Pathologic Fracture Lawyer

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A pathologic fracture is a type of break that occurs in abnormal bone. This type of bone fracture may occur because of minor trauma that would otherwise not generally result in a break in a normal bone. Conversely, it may also happen spontaneously. Pathologic fractures are often the result of underlying diseases, particularly tumors. The tumors may occur because of osteoporosis or metastasis. For pathologic fractures, the carcinomas that have been found to most often cause bone metastasis generally include the prostate, renal, thyroid, breast, and lung. Other underlying conditions that have the potential to result in the weakening of the vertebrae may include Paget’s disease, osteomalacia, and infection. Satisfactory patient outcomes are based on the prompt diagnosis of a pathologic fracture, staging, and treatment.

If you were diagnosed with a pathologic fracture after minor trauma in an accident, discuss your case with one of our compassionate and skilled personal injury attorneys at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to meet with you and provide free, friendly advice on your case.

A lawyer that is experienced in handling accident cases and is well-versed in California personal injury law can help you rebuild your life after a traumatic crash. When you turn to our legal team at AutoAccident.com for assistance, you will receive just that. We have handled a wide array of personal injury cases since 1982 and would be honored to put our experience, resources, and knowledge to work for your claim. Connect with one of our skilled and compassionate pathologic fracture attorneys at our law firm today to discuss your case in detail in a free consultation. We are available anytime to go over the details of your collision and determine how we can help you through this difficult time.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Pathologic Fracture?

Symptoms of a pathologic fracture may include but are not limited to:

  • Pain in the arms, back, and legs
  • Numbness in the arms or legs
  • Weakness in the legs or arms

Patients presenting with pathologic fractures may report symptoms that are specific to a type of primary carcinoma, such as lung carcinoma from a cough or shortness of breath. In other cases, symptoms of hypercalcemia of malignancy may be reported by patients. These may present as a gastrointestinal abnormality or mild confusion attributed to renal failure or cardiac arrhythmia.

How is a Pathologic Fracture Diagnosed?

A patient will undergo a physical examination that will focus on assessing the affected extremity or spine when warranted. When there is a positive identification of a pathologic fracture through a lesion originating from an unknown location, a comprehensive workup is necessary for etiology and staging. Laboratory analysis and radiological analysis are necessary for identifying disease-specific markers and obtaining information regarding a pathologic lesion. For the purposes of staging, computed tomography (CT) scans will be ordered of the pelvis, abdomen, and chest with intravenous and oral contrast. To evaluate the activity of osteoblasts, bone scans may prove to be helpful in these cases. If there are concerns for primary bone sarcoma or pre-operative planning, a physician may order advanced imaging of the affected extremity. Pregnancy tests will be ordered for female patients of child-bearing age before imaging.

A biopsy may be performed once a radiological and laboratory workup has been completed. The reason why a staging workup should be completed before a biopsy may include a tumor turning out to be a primary bone sarcoma. Another reason is that there may be accessibility from an additional site of metastasis or may be attributable to less morbidity than the pathologic fracture and its location. Other considerations may include the intraoperative hemostasis and the need for preoperative embolization, in addition to the increased chances for a correct diagnosis based on the combination of laboratory studies and pre-operative imaging with histopathology. There are three types, including open biopsy, core-needle biopsy, and fine-needle aspiration. Each type of biopsy has its disadvantages and advantages.

How is a Pathologic Fracture Treated?

The goals of medical treatment for pathologic fractures are spine stabilization, pain relief, and reversal of neurological deficits. In less severe cases, non-operative management is generally recommended. This may include the use of a brace, limitations on physical activity, and medications for pain management. The purpose of the brace is to prevent the back from bending forward and to provide support. This may help remove pressure from the vertebrae that have been fractured. In pathologic fractures attributed to osteoporosis, the purpose of treatment is to prevent fractures in the future. This may include weight-bearing exercises, bisphosphonates, and vitamin D and calcium supplements.

In cases where metastatic cancer is involved, the options for treatment will vary from patient to patient. Non-surgical management may include radiation therapy or vertebroplasty for pain relief. The application of radiation occurs in the affected area with the goals of reversing neurological compromise and stopping the osteolytic process. When a surgeon performs vertebroplasty, they will inject a cement mixture into the broken bone to prevent the progression of a spinal deformity, manage pain, and stabilize the fracture. Surgery of the spine may be reserved for those cases involving spinal cord compression and an unstable spinal column. The purpose of surgical intervention is to restore the support of the spinal canal to help control pain and restore neurological functions.

