Broken Clavicle Lawyers: Slip and Fall or Accident Can Cause Painful Fractured Collar Bone Injury.

A broken clavicle, also known as a fractured collar bone, is one of the most common bone breaks. The consequences of a broken collarbone can be painful and long term. Breaking your clavicle is nearly always the result of an accident. Common accidents which cause a collar bone break include a slip, trip or fall, or a traumatic injury directly to the shoulder such as a car or sports accident. If you or a loved one has suffered a broken collarbone as the result of an accident, please contact a California attorney to learn about your rights.

Broken Collarbone Anatomy
The collar bone, or clavicle, is located in your shoulder area. One of the three main bones in your shoulder joint, the collar bone supports the entire shoulder by connecting your shoulder blade (scapula) to the top of your breastbone (sternum). The three main elements comprising the shoulder joint are:

• The clavicle (collarbone)
• The scapula (shoulder blade)
• The acromioclavicular (AC) joint

Fractured Collar Bone Causes
The most frequent cause of a clavicle break is falling while part or all of your arm or hand is extended. The collarbone absorbs the shock of the fall and subsequently breaks. The fall can be the result of a slight slip or trip with an outstretched arm, and need not be from a large height. Additionally, direct impact to your clavicle or shoulder area, such as in a car accident, can cause a broken collar bone. Young children have an increased chance of breaking their collarbones while playing.

Broken Clavicle Symptoms
There are multiple signs that you may have broken your collarbone, including pain and a grinding feeling with clavicle movement. Rarely, a clavicle break can pinch nerves or blood vessels, or injure a rib or lung. Here are some of the symptoms:

• Pain and swelling which is immediate or progressive
• Hearing a snap upon impact
• Limited motion in the shoulder area, including not being able to life your arm
• Cracking or grinding feeling or sound when the shoulder is moved
• Bump or lump in the fractured area
• Sagging shoulder
• Arm paleness, numbness or tingling (in more severe and less common breaks)

Broken Collarbone Treatment
Once diagnosed, usually by way of an x-ray, a broken collarbone will often heal by itself, assisted by an arm sling to help maintain shoulder position. Surgery is rarely required for fractured clavicle treatment. Management of a broken collar bone can include:

• Arm sling, worn for up to a week for adults and longer for children
• Figure-8 strap worn in place of an arm sling
• Rest for up to 6 weeks
• Icing
• Pain or anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy as prescribed by a professional

Have you or a family member broken your collarbone as the result of an accident in California? If so, please contact a licensed and experienced law team to help you through this difficult time. Call The Rudman Law Firm, PLC at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free and confidential consultation. Let us help you now.