Illinois Pelvic Fracture Lawyers

Award-Winning Injury Attorneys for Pelvic Fracture Victims of Car Accidents, Slip and Falls, and Pedestrian Crashes

Pelvic fractures are among the most serious injuries that can result from personal injury accidents—like motor vehicle collisions, slip and falls, and pedestrian traumas. Given the pelvis’s critical role supporting the body and protecting internal organs, pelvic fractures often lead to life-threatening bleeding, prolonged hospitalization, high medical costs, and long-term disability. In Illinois, victims frequently face mounting medical bills, loss of income, and emotional stress. But understanding the causes, treatments, and legal rights connected to pelvic fractures empowers you to pursue the full justice you deserve.

What Is a Pelvic Fracture?

A pelvic fracture refers to any break in the bony ring of the pelvis, including the sacrum, iliac wings, pubic rami, or acetabulum. These fractures are categorized into two main types:

• Stable fractures, where bones remain aligned and can often be treated nonoperatively.
• Unstable fractures, which may involve multiple breaks and dislocations, often causing severe bleeding and requiring surgical intervention.

Depending on the force and direction of impact, specific patterns, such as lateral compression, vertical shear, or open-book injuries, can develop.

How Pelvic Fractures Occur

Pelvic fractures typically result from high-energy trauma. Common accident mechanisms include:

• Car crashes – particularly side-impact (T-bone) collisions and high-speed crashes; unrestrained occupants are especially vulnerable.
• Pedestrian-vehicle collisions – the pelvis frequently bears the impact as the bumper strikes the hip area.
• Motorcycle and bicycle accidents – riders often suffer severe pelvic fractures when ejected.
• Falls from heights – high falls (>2 m) are a leading cause alongside vehicle accidents.
• Crush injuries and workplace accidents – heavy machinery or building collapse can compress the pelvis.

Common Injury Patterns & Complications

Pelvic fractures frequently coincide with other injuries:

• Chest injuries (63%) and head/neck trauma (40%).
• Abdominal injuries, including liver and bladder damage, affect 16–30% of patients—particularly with unstable fractures.
• Spinal injuries in about 25% of cases.
• Genitourinary injuries, such as bladder or urethra perforations, occur in up to 15% of instances.
• Sexual dysfunction and pelvic instability can be long-term consequences, especially in pelvic ring disruptions.

Mortality ranges from 1–15% in closed fractures and up to 50% for open fractures with severe hemorrhage.

How Pelvic Fractures are Treated

Emergency Care and Stabilization

In trauma centers, typical treatment includes:

• Immediate stabilization, often using pelvic binders to reduce bleeding.
• Advanced trauma life support, with fluids, transfusions, and possible angiographic embolization or preperitoneal packing for hemorrhage control.

Although pelvic binders are commonly used, recent discussions question their overall benefit in mortality reduction.

Surgical & Non‑Surgical Treatment

About 37% of pelvic ring fractures require surgical stabilization, while acetabular fractures necessitate it in 66% of cases. In a study of 194 pelvic fracture patients, more than 60% needed ICU care, and nearly a quarter exhibited shock requiring urgent intervention.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

• Hospital stays often last 2–4 weeks; 28 days or more in complex cases .
• Physical therapy and rehab can extend for months.
• Mobility issues may persist, especially in unstable fractures or complex injury combinations.

Personal Injury & Legal Considerations for Pelvic Fractures

Liability & Compensation

Under Illinois law, victims of pelvic fractures from accidents can seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future);
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering;
• Permanent disability or loss of bodily function.

In cases involving government-owned vehicles, slip‑and‑fall accidents on damaged sidewalks, or unsafe construction zones, it may be possible to file claims against municipalities or third-party employers.

Insurance and Workers’ Compensation

Pelvic fractures often lead to significant insurance claims—or when they occur at work, workers’ compensation. Complex cases may involve third-party claims, particularly when negligence contributed to the accident.

Long-Term Effects of Pelvis Fractures

The impact of a pelvic fracture can be profound. The long-term effects of a pelvic fracture often include:

• Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress, from the sudden nature of accidents and long rehab periods.
• Reduced mobility and dependence on gait aids.
• Chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, bladder/bowel issues, and increased fall risk due to weakened mobility or residual instability.
• Rehabilitation needs, such as prolonged PT and repeated surgeries.

Caregivers may also endure burnout and significant emotional stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pelvic Fractures

1. What are the chances of recovery from a pelvic fracture?
Recovery depends on whether the fracture is stable or unstable, the associated injuries, and the patient’s age/health. Stable injuries often heal well, while unstable fractures with complications may result in long-term disability.

2. How much do pelvic fracture injuries cost in Illinois?
Treatment costs vary widely. Closed-case ER treatment may be around a couple of thousand dollars, but surgical cases can easily exceed $40,000—in addition to rehabilitation, imaging, and lost wages.

3. Can I sue the party responsible?
Yes. Illinois law allows victims to pursue compensation from drivers, employers, property owners, or government entities for negligent actions that caused your pelvis fracture.

4. What if I was partially at fault?
Under Illinois’ comparative negligence rule, you may still recover damages—even if you’re partly at fault—though any compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

5. How long will it take to resolve a pelvic fracture claim?
This depends on the case’s complexity, insurance negotiations, and whether it goes to trial. Simple insurance settlements may take months, while disputed claims or wrongful death cases can last years.

6. When should I seek legal help?
The earlier in the process, the better. An experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence, preserve key records, and file necessary claims within Illinois’s deadlines.

Contact the Award-Winning Pelvic Fracture Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Pelvic fractures are devastating injuries that can alter lives and long-term futures. If you or a loved one in Illinois has suffered a pelvic fracture due to someone else’s negligence—whether in a car crash, a construction accident, or a pedestrian collision—you may be entitled to significant compensation.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the medical, financial, and emotional impact these injuries can cause. We will:

• Thoroughly investigate your accident;
• Collaborate with medical experts to document your injuries;
• File claims or lawsuits to secure medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering;
• Negotiate assertively with insurers—or fight in court if needed.

Don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.