Life is full of surprises. Some are pleasant, but others, like a personal injury, can negatively impact your life. Nobody ever plans on getting injured, yet it only takes one misstep, one