Call Toll Free 1-888-792-3595

Falls in the workplace happen all the time

There are many ways a person can be injured at work including breaking an arm. The most common way for a person to break their arm is by falling onto an outstretched hand or elbow. Falls in the workplace happen all the time, some work environments have hazards environments. Working construction or at any sort of factory may increase your risk of falling down at work due to the environment. However falls can happen at any kind of work place.

Breaking your arm will generally involve one of the three bones in your arm, the ulna, radius, and humerus. There isn’t a specific treatment for a broken arm, it all depends on the location of the break and how severe it is. Some broken arms can be treated with a sling, ice and rest while others may require surgery. A complex broken arm may require implant wires, plates, or even nails and screws to realign the broken bone and maintain proper alignment during the healing process.

If you break your arm more than likely you will know right away because there is generally a loud snap or cracking sound; however some fractures can be more subtle. Signs and symptoms include:
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Severe Pain
• Stiffness or inability to move your arm
• Obvious deformity

If you present yourself to your doctor with a possible broken arm he or she will take x-rays to determine the extent of the break and find its exact location. The course of treatment will vary depending on your specific fracture. If you have a displaced fracture your doctor will need to get it back to its proper position. You may need to wear a splint, sling, and brace or cast to restrict movement of the arm while it heals. Restricting movement is important to healing the break. To reduce and any pain or swelling your doctor may recommend that you take some kind of over-the-counter pain reliever while you heal. After your initial treatment you will need therapy soon after to minimize any stiffness in your arm, hand, or shoulder. Once your break has completely healed your doctor may recommend that you continue with therapy to regain any lost muscle strength, joint motion, or flexibility.

The main way you can prevent breaking an arm is by being cautious at work and avoiding falls as much as you can. If work in a hazardous or dangerous environment you may want to try doing what you can to make it safer. You can also wear protective gear if possible or anything that my help shield a break.

If you or a loved one has been injured at work Walker, Billingsley & Bair is here to help answer your questions. Iowa Worker Compensation Attorney Corey J. L. Walker practices primarily in workers’ compensation law and he is dedicated to giving your case the personal attention that it needs. Also, he offers a book about Iowa workers' compensation at no cost, risk or obligation. The book is called “Iowa Workers’ Compensation- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries” which includes 7 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid if You are Hurt at Work. To order your copy, go to http://www.IowaWorkInjury.com or by Call Now 1-800-707-2552 (ext. 811) (24 Hour Recorded Message). Corey offers his Iowa work comp. book at no cost because he has seen too many hard working Iowans from Des Moines, Newton, Marshalltown, Ft. Dodge and throughout the state of Iowa hurt on the job make mistakes which cost them thousands of dollars. Iowans hurt at work are beginning to realize that the insurance company is not there to help them and that they should learn about Iowa's workers compensation laws. Finally, there is a book about Iowa workers compensation that you can review in the comfort of your own home.