Traumatic Brain Injuries After an Accident in Rhode Island
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A broken bone is not a minor inconvenience. Depending on which bone breaks and how severely, a fracture can require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, months of physical therapy, and permanent hardware implantation. For older adults, a hip or vertebral fracture can be life-altering. For anyone, a fracture involving a joint can lead to lasting arthritis and chronic pain.
At the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano, we handle fracture claims across all practice areas and know how to document the full cost of a broken bone from day one through projected future treatment. Call us at (401) 288-3888 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
6.8M
Fractures occur annually in the United States from accidents, falls, and other traumatic causes
$285,000
Settlement recovered by MFC Law for a Rhode Island slip and fall victim with serious orthopedic injuries
6–8 weeks
Minimum typical healing time for a simple fracture; complex fractures and joint injuries take considerably longer
Common Fracture Types in Rhode Island Accident Cases
Hip Fractures
Hip fractures are most common in older adults following a slip and fall and are among the most serious and costly fracture injuries. They almost always require surgery, either internal fixation with hardware or partial or total hip replacement, followed by weeks of hospitalization and months of rehabilitation. Many hip fracture patients never fully regain their pre-injury level of mobility, and some require long-term or permanent home health assistance.
Wrist and Forearm Fractures
Wrist fractures (distal radius fractures) are extremely common when a person instinctively extends their hand to break a fall. While many heal with casting, displaced fractures often require surgical fixation. Wrist fractures involving the joint surface can cause long-term pain, stiffness, and an elevated risk of arthritis that permanently affects the ability to perform manual tasks.
Ankle Fractures
Ankle fractures frequently occur when a person lands on a twisted or inverted foot. Bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures involving multiple bones are particularly serious and often require surgery. Recovery involves weeks of non-weight-bearing, followed by months of physical therapy. Post-traumatic arthritis in the ankle is a common long-term consequence.
Rib Fractures
Rib fractures are common in car and motorcycle accidents and in high-force falls. Multiple rib fractures can cause pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pulmonary contusion, each of which is a life-threatening emergency. Even uncomplicated rib fractures are extremely painful and can limit breathing, coughing, and movement for weeks, with a meaningful risk of complications including pneumonia.
Vertebral Fractures
Compression fractures and burst fractures of the spine occur in high-force accidents and in falls, particularly among older adults with osteoporosis. Some vertebral fractures are managed conservatively, but unstable fractures may require surgical stabilization. The presence of a vertebral fracture also raises immediate concern for spinal cord injury.
Clavicle and Shoulder Fractures
Clavicle fractures are common in car and motorcycle accidents. Shoulder fractures, including proximal humerus fractures, frequently occur in falls. These injuries can involve the shoulder joint, leading to rotator cuff damage and long-term functional impairment. Surgery is required in a significant proportion of cases.
$285,000
Settlement recovered by MFC Law for a Rhode Island client who suffered serious orthopedic injuries in a slip and fall at a private residence.
How Fracture Severity Affects Claim Value
Simple vs. Compound Fractures
A simple (closed) fracture involves a broken bone with no wound on the skin. A compound (open) fracture involves a bone that has broken through the skin, dramatically increasing infection risk and typically requiring surgery. Compound fractures are more serious, more expensive to treat, and carry higher damages.
Displaced vs. Non-Displaced Fractures
A non-displaced fracture means the bone broke but remained in alignment and can often be treated with casting. A displaced fracture means the bone fragments have moved apart and typically require surgical reduction and fixation. Displaced fractures carry higher medical costs and longer recovery timelines.
Joint-Involving Fractures
Fractures that extend into a joint surface, called intra-articular fractures, are particularly serious because of the high risk of post-traumatic arthritis. Long after the fracture heals, the damaged joint surface can cause ongoing pain and stiffness that affects daily function for years or decades. Future treatment costs for joint fractures should be projected in full as part of your damages.
Insurance Company Tactics in Fracture Cases
“It Was a Simple Fracture and Should Have Healed Completely”
Insurers downplay fracture claims by citing expected recovery timelines and arguing that any ongoing symptoms are the result of the victim’s own failure to rehabilitate or a pre-existing condition. We document ongoing symptoms through medical records and, where appropriate, independent medical evaluations.
“The Future Arthritis Is Speculative”
The risk of post-traumatic arthritis following a joint fracture is well-documented in the medical literature. We work with orthopedic surgeons who can testify to the probability and projected treatment cost of this long-term consequence, converting a “speculative” future condition into a documented, quantifiable damage.
