Hand and Wrist Injuries

The ability to use our hands and wrists is incredibly important. When people suffer from hand and wrist injuries caused by car accidents, the effects can be devastating. Many hands and wrist injuries limit or completely prevent a person from engaging in basic tasks. Those who depend on the use of their hands for their jobs may need to take time off of work. Not being able to perform routine tasks and other work requiring hands and wrists at home can cause significant quality of life issues and additional expenses.

If you or a loved one has experienced a wrist or hand injury caused by a car accident, you may be entitled to damages. The Charlotte personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC understand how challenging it can be to recover from a car accident. Our attorneys assist car accident victims and fight hard on their behalf to help them obtain the financial compensation they deserve. Our Charlotte car accident attorneys have a reputation for being friendly, assertive, and effective. We give all of our clients the individual at the attention they deserve. Contact our law firm today to discuss how our attorneys can help you.

There are many types of accidents that are common for those involved in Charlotte car accidents. Many wrist and hand injuries happen when the passenger or driver stick their hands out in a defensive manner to protect their heads. The force of the car accident can often cause people to be hurled forward. While being thrown forward, passengers and drivers often shove their hands out in front of them. If the airbags do not deploy or the passenger in the back seat, the force could cause injuries to the hands or wrists. The following other injuries could occur in a car accident:

Hand and wrist fractures often result from car accidents. The force of an automobile's impact can cause a bone to snap or become fractured. A broken wrist is a common injury sustained in a car accident. The force of the collision, broken car parts, glass, or metal debris can cause damage to the hand and wrist during a motor vehicle accident. Scaphoid fractures that involve the breaking of all of the small bones in the wrist can happen in car accidents.

Some people are more likely to experience wrist and hand fractures in a car accident. People with osteoporosis have bones that are more fragile and thinner than other bones. Those with osteoporosis may have a more difficult time healing from broken wrist and hand bones, as well. The treatment for a broken wrist and bone fractures should begin early.

Victims of car accidents who experience broken wrist or hand bones should seek treatment as soon as possible. Without early and thorough treatment, bones may not heal quickly or correctly. Early treatment often minimizes stiffness and pain after the recovery period.

The treatment for a wrist or hand injury depends on the severity and location of the injury. If the wrist or hand bone is broken and is not aligning correctly, a doctor may need to physically manipulate the bones back into place in a procedure known as a reduction. If the wound is severe, a surgeon may place the injured person under anesthesia before manipulating the bones.

Soon after an injury, a doctor may recommend immobility of the affected hand or wrist. Injured parties often need to wear a cast or splint. Many times, doctors advise patients to keep their hands above their elbow as much as they can to reduce pain and swelling. When the bones splinter, surgery may be necessary to remove bone fragments or add pins.

One of the most painful complications from wrist and hand injuries is stiffening. It is important to move both your hand and wrist while they are healing to prevent stiffness after the doctor says it is okay to move the injured wrist or hand. Most doctors recommend that injured parties quit smoking as it can prevent or delay healing.

• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Deformities such as a bent wrist or bend finger
• Finger or hand amputation
• Swelling
• Severe pain
• Nerve damage to the hand or wrist
• Inability to fully use the wrist or hand

If you or someone you know has suffered wrist or hand injuries resulting from a car accident, we can help. Contact the Charlotte personal injury attorneys today to schedule your free initial consultation. Call us now at 704-370-2828 to speak with our lawyers to explore your legal options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and our new location in Monroe.