Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers | January 28, 2026 | Personal Injury
After an accident, one of the first questions many injured people ask is how long recovery will take. Broken bones are among the most common injuries after car crashes, falls, and other serious incidents. While every injury is different, understanding the general healing process can help you know what to expect and what steps to take after an accident in Kentucky.
What Happens When a Bone Breaks?
A fracture occurs when a bone cracks or breaks due to force or trauma. This can happen in car accidents, workplace incidents, slip-and-falls, or pedestrian collisions. Bones begin healing immediately after an injury, but the process takes time and often requires medical care, rest, and follow-up treatment.
Doctors typically describe bone healing in stages. First, the body forms a blood clot around the break. Next, new tissue begins to form, followed by gradual bone strengthening over weeks or months. During this time, activity restrictions are common.
How Long Does Bone Healing Usually Take?
In general, most broken bones take about six to eight weeks to heal. However, that is only a rough estimate. Some fractures heal faster, while others take several months or longer.
Several factors affect healing time, including:
- The type and severity of the fracture
- The bone involved, such as an arm, leg, rib, or hip
- Your age and overall health
- Whether surgery was required
- How closely you follow medical instructions
For example, small fractures in fingers or toes may heal in a few weeks. Larger bones, such as the femur or pelvis, often take much longer and may require physical therapy or surgery.
Signs That a Broken Bone Is Healing
As recovery progresses, pain and swelling usually decrease. You may slowly regain strength and mobility, depending on the injury. X-rays or other imaging tests often confirm whether the bone is healing properly.
That said, complications can occur. Ongoing pain, limited movement, or repeated swelling may signal delayed healing or another issue. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms.
Why Bone Injuries Can Lead to Long-Term Issues
Some fractures heal cleanly, while others cause lasting problems. Complications may include chronic pain, reduced range of motion, nerve damage, or arthritis near the injury site. Severe fractures can permanently affect your ability to work or enjoy daily activities.
Because of these risks, broken bones are not always “simple” injuries. The long-term impact often depends on how the accident happened and whether the injury was preventable.
What to Do if Your Broken Bones Were Caused by Someone’s Negligence
If your broken bone was caused by another party’s carelessness, you may have the right to pursue compensation. In Kentucky, personal injury claims can help cover losses related to an accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies may downplay fractures as temporary injuries, even when recovery is lengthy or incomplete. Understanding the full scope of your injury is critical before accepting any settlement.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options after an accident involving broken bones. This may include reviewing medical records, identifying responsible parties, and communicating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Legal support can be especially important if your injury requires surgery, extended rehabilitation, or time away from work. Having guidance during this process can allow you to focus on healing while your claim is handled.
Contact the Lexington Personal Injury Lawyers at Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Recovering from broken bones after an accident can be painful, stressful, and time-consuming. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers helps accident victims in Lexington and throughout Kentucky understand their rights and next steps.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington personal injury attorney and learn how they may be able to help.
We proudly serve Fayette County and the surrounding areas.
Ross Mann Personal Injury Lawyers – Lexington
501 Darby Creek Rd UNIT 48
Lexington, KY 40509
(859) 413-3900