“Your Pre-Existing Osteoporosis Made You More Susceptible”
Rhode Island’s eggshell plaintiff doctrine applies here. If the victim’s bone density made them more susceptible to fracture, the at-fault party is still responsible for the full injury. You take the victim as you find them.
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Fracture in Rhode Island?
Recoverable damages for fracture injuries in Rhode Island include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgery, hardware implantation, hospitalization, and all follow-up treatment
- Future Medical Costs: Hardware removal, joint replacement, arthritis management, and any additional procedures projected by an orthopedic surgeon. See our page on future medical expenses
- Lost Wages: Income lost while the fracture prevents work
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If the fracture causes permanent impairment that limits the type of work available
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain during recovery and any chronic pain from permanent damage. See our page on pain and suffering calculation
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Real Stories. Real Results.
What truly impressed me was the amount of compensation I received. It's significantly more than what I got from other cases where I treated for twice as long, and those took much longer to resolve. The efficiency and effectiveness of this team are truly commendable.
Communication was top-notch throughout the entire process. I felt informed and involved every step of the way, and I was particularly pleased that I could reach out to Mike directly whenever I had questions. His accessibility made a world of difference and reassured me that I was in good hands.
If you're looking for a dedicated team that delivers results quickly and effectively, I highly recommend this firm. They exceeded my expectations, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case!
I’m in a new whip, watch, kicks, it was the little jumpstart I needed to get me going. 5 months and I got it. Hit em up and be patient call every now and then and that’s it, be patient ock you’ll get paid.
Their team went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and informed every step of the way. They handled everything—from paperwork to negotiations—seamlessly, which completely eased my anxiety. What could have been an incredibly stressful and daunting lawsuit turned into a smooth and almost effortless process, thanks to their dedication and professionalism.
I was especially impressed with how they fought for my case. They didn’t settle for the first offer but instead pushed for what I truly deserved. In the end, they secured a settlement that was far beyond anything I ever expected. Their persistence and expertise showed me that I was in the best hands possible.
Lawsuits can be stressful, but Michael F. Campopiano and his team made the entire experience not only bearable but even empowering. If you’re looking for a legal team that genuinely cares, works tirelessly, and delivers outstanding results, look no further. I am so thankful for their help and would recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you for everything!
Areas We Serve
- Throughout Rhode Island & Massachusetts, helping victims of personal injury get the care they deserve.
“When you choose us, you can be rest assured that you will receive personalized attention and a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Our skilled lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, explaining your rights and options in clear, straightforward language.
We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, Dog Bite, and more. No matter the complexity of your case, we have the expertise and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.”
Frequently Asked Questions: Fractures After an Accident in Rhode Island
1. Is a broken bone considered a serious injury?
It depends on which bone, how severely it broke, and whether it involves a joint. A non-displaced finger fracture that heals completely is a minor injury. A displaced hip fracture requiring surgery in an older adult is a major, potentially life-altering injury. MFC Law evaluates the specific fracture and does not accept generic low valuations.
2. What if my fracture requires future surgery?
Future surgery costs are recoverable damages even if the surgery has not yet occurred. An orthopedic surgeon’s estimate of likely future procedures is presented as part of your damages at settlement or trial.
3. My fracture is healed but I still have pain. Can I still recover?
Yes. Post-fracture chronic pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and the risk of future arthritis are all compensable consequences of the original injury. We do not consider a fracture “closed” simply because the bone has knit.
4. How long do I have to file a fracture injury claim in Rhode Island?
Three years from the date of the accident under Rhode Island’s statute of limitations. Do not settle before your long-term prognosis is established.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano?
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano?
Founded in 2007, MFC Law has spent nearly two decades fighting for injury victims throughout Rhode Island. Michael F. Campopiano built this firm on a simple belief: advocacy with compassion, when clients need it most. That means being accessible, honest, and relentless. Mike answers client calls directly, moves quickly to preserve evidence, and does not back down when insurance companies push back.
Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so every client feels fully understood and supported through every step of the process.
We represent injury victims across Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, and all surrounding Rhode Island communities.
We're here for you.
We fight for every dollar you deserve. No fee unless we’re successful.
Where Your Voice Finds Strength.
Wherever you are, we’ll fight for your rights bringing justice to light.