The scapula, or shoulder blade, is the bone that connects the humerus (upper arm) to the clavicle (collarbone). Scapular fractures are fairly rare because the scapula is well-protected and sturdy. Less than 5% of shoulder injuries result in a broken scapula. By itself, a scapula fracture is not a life-threatening condition. However, scapula fractures are often accompanied by other serious injuries to the chest, spinal cord, and other internal organs.
Scapula Fracture Treatment
Treatment of a broken shoulder blade includes immobilizing the area, relieving pain, and physical therapy. Unless there is significant displacement, scapula fractures usually heal without the need for surgery. Additional treatment may be required with other injuries commonly associated with scapula fractures, including clavicle fractures, tracheobronchial ruptures, and pneumothorax, the collection of air in the pleural cavity.
Causes of Scapula Fractures
If more pressure is put on the scapula than it can endure, it will break. Some of the most common causes of scapula fractures are:
- Auto accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Construction accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Falling objects
- Accidents from negligent supervision
- Scapula Fracture Compensation
Scapula injuries are extremely painful and may result in permanent damage. When a scapula fracture is caused by someone else’s negligence, such as another driver in a car accident, the victim may be entitled to compensation. In 2009, a Queens County jury awarded a 57-year-old construction worker $1.6 million for his pain and suffering due to a scapula fracture in a construction accident. While unloading wooden planks and frames from the top of scaffolding, several of the planks fell on the plaintiff, causing an extensive, comminuted scapula fracture. Following the injury, the plaintiff had no practical functional use of his shoulder and was unable to return to work, despite seven years of physical therapy.
Free Consultation
If you or a member of your family has suffered a broken scapula in California, you may be entitled to compensation from the party responsible for your injuries. The California scapula fracture lawyers at Estey & Bomberger can help you obtain the money you deserve for your injuries, including your medical expenses, surgeries, rehabilitation, lost earnings related to your accident, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Contact Estey & Bomberger to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Home and hospital visits are available if your injuries prevent you from traveling. All consultations are free.
About Estey & Bomberger – AV Rated CA Injury Lawyers
Choosing the right attorney to handle your case is an important decision. Leveraging more than 70 years of collective experience, the attorneys at Estey & Bomberger have won millions in verdicts and settlements for victims of serious injury throughout California. Estey & Bomberger has received the highest possible AV-rating from Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and legal skills, and our case results and client testimonials are clear examples of our dedication to our clients. If you are looking for professional representation and the maximum results for your case, contact Estey & Bomberger today. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis – we will not charge any fees unless we win your case.