Simple Fracture = Good Clinical Evolution? Regarding a case assessment in civil law

Abstract

Fractures of the limbs are one of the most common injuries resultant from road accidents, and so, the assessment of these situations is also very probable in civil law. Normally, they have a good evolution but the development of complications can, in some situations, extend the disease periods for several years and lead to severe handicapping. The authors underwent a forensic bodily damage expert assessment under civil law of a male, 24-years-old who suffered a car accident in 2001 with trauma of the left lower limb and resulting fracture of the leg bones. Following the event and during the next 6 years he was subjected to several surgeries (10 procedures) due to the large number of complications who demanded a very large incapacity period (2432 days) with the consolidation date being established several years after the traumatic event. The objective of this study is to add to the body of information on the forensic assessment of similar cases and also seek to call attention to the treatment of closed leg fractures