Untreated Bone Fracture: How Portland Lawyers Can Help
Posted on October 31, 2025 writen by Jane Paulson in Medical Malpractice
An untreated bone fracture sets off a chain of complications. While bones heal well with proper care, delayed or overlooked treatment can result in lasting pain, arthritis, infection, and even nerve or blood vessel damage. The bone may also fail to heal entirely (nonunion) or in a deformed position (malunion). When this happens, a medical malpractice lawyer Portland residents can trust becomes essential.
At Paulson Coletti, we understand victims’ immense pain and financial hardship. We believe no one should suffer with lingering pain, mounting bills, and unanswered questions due to a professional’s negligence.
Our dedicated team stands by your side, providing compassionate guidance and clear explanations. We will fight for the answers you deserve and help you pursue full accountability. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your legal options.
Call Us (503) 226-6361 What Is an Untreated Bone Fracture?
An untreated bone fracture is a broken bone that does not receive a timely diagnosis or appropriate treatment. This often occurs when a provider mistakes the injury for a sprain, fails to order imaging, or discharges a patient too quickly. Without care, the fracture may heal improperly or not at all, and an untreated fracture can set the stage for complications that are harder and more expensive to fix later.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, most fractures heal successfully once treated. The body naturally forms new tissue, called callus, that connects the broken bone pieces. Still, some fractures fail to heal even with appropriate care. Risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, infection, or poor stabilization can increase the likelihood of nonunion, where the bone does not heal, or delayed union, where healing takes longer than expected.
Immediate Medical Risks of Leaving a Fracture Untreated
Infection & Open Fracture Risks
When a fracture breaks through the skin, it becomes an open fracture, and infection is the primary danger. Bacteria can easily invade soft tissue and bone, leading to osteomyelitis, a serious infection demanding months of antibiotics or multiple surgeries. If a provider fails to clean and stabilize the wound promptly, the risk of permanent damage grows.
Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage
A fracture does not just affect bone; sharp fragments can sever or compress nerves and blood vessels. This can cause numbness, tingling, or circulation loss. When treatment is delayed, these complications worsen, sometimes becoming irreversible. Restoring nerve or vascular function may require complex surgery, and patients may never regain full sensation or strength.
Long-Term Physical & Functional Consequences
Chronic Pain, Arthritis, Reduced Mobility
Poorly treated fractures often lead to chronic pain and arthritis. Malunion changes the way joints bear weight, causing abnormal wear and strain. Over time, stiffness and swelling reduce flexibility. Every day activities, from walking to lifting, become difficult. For many, this means relying on ongoing medical care and living with constant discomfort tied to an untreated bone fracture that never healed correctly.
Psychological, Financial & Occupational Impacts
The toll of an untreated fracture extends beyond physical pain. The psychological impact can be profound. Patients describe frustration, anxiety, and depression from the loss of independence. Financially, repeated doctor visits, therapy, and missed work add up. Careers can be cut short if mobility is permanently limited. Ultimately, what began as a treatable injury can become a life-altering burden.
Signs That a Fracture Has Not Healed Properly
How can you tell if your fracture never healed as it should? Warning signs include:
- Persistent pain or swelling months after injury.
- A visibly misshapen limb.
- Limited range of motion or difficulty bearing weight.
- Abnormal movement at the fracture site, sometimes called “false motion”.
Any of these symptoms signals that medical follow-up is necessary. Left unchecked, the damage only compounds, making recovery more difficult and costly. These indicators often appear after an untreated fracture or after receiving inadequate follow-up.
Legal Considerations in Oregon Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is not about every bad result. According to the Oregon State Bar, a poor outcome alone does not mean negligence occurred. To prove malpractice, four elements must be shown:
- The provider owed a duty of care, often called the standard of care
- The provider breached that duty
- The breach caused harm
- The harm resulted in measurable damages
In fracture cases, malpractice may involve ignoring clear signs of a break, failing to order imaging, misreading studies, or providing inadequate follow-up care. A malpractice claim may be warranted when these failures lead to an untreated bone fracture and long-term harm. This is where guidance from a dedicated medical malpractice attorney can make all the difference, helping you understand your rights and move forward with confidence.
Steps to Take if You Suspect an Untreated Fracture Injured You
If you believe medical negligence caused your untreated fracture, swift action matters. Steps to protect yourself include:
- Seek medical evaluation quickly. Ask for imaging or request a referral if symptoms persist.
- Document everything. Keep copies of medical records, bills, and written communication with providers.
- Track financial losses. Save wage records or proof of time off work.
- Consult legal counsel. A malpractice review can help determine whether negligence is responsible for your harm.
These steps build both a clearer medical picture and a stronger legal claim if you pursue compensation. Proper legal guidance makes a huge difference when deadlines, evidence, and complex medical records are in play.
Why Choosing an Experienced Portland Medical Malpractice Attorney Matters
At Paulson Coletti, we have represented many clients whose untreated bone fracture cases left them with struggles they should never have endured. These claims are not just about broken bones; they are about lost time, overwhelming medical bills, and the toll of constant pain. Our role as a trusted medical malpractice lawyer Portland families can turn to is to hold negligent providers accountable and fight for the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.
We know that every client’s story is unique, which is why we take the time to listen, explain your legal options in clear terms, and stand with you through every step of the process. You should not have to carry this burden alone, and with our team on your side, you never will.
Contact Paulson Coletti today at 503-226-6361 to schedule a consultation. Let us fight for your rights, provide the guidance you deserve, and help you pursue justice when medical negligence changes your future.
At Paulson Coletti, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win—because justice should never come with financial risk.Paulson Coletti
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