The signs and symptoms of a broken bone
Even if you don’t work in a physically demanding field, such as construction, you could still suffer an on-the-job injury. For example, a slip-and-fall on a slippery stairwell may result in a variety of injuries.
While you could suffer almost any type of injury imaginable at work, broken bones are often the result of an accident.
For instance, if you’re a construction worker, a fall from a ladder could result in at least one broken bone.
Since this type of injury could happen at any time, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Bruising and/or swelling
- Deformity, such as a bone sticking through the skin
- Pain in the area that worsens when you attempt to use it
- Inability to put any weight on the bone
- Loss of function
Just because you’re suffering from one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have a broken bone. However, it’s a good indication that something is wrong.
Since a broken bone requires professional treatment, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical assistance. Depending on the severity of the injury, this may mean calling for an ambulance.
Once you receive treatment and understand the long term impact of your injury, you can learn more about the accident itself and your legal rights. If you’re unable to immediately return to work, you may be able to submit a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The money you receive will give you some financial peace of mind as you make your recovery with the idea of returning to your job in the future.
Source: Web MD, “Understanding Bone Fractures – Symptoms,” accessed Dec. 01, 2017