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Unexpected accidents and injuries can derail lives. In these challenging moments, car accident injury lawyers become invaluable allies. They advocate for those injured by others' negligence, ensuring they obtain fair compensation. This article explores the vital role these lawyers play, guiding individuals through their claims and helping them rebuild.

Symptoms of a Calcaneus Fracture

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the most common symptoms of a calcaneus fracture include:

- Heel deformity
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Inability to put weight on the heel

Calcaneus fractures can vary in severity, ranging from stable fractures to more serious comminuted fractures, where the bone shatters into three or more pieces.

Treatment Options for Calcaneus Fractures

The treatment for a calcaneus fracture depends on the type and severity of the injury. For less severe fractures, nonsurgical treatments such as casting, immobilization, physical therapy, and pain medications may be sufficient.

For more severe fractures, surgery may be necessary. Two primary surgical options are:

1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: This procedure involves repositioning the bone fragments and securing them with screws or plates.
2. Percutaneous Screw Fixation: This minimally invasive surgery involves inserting screws through small incisions to stabilize the fracture.

Both surgical options require rehabilitation therapy to aid recovery.

Complications from a Calcaneus Fracture

Unfortunately, calcaneus fractures can lead to various complications, especially if not treated properly. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, potential complications include:

- Infection
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Skin healing complications
- Chronic pain
- Joint stiffness
- Tendon irritation
- Nerve irritation

Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Hiring a qualified car accident lawyer in Iowa can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Here’s why:

No Up-Front Fees

Qualified lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. The fees usually range from 30% if the case settles, to up to 40% if it goes to appeal.

Selective Case Acceptance

Reputable lawyers do not take every case that comes in the door. They focus on cases where they believe they can make a significant difference in the compensation you receive.

Handling All Aspects of Your Case

A good attorney will manage all contact with insurance companies, obtain medical records and bills on your behalf, and keep you updated on your case’s progress.

If a lawyer asks you to obtain your own medical records or takes every case indiscriminately, consider it a red flag.

Neck Fusion After a Car Accident: Procedures, Rehabilitation, and Complications

Severe neck injuries from car accidents might require neck fusion surgery, a procedure to fuse disjointed bones and discs. This surgery is often necessary when spinal discs are dislodged, causing significant pain and pressure on nerves.

Pre-Surgery Procedures

Before neck fusion, other decompression techniques might be performed, such as:

- Discectomy: Removal of all or part of a spinal disc.
- Laminectomy: Removal of lamina (part of the vertebra).
- Foraminotomy: Widening the area where nerves exit the spinal column.

Rehabilitation After Surgery

Rehabilitation is lengthy and costly, involving:

- A hospital stay of at least three to four days.
- Possible stay in a rehabilitative unit.
- Limited mobility for six weeks.
- Substantial healing taking three to four months, with full healing potentially taking a year or more.

Speeding Up Recovery

Orthopedics International suggests several ways to speed up recovery:

- Change dressings daily with sterile gauze.
- Eliminate smoking.
- Maintain a healthy diet with high protein, vitamin C, and adequate calcium.
- Avoid excessive physical strain.
- Follow doctor’s orders on physical activity.

Possible Complications

Complications from neck fusion surgery may include:

- Extensive pain and suffering.
- Rejection of the bone graft.
- Problems with general anesthesia.
- Abnormal bleeding.
- Fusion failure.
- Infection and blood clots.
- Increased nerve injury.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.