.

What types of compensation can be sought for a broken collarbone injury. Victims may be entitled to recover various damages, including:

• Medical expenses (both current and future)
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life

How long do victims have to file a claim for compensation. The time limit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. For example, in Louisiana, victims have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s crucial to consult with a legal professional as soon as possible, as there may be additional notification deadlines and requirements depending on the specifics of your case.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Collarbone Injury Cases

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer for a collarbone injury claim. While it’s not legally required, having professional legal representation can significantly benefit your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly
• Gather and preserve crucial evidence
• Calculate the full extent of your damages
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

How can a lawyer help maximize compensation for a collarbone injury. A skilled attorney will understand the long-term implications of your injury and can ensure that all potential damages are accounted for in your claim. They can also help counter any attempts by insurance companies to undervalue or deny your claim.

Preventing Collarbone Fractures: Safety Measures and Precautions

What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of collarbone fractures in car accidents. While not all accidents can be prevented, certain measures can help minimize the risk of collarbone injuries:

• Always wear a seatbelt properly (across the chest, not the neck)
• Ensure airbags are functional and not recalled
• Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles
• Avoid distractions while driving
• Regular vehicle maintenance to ensure all safety features are working correctly

Are there specific exercises to strengthen the collarbone area. While you can’t directly strengthen the collarbone itself, exercises that target the surrounding muscles can help improve overall shoulder stability and potentially reduce injury risk. These may include:

1. Shoulder blade squeezes
2. Wall push-ups
3. Resistance band exercises for the rotator cuff
4. Gentle shoulder circles

It’s important to consult with a physical therapist or fitness professional before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have a history of shoulder or collarbone injuries.

Long-Term Effects and Complications of Collarbone Fractures

Can a broken collarbone lead to chronic issues. While most collarbone fractures heal without long-term complications, some patients may experience ongoing effects, such as:

• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Limited range of motion in the shoulder
• Visible deformity if the bone doesn’t heal properly
• Increased risk of arthritis in the shoulder joint

How can these long-term effects impact a personal injury claim. When seeking compensation, it’s crucial to consider not just immediate medical expenses but also potential future costs and lifestyle impacts. A thorough medical evaluation and expert testimony can help establish the long-term prognosis and its effect on your claim value.

The Role of Insurance in Collarbone Injury Claims

How do insurance companies typically handle collarbone injury claims. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts by:

• Disputing the severity of the injury
• Arguing that the injury was pre-existing
• Offering quick, low settlements before the full extent of damages is known
• Delaying the claims process to pressure victims into settling

What steps can be taken to protect your rights when dealing with insurance companies. To safeguard your interests:

1. Avoid giving recorded statements without legal counsel
2. Don’t sign any documents without understanding their full implications
3. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses
4. Consider hiring a personal injury attorney to handle communications and negotiations

Emotional and Psychological Impact of Collarbone Injuries

Can a collarbone fracture affect mental health. Yes, the physical limitations and pain associated with a collarbone injury can lead to emotional and psychological challenges, including:

• Anxiety about recovery and future health
• Depression due to limited mobility and lifestyle changes
• Stress related to financial burdens of medical treatment and lost wages
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the injury resulted from a traumatic accident

How can these psychological effects be addressed in a personal injury claim. Mental health impacts are valid components of a personal injury claim. Documenting psychological treatment, therapy sessions, and expert psychological evaluations can help establish the full scope of your damages and potentially increase your compensation.

Technological Advancements in Collarbone Fracture Treatment

What new treatments are emerging for collarbone fractures. Medical science continues to advance, offering new options for treating collarbone injuries:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
• 3D-printed custom implants for complex fractures
• Biologics and growth factors to promote faster healing
• Virtual reality-assisted rehabilitation programs

How might these advancements affect personal injury claims. As new treatments become available, they may impact the cost and duration of recovery. This could potentially increase the value of claims but also require more sophisticated documentation and expert testimony to justify their necessity and effectiveness.

The Impact of Collarbone Injuries on Different Professions

How does a collarbone fracture affect various occupations. The impact can vary significantly depending on the nature of the job:

• Manual laborers may face extended periods of work inability
• Office workers might return to work sooner but with modifications
• Athletes may require longer recovery periods and face potential career impacts
• Healthcare workers may need temporary reassignment to avoid patient handling

How are occupation-specific impacts considered in personal injury claims. When calculating damages, factors such as lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and potential career changes are considered. Expert vocational assessments may be used to demonstrate the long-term occupational impact of the injury.

