Rapid City Broken Bones & Internal Injuries Lawyer
When accidents happen in Rapid City, broken bones and internal injuries are among the most serious consequences victims face. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, lengthy recovery periods, and can result in permanent disabilities that change your life forever. If you or a loved one has suffered broken bones or internal injuries due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced attorneys at Hoy Law are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Hoy Law, we understand that broken bones and internal injuries are not just medical conditions, they are life-altering events that affect every aspect of your daily routine. With over 150 years of combined experience, our team has successfully handled complex injury cases throughout South Dakota, including Rapid City. We know how to investigate these serious injuries, work with medical experts, and build strong cases that hold negligent parties accountable.
Understanding Broken Bone Injuries in Rapid City Accidents
Broken bones, also known as fractures, can occur in any type of accident but are particularly common in car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, and slip and fall incidents throughout Rapid City. The severity of bone fractures varies significantly, from simple breaks that heal with proper treatment to complex compound fractures that require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
Common types of fractures we see in Rapid City accident cases include arm and leg fractures from vehicle collisions along Interstate 90 and Highway 16, rib fractures that can puncture internal organs, hip fractures from falls on icy sidewalks during harsh South Dakota winters, and facial fractures from airbag deployment or dashboard impact. The medical costs associated with these injuries can be overwhelming, especially when multiple fractures occur in a single accident.
Recovery from broken bones often involves emergency room treatment, orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, and sometimes permanent hardware installation like plates, screws, or rods. Many fracture victims face complications such as infections, nerve damage, or arthritis that develops years after the initial injury. These long-term consequences must be considered when calculating the true cost of your injuries.
The Hidden Danger of Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are often called “invisible injuries” because they may not be immediately apparent after an accident, yet they can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Unlike broken bones that are visible on X-rays, internal injuries may require advanced imaging like CT scans or MRIs to detect, and symptoms may not appear until hours or days after the accident.
Common internal injuries from Rapid City accidents include internal bleeding from damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, punctured lungs from broken ribs, traumatic brain injuries from head impact, and damage to the digestive tract. These injuries frequently occur in high-speed collisions on busy Rapid City roads like Mount Rushmore Road or in rollover accidents on rural highways leading to popular Black Hills destinations.
The delayed onset of symptoms makes internal injuries particularly dangerous. Victims may feel fine immediately after an accident and decline medical treatment, only to collapse hours later from internal bleeding or organ failure. This is why we always recommend seeking immediate medical attention after any significant accident, regardless of how you feel at the scene.
Treatment for internal injuries often requires emergency surgery, blood transfusions, extended hospital stays, and ongoing monitoring for complications. The medical expenses can quickly reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, not including lost wages during recovery and potential long-term disability costs.
Building Your South Dakota Injury Case
Proving liability in broken bone and internal injury cases requires thorough investigation and expert testimony. At Hoy Law, we immediately begin gathering evidence to support your claim, including police reports from accidents that occurred at locations like the intersection of Lacrosse Street and Highway 16, medical records documenting the extent of your injuries, witness statements from people who saw the accident, and expert analysis of the accident scene.
We work with medical experts who can explain how your injuries occurred and testify about your future medical needs and limitations. This expert testimony is crucial in cases involving complex fractures or internal injuries where the long-term prognosis may not be clear immediately after the accident.
Our legal team also investigates whether multiple parties may be liable for your injuries. In truck accidents near Rapid City, for example, we may pursue claims against the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or vehicle manufacturer. In premises liability cases involving falls at local businesses or attractions, we examine whether property owners failed to maintain safe conditions or provide adequate warnings.
Under South Dakota’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident, as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto victims to reduce their payouts, but our experienced attorneys know how to counter these tactics and ensure fault is properly assigned.
Rapid City Broken Bones & Internal Injuries FAQs
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my injuries in South Dakota?
South Dakota has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, meaning you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, it’s important to contact an attorney much sooner to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What if my internal injuries weren’t discovered until weeks after my accident?
Delayed discovery of internal injuries is common and doesn’t prevent you from seeking compensation. Our attorneys can work with medical experts to establish the connection between your accident and the later-discovered injuries, even if significant time has passed.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, under South Dakota’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you won’t be barred from recovery entirely.
How much is my broken bone or internal injury case worth?
The value depends on many factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment needs, and pain and suffering. Cases involving permanent disability or complex surgical repairs typically have higher values than simple fractures that heal completely.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This preparation strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
What should I do if the insurance company contacts me after my accident?
You should contact an attorney before giving any recorded statements or accepting any settlement offers. Insurance adjusters often try to get victims to accept quick settlements before they understand the full extent of their injuries and damages.
How do you prove the extent of internal injuries that can’t be seen?
We work with medical experts and use advanced diagnostic imaging, medical records, and expert testimony to document internal injuries. Treatment records, surgical reports, and ongoing monitoring help establish the severity and long-term impact of these injuries.
Serving Throughout Rapid City
- Downtown Rapid City
- West Rapid
- Robbinsdale
- South Canyon
- Cathedral Area
- Knollwood
- Colonial Pine Hills
- North Rapid
- Box Elder
- Black Hawk
Contact a Rapid City Bone Fracture & Internal Injury Attorney Today
Don’t let insurance companies minimize the serious impact that broken bones and internal injuries have had on your life. The attorneys at Hoy Law understand the complexities of these cases and have the experience needed to fight for maximum compensation. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options without any upfront cost or obligation. Time is critical in injury cases, both for preserving evidence and meeting legal deadlines. Contact our Rapid City bone fracture and internal injury attorney today to get the strong legal representation you need during this difficult time.
