Broken Bone Recovery Timeline After an Accident

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says some fractures, for example in the fingers, take 3 to 4 weeks to heal, while others take 6 to 8 weeks, several months (3 to 6 months on average) or longer. It also warns that pain usually stops long before the fracture is solid enough to handle normal activity (OrthoInfo: Fractures).

• Wrist (distal radius): most take about 3 months to heal enough for all activities, and full recovery can take up to a year (OrthoInfo).
• Hip: most hip fractures need surgery, followed by rehabilitation (OrthoInfo).
• Scaphoid (wrist bone near the thumb): heals slowly; a cast or splint may be needed for up to 6 months (OrthoInfo).

1. Emergency care and diagnosis: X-rays, sometimes a CT scan, and setting the bone.
2. Immobilization: a splint, cast or brace, or surgery with plates, screws or rods.
3. Follow-up imaging: repeat X-rays to confirm the bone is healing in place.
4. Therapy: physical or occupational therapy to rebuild motion and strength.
5. Return to work and activity: often in steps, with restrictions.

• Open (compound) fractures and infections
• Fractures through a joint
• Smoking, diabetes and other health conditions
• Poor blood supply to the bone, as with some wrist and hip fractures
• Putting weight on the bone too soon

Some fractures lead to arthritis, stiffness or a second surgery months later. Those long-term effects matter when a claim is valued. Keeping up with follow-up care matters as well; see how gaps in treatment can affect your claim.

To recover pain and suffering from an at-fault driver, Kentucky’s no-fault law generally requires more than $1,000 in medical expenses, or an injury such as a fracture, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement or permanent loss of bodily function (KRS 304.39-060). Because a fracture meets the threshold, you can pursue pain and suffering even if your medical bills are modest. Kentucky uses pure comparative fault: your share of fault reduces your recovery but doesn’t bar it (KRS 411.182).

Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, future care and pain and suffering. Settling before you know how the bone healed can leave future costs uncovered.

• Every X-ray, CT or MRI report, and the images themselves
• Surgery and hardware records
• Therapy notes and home exercise plans
• Work restrictions and missed time
• Photos of casts, surgical scars and assistive devices

Most Kentucky personal injury claims must be filed within one year (KRS 413.140). Most motor vehicle injury claims have two years from the injury or the last PIP payment, whichever is later (KRS 304.39-230). Estimate your dates with our statute of limitations calculator.