Collarbone Fractures in Children: Special Considerations

How do collarbone fractures differ in children. Pediatric collarbone fractures have unique characteristics:

• Faster healing times due to more active growth plates
• Greater potential for bone remodeling
• Lower risk of long-term complications
• Different treatment approaches compared to adults

What special considerations apply to personal injury claims involving children with collarbone fractures. These cases may involve:

1. Longer statutes of limitations that may not begin until the child reaches adulthood
2. Court approval requirements for settlements
3. Consideration of potential growth-related complications
4. Structured settlements to provide long-term financial support

Understanding these unique aspects is crucial when pursuing compensation for a child’s collarbone injury.

What Does a Broken Collarbone Feel Like?

Your collarbone runs shoulder to shoulder and connects your breastbone to your rib cage. It helps regulate movements made by your upper torso and arms. However, a broken collarbone can feel painful because of its relatively frequent use. Much of the pain comes from the discomfort of inflammation, soreness, and bruising, and significant pain can lead to additional complications. 

Is your collarbone injury the result of someone else’s negligence? If so, you could be entitled to recoup the costs of your treatment and recovery. A personal injury lawyer can help you identify and pursue the at-fault party. So, consider your compensation options as soon as you notice the symptoms of a broken collarbone after a car accident.

What Are the Signs of a Broken Collarbone?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the primary warning signs of a fractured collarbone include pain that increases when you move your shoulders and a limited range of motion. Additional symptoms of a collarbone fracture include:

• Shoulder swelling, discoloration, or bulging 
• Grating or popping sounds with shoulder movement
• Rigidness or inability to move your shoulder

Your car accident attorney will obtain your medical records and police report and use them to prove the cause, effect, and cost of your collarbone injury.

How Will My Doctor Treat My Broken Collarbone Symptoms and Pain?

As part of your treatment plan, your health care team will ask questions about how your injury occurred. So, when you describe the car accident, be sure to mention your seat position in the car and whether you wore a seat belt. Providing as many details as possible can ensure appropriate treatment. 

Treatment for a fractured collarbone can include medication to control pain. In addition, you might also undergo physical therapy and rehabilitative care. If severe enough, treating your collarbone injury might require surgical intervention.  

How Long Does it Take to Heal From a Broken Collarbone?

The healing and recovery process varies according to the injured person’s age and overall health. Their lifestyle choices will also dictate their treatment protocol. For example, a child’s recovery can take three to six weeks. 

However, complete recovery from a collarbone injury for adults can take up to three months. This period is time you may be unable to return to work. Your lawyer will help you recoup any resulting income loss.

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Can a Car Accident Cause a Broken Collarbone?

Yes. A motor vehicle accident is an identified cause of a broken collarbone. So, if a negligent driver caused your accident and injury, your lawyer could document it. Their investigation will prove the at-fault driver’s breach of their duty to drive safely and the causation of your damages. These legal factors allow you to pursue personal injury compensation.  

Who Will Pay for My Medical Care?

A broken collarbone can require emergency and ongoing medical care. Your medical bills can start accumulating at the accident scene and continue for months until your recovery is complete. 

However, you can hold the driver whose negligence caused your car accident financially responsible for your medical bills. In addition to medical expenses, you can recover lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic and noneconomic damages.

How Much Time Do I Have to Request Compensation?

The filing deadline (statute of limitations) varies on a state-by-state basis. For example, CC Art. 3492 gives Louisiana victims one year to file a personal injury lawsuit following an auto accident. 

The deadline could vary according to:

• The outcome of the accident
• The age of the injured party
• Involvement of a municipality

In addition to the filing deadline, you must also meet additional notification deadlines. The lawyer who handles your case will review the circumstances of your case to ensure you don’t miss the filing deadline.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Pursue Damages for a Fractured Collarbone?

Most states allow you to pursue an at-fault driver and negotiate with their insurance company without hiring an attorney. However, there are many benefits to hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you. They include:

• Investigating your accident
• Calculating your potential recovery
• Proving the at-fault driver’s negligence
• Collecting compelling proof and evidence 
• Speaking with all interested parties 
• Clarifying legal and insurance jargon
• Providing ongoing updates on your case
• Negotiating a favorable monetary settlement

Your lawyer will handle the details of your financial recovery. They will also represent you if your case goes to court and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.  

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Get Your Free Case Review Today

If you suffered a broken collarbone in a car accident, we know it can feel like the pain will last forever. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we make sure you have time to focus on your recovery. Contact one of our team members today to learn how hard we fight to recover the compensation you deserve for the at-fault party’s negligence.

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Clavicle Fractures: Types and Symptoms

Clavicle (collarbone) fractures are usually apparent right away and can be seen through the skin. In most cases, surgery is not required.

