When you think of joint injuries, you likely do not immediately think of a car crash. However, along with falls, traffic accidents are a leading cause of dislocations and other joint issues. Dislocations are painful injuries that often require extensive treatment over weeks or months following the accident.
If you suffered a dislocation due to a car accident, slip and fall accident, or another type of incident, you should discuss your rights to compensation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Call Bednarz & Bednarz for a free consultation today.
What is a Dislocation?
When the bones of your joint shift out of place, you will likely be diagnosed with a dislocation injury. Dislocations most commonly occur in the following joints:
- Shoulder
- Knee
- Hip
- Elbow
- Finger
- Jaw
You can sustain a partial or complete dislocation, and both types require immediate medical attention. Always seek medical treatment if you have any of the following symptoms regarding one of your joints:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Loss of movement ability
- The joint feels unstable
- There is a visible bone out of place
Even if your bone pops out of the joint and then back in, you should still see a doctor right away. If you fail to see a doctor, serious complications can arise, including lasting damage to the nerves or blood vessels.
Dislocation Treatment and Effects
Doctors will use imaging tests to diagnose a dislocated joint. If you have a dislocation, the treatment will depend on which joint is affected and the severity of the injury. Treatment may include one or more of the following:
- Medication for pain relief and anti-inflammation
- Manipulation by a doctor to get the bone back in place
- Rest to protect the joint and keep it from slipping out again
- Rehabilitative therapy to strengthen the soft tissue around the joint
- Surgery if the bone will not return to its place or if there is tissue damage
Even after a doctor realigns your joint, a long recovery process will still be required. The risk of another dislocation is high unless you properly rest and engage in physical therapy. During this time, your joint may be immobilized, and you might not be able to work. For this reason, the financial losses from a dislocation can include both medical expenses and lost income.
If someone else caused the motor vehicle accident or fall that resulted in your dislocation, that party should be liable for all of your losses. You should consult with an experienced accident and injury attorney about the insurance claim process as soon as you can.
Contact a Nashville Dislocation Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation
We help clients who sustain a wide range of injuries in many types of accidents. If you believe you have a potential injury case, please call our Hendersonville office at 615-256-0100 or contact us online. Discover how we can assist you today.
