Growth Plate Fracture After a Slip and Fall Incident

Call Our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Indiana to Handle Any Growth Plate Fracture Cases

One type of injury from a slip and fall incident that can happen to children or teenagers is a growth plate fracture. A growth plate fracture after a slip and fall incident can cause permanent deformity, it is important to consult an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Indiana for help with this type of case.

Slip and fall incidents happen every day in Indiana, even though slip and fall incidents are typically preventable. Injuries from slip and fall incidents can be quite serious and can even lead to permanent disability or even wrongful death. Victims of slip and fall incidents may face lengthy recovery time, prolonged hospital stays, pain and suffering, permanent disability, brain damage, and financial losses amongst other things.

What is a Growth Plate Fracture?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “a growth plate fracture affects a layer of growing tissue near the end of a child’s bones”. The growth plates are actually the weakest part of the skeleton, so a child or teen is at higher risk for a fracture if an injury occurs. Adults do not have growth plates. The most common areas for growth plate fractures include the lower leg, forearm, and the bones of the fingers.

What are the Symptoms of a Growth Plate Fracture?

There are certain symptoms which can indicate that a child or teenager has suffered a growth plate fracture. Signs and symptoms include the following:

• Warmth at the end of a bone, particularly near a joint
• Swelling at the end of a bone, particularly near a joint
• Tenderness or pain, especially if pressure is applied to the growth plate
• Inability to apply weight or pressure on the limb
• Inability to move the affected area

How is a Growth Plate Fracture Diagnosed?

A growth plate fracture is diagnosed with assessment as well as imaging. Sometimes, it can be difficult for a radiologist to identify a growth plate fracture on x-ray, which may require the child to obtain additional x-rays of the unaffected leg. Additionally, more serious growth plate fractures may require a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound.

Here at Shaw Law, we know that growth plate fractures are very serious personal injuries. They can affect a person’s entire body. Unfortunately, oftentimes when we talk about a growth plate fracture, we are talking about damage to a young child or teenager. This is often an innocent person who is injured in an incident.

If you or a loved one suffered a growth plate fracture after a slip and fall, contact our slip and fall lawyers in Indiana for a FREE consultation to learn how we can help.

What is the Treatment for a Growth Plate Fracture?

Treatment for a growth plate fracture depends on the severity of the injury. Minor growth plate fractures are typically treated with a splint or cast, while a more severe growth plate fracture crosses the growth plate or enters the joint with misalignment present may require surgery.

What are Possible Complications of a Growth Plate Fracture?

While growth plate fractures often heal without complication, there are certain complications that can occur and can lead to permanent damage or even disfigurement. Complications include the following:

• Development of a crooked appearing limb
• Stunted bone growth
• Accelerated bone growth
• Limb deformity (i.e. the leg that experienced the growth plate fracture is shorter or longer than the unaffected leg)

How Do Slip and Fall Incidents Cause Growth Plate Fractures?

Slip and fall incidents have the risk of causing a growth plate fracture as growth plate fractures are often caused by a fall. Certain circumstances of a slip and fall incident can create great risk for a child or teenager to develop a growth plate fracture. These circumstances include the following:

• Wet floors
• Spilled products on the floor that are not cleaned up
• Excessive cleaning supplies used on the floor
• Falling downstairs
• Snow and ice
• Tripping or slipping on a hole in the ground
• Unlevel flooring
• Falling over garbage left on the floor
• Tripping or slipping and falling on bunched carpet, and
• Other causes of slip and fall incidents leading to growth plate fractures

Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm to Handle a Growth Plate Fracture Case in Indiana

Growth plate fractures after a slip and fall are some of the most serious and debilitating injuries. They can affect the development of a child or teenager in ways that cannot be repaired. Not only is that a serious injury, but the fact that most fall incidents can be prevented by the defendant, means that our children are suffering unnecessary harms.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a fall, call our experienced slip and fall lawyers in Indiana at Shaw Law for a FREE consultation to learn what your rights may be under the law by dialing (260) 777-7777.