Medical professionals generally classify clavicle fractures into three groups:

• Group I fractures occur in the middle third of the bone, where it is flat and thin. These fractures, sometimes called midshaft fractures, account for most clavicle fractures and are typically treated without surgery.
• Group II fractures, which are referred to as lateral or distal fractures, occur furthest from body’s center and near the acromion (a bony extension at the top of the shoulder). These fractures make up between 21 and 28% of clavicle fractures,

  ¹
  Sambandam B, Gupta R, Kumar S, Maini L. Fracture of distal end clavicle: A review. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2014;5(2):65-73.
  though some estimate this percentage to be lower. Treatment may or may not involve surgery.

• Group III fractures, referred to as medial fractures, are less common and make up about 2 to 4% of all clavicle fractures.

  ²
  Sloan AG, Howcroft D, Wykes PR. Operative treatment of medial clavicle fractures: An alternative surgical technique. Injury Extra. Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Royal Bolton Hospital, Lancashire, United Kingdom. 2008; 39, 270-272.
  They occur closer to the neck. Treatment may or may not involve surgery.

Surgery is typically only recommended if it is needed to return bone fragments to their correct, anatomical position.

See Surgery for Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone)

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What Is the Clavicle?

The clavicle (or collarbone) is a long, thin bone at the base of the neck. This rigid support is located between the scapula (shoulder blade) and sternum (rib cage).

The clavicle has several roles:

• It connects the arm to the axial skeleton, or the trunk of the body.
• It assists with movement and security of upper body.
• It, along with the subclavius muscle (a chest muscle), covers and helps protect nerves and blood vessels lying beneath.

Clavicle breaks often occur in children and adults under the age of 25 due to developing bones, sports accidents, and other traumas. Clavicle fractures are also more common in older people, who tend to have decreased bone mass.

In This Article:

• Clavicle Fractures: Types and Symptoms

• Diagnosis and Causes of a Clavicle Fracture

• Treating a Clavicle Fracture

A clavicle fracture is typically associated with extreme pain, and arm movement is difficult. The clavicle bone lies just beneath the skin, so a fracture usually causes an obvious protrusion or bump at the fracture site, along with swelling. (While the bump will diminish over time, a small bump may remain after the fracture heals.)

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Other symptoms include:

³
Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collarbone). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00072 Last reviewed January 2011. Accessed May 11, 2016.

• Sharp pain felt at the time of injury; the injured person may feel pain when trying to move the arm.
• Stiffness in the shoulder that makes shoulder movement difficult or impossible.
• The affected shoulder sags, forward or downward.
• Swelling, tenderness, and bruising occur over the collarbone.
• A grinding sensation when trying to lift the arm.
• The desire to hold the affected arm close to the body—supporting it with the hand of the healthy arm.

If a clavicle break is suspected because of a traumatic-related event, other injuries may be present. If possible, bystanders are advised to wait for medical personnel to move the injured person.

Occasionally, a person with a broken collarbone also experiences labored breathing, which may be a sign of an injured lung. Lung injuries are associated with clavicle fractures.

See a physician immediately if symptoms of a clavicle fracture are apparent.

⁴
Broken Collarbone. Mayo Clinic website. Published October 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-collarbone/basics/symptoms/con-20035171. Accessed August 5, 2016.

Dr. Terry Gemas is an orthopedic surgeon and the founder of Lakewood Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Dallas, TX. He specializes in sports medicine and has been in practice for more than 15 years. Dr. Gemas has treated professional athletes and currently serves as the head team physician for several Dallas-Forth Worth area high school, college, and club teams.

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Broken or fractured collarbone in a child

The collarbone in a child or adult is that bone that runs horizontally between the top of the sternum and the shoulder blade. You can shake your collarbone by touching the area between your neck and shoulder. A broken collarbone, also called a collarbone fracture, is when a given bone breaks.

When does a clavicle fracture occur?

A hard fall on the shoulder or outstretched arm can cause a collarbone fracture.

These fractures are common in contact sports such as football, wrestling, rugby, lacrosse and hockey. They can also occur in sports where there is a possibility of a hard fall, such as cycling, skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding.

The collarbone can also break in a car accident or if someone is hit by a car.

Signs and symptoms of a clavicle fracture?

Someone who breaks their collarbone may have:

• pain over the collarbone
• Difficulty moving arm or shoulder on that side
• swelling, tenderness and bruising along the collarbone
• bulge or “stretch” of the skin over the fracture

Broken collarbone diagnosis?

To diagnose a clavicle fracture, the doctor will:

• ask about the injury
• will conduct a medical examination
• will order x-ray

Clavicle fracture treatment

Most broken collarbones heal with ice, hand support, pain medication, and exercise. The arm is supported either by a sling or a shoulder immobilizer. The shoulder immobilizer is similar to a sling, but it also has a belt that wraps around the waist.