In some pathologic fracture cases, the removal of diseased bone may be necessary to alleviate the pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. This may require a spinal fusion for the stabilization of the spine as it undergoes the healing process. A surgeon performing this type of procedure will apply a bone graft along the area that is unstable to allow the fusion of the vertebrae. Internal fixation may also be necessary to hold the vertebrae in place with the use of rods and screws as it heals. The surgeon will recommend procedures based on patient needs and their unique situation.

Can You Seek Financial Recovery for Injuries from an Accident?

In the aftermath of an accident, those involved may be dealing with more than just the costs of vehicle repairs. They may also be facing lasting injuries, such as pathologic fractures, that may impact their emotional and physical health. The economic and non-economic damages experienced will be specific to the incident. These may include but are not limited to expenses for medical treatment, wage loss, permanent injury or disability, future lost earnings, lost enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.

 
Recovering losses generally involves filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and their insurance company. There are some unique situations where an injured party may have to file a claim through their uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage if the other side has limited or no liability coverage. For instance, if an individual sustained a pathologic fracture in an accident and the other side has insufficient liability insurance to pay for damages incurred, an underinsured motorist claim may be appropriate in these circumstances.

Can a Pre-Existing Health Condition Affect an Accident Case?

When seeking financial recovery for accident-related losses, pre-existing conditions may complicate the process. That is because insurance carriers often use pre-existing health conditions, such as a pathologic fracture, as an excuse to downplay the value of a bodily injury claim or outright deny it. Remember that insurers are in the business of paying as little as possible on claims to protect their profit margins, and that often comes at the cost of injured parties just like you.

 
It is a good idea to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident so that a physician will determine how the condition has been aggravated or worsened because of the incident. While a pre-existing condition may cause challenges in a personal injury case, help from the right pathologic fracture attorney may yield a favorable resolution. Contact our legal team at AutoAccident.com for free, friendly case advice today.

What Steps Should Be Taken After an Accident?

We all hope that we will never be involved in a crash. However, when the unexpected occurs, it is crucial to be prepared for it. Be sure to follow these steps if involved in an accident:

  • Seek Medical Treatment: After an accident resulting in traumatic injuries, medical attention should be sought immediately for your health and well-being. Remember that any delay in medical care and gaps in treatment may cause the claims adjuster to question your case. When this occurs, you should expect the insurance adjuster to downplay the value of your claim or outright deny coverage. That is why it is a good idea to always get treated promptly after a serious crash.
  • Collect and Preserve Evidence: Gather and preserve any evidence that is related to the crash as soon as possible as it may be lost or destroyed over time. This may include photos of the collision site, physical injuries, road signage, and damage to the vehicles involved.
  • Search for Eyewitnesses: Stories can change among parties involved in a crash. That is why it is essential to find eyewitnesses to the incident that may provide their account of the accident. Be sure to ask for their contact information just in case your pathologic fracture lawyer needs it for future use.
  • Request a Copy of a Traffic Incident Report: If authorities arrived at the scene of the motor vehicle collision to provide assistance, be sure to ask for a traffic incident report to be conducted. This will be a useful form of evidence to have when bringing a personal injury claim with the insurance carrier.
  • Report the Accident to the Insurer: Remember that insurance companies must be notified of a crash within a specific period, generally 48 hours. Failure to comply with the contractual language of the policy on reporting accidents may result in the denial of the coverage that is available to you. Do not agree to a settlement offer or a recorded statement until you have discussed your case with legal counsel.
  • Contact a Lawyer: Above all, when you have decided to take legal action, be sure to contact an accident attorney right away. A lawyer can review the details of your pathologic fracture case, answer any questions you may have about the recovery process, and act quickly to ensure that your rights and best interests are protected. You only have two years to file a personal injury case in civil court, so do not delay speaking with an experienced pathologic fracture attorney today.
Watch this video for tips and suggestions on how to select a top injury lawyer in your area to handle your pathologic fracture case.

Contact a Pathologic Fracture Attorney Today

Since 1982, our team of personal injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com has represented injured parties and their families in communities throughout the state of California. Our work on behalf of our clients has led to our membership in the Top 1 Percent and Million Dollar Advocates. We are proud of the successful verdicts and settlements we have obtained for our clients.

 
When you have been involved in an accident that led to the development of a pathologic fracture, our legal team is here to guide you through the recovery process. Give our compassionate and skilled pathologic fracture lawyers a call today for free, friendly advice on your injury case at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

Editor's Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 8.1.22]

Image Credit: "Anna Shvets" on Pexels

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