While collarbone heals:

• Use ice for pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack, cold gel pack, or frozen vegetable pack to your collarbone for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours. Be sure to place a towel between the ice pack and your skin.
• Use a dressing or shoulder immobilizer as directed by your healthcare provider. You will wear it for about a month, but you can take it off while swimming and sleeping.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions for using pain medication.

Approximately during the first 4-6 weeks:

1. Try not to raise your arms above shoulder level.
2. Do not lift anything that weighs more than 5 pounds (2.3 kg). That’s about the weight of a 72-ounce bottle of liquid laundry detergent.
3. Stay away from all sports and exercise.
4. Do all exercises to prevent stiff elbows and shoulders and help strengthen muscles.
5. See a physiotherapist if necessary.
6. Go to all subsequent meetings.
7. Call your doctor if your pain or swelling gets worse.

Will the clavicle heal properly?

Even if broken bones are not perfectly aligned, the body can usually straighten them again. This is because the collarbone has a thick periosteum (outer layer of bone). The periosteum of the clavicle does not usually break, so it acts as a sleeve to hold the bone together while it heals. In rare cases, a doctor may recommend surgery if the broken bones are severely displaced.

Sometimes, while a broken collarbone heals, a lump remains where the bone was broken. Sometimes the bump does not go completely. But it does not cause pain or other problems with the arm or shoulder.

When can I return to sports?

Your doctor will see you again and let you know when you can return to sports. This usually happens when:

• When the doctor presses on the collarbone, there is no pain.
• Your shoulder strength is normal.
• You can move and use your arm and shoulder without pain.

Generally, people can return to non-contact sports (such as running or swimming) after about 6 weeks, and contact sports (such as football, lacrosse, and hockey) after 8-12 weeks.

Can a collarbone fracture be prevented?

Because collarbone fractures happen suddenly, they can be difficult to prevent. But to reduce your risk:

When playing contact sports, wear all recommended protective equipment and learn the appropriate techniques for your sport.

Keep your bones strong by eating a well-balanced diet. Be sure to eat plenty of vegetables and foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, which help strengthen bones.

Do strength training and stretching to build strong, flexible muscles. Strong and flexible muscles will help support your bones better, keep you mobile, and reduce the chance of a hard fall. A proper warm-up, including dynamic stretching exercises, can help your muscles perform at their best during a game.

Wear well-fitting, supportive footwear suitable for your sport.

Looking ahead

Most broken collarbones heal quickly and completely. Within a few months, you should return to the activities you enjoyed before the injury.

A tourist who broke his collarbone in Vietnam is dissatisfied with the quality of the operation

According to Muscovite Roman Egorov ( name changed. – Ed. ), who recently returned to his homeland after a ruined vacation in Vietnam, the insurance company saved on his medical care. According to the tourist, after a fracture of the collarbone, he underwent an operation “using outdated technologies” and in conditions of complete unsanitary conditions.

The tourist was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the right clavicle with displacement after he was injured while surfing. The Russian was hit by a wave, and Roman ran into the reef, hitting his back against the rocks.

In the An Phuoc hospital, where the Russian was initially taken, he was required to make an advance payment in cash – $ 2,000. Yegorov did not have such an amount with him, and later he was operated on in another clinic, the conditions in which, according to him, did not meet the sanitary norms and standards of modern medicine.

Roman Egorov tells:

“An hour after the operation, I woke up in a general intensive care unit with naked aunts and old people. Fleas jumped all over, I yelled in all languages, but no one came up … As soon as I could get up, I left there. Later I discovered that there were no plates or pins – just a needle inserted into the bone! It still hurts a lot … ”says Roman, who is continuing treatment already in Moscow and at his own expense.

Yulia Alcheeva, Executive Director of ERV Travel Insurance JSC:

“The amount of expenses in this case amounted to $1,667. The insured tourist was referred to the An Phuoc Hospital, who really demanded an advance payment for the operation, since he does not work under a letter of guarantee. Therefore, the patient was taken to the clinic with which there is an agreement for payment of medical services by bank transfer. He was successfully operated on, and hospitalization was recommended by the doctor. But a few hours later, the client was discharged of his own free will,” Alcheeva said.

According to her, there is no single level of medical care in the host countries of Russian tourists, and after the accident, there was simply no other possibility for surgical intervention by surgeons. “What technologies are available in Vietnamese clinics, they have to do with them,” Yulia Alcheeva clarifies.

Tourists are not satisfied with these explanations. In this regard, he turns to the HotLine.travel audience for “Help from the Hall” and asks the question: “Is it possible to receive compensation from the insurance company?” The editors ask lawyers to speak, although the answer in this situation is likely to be negative – the client still received the service provided for by the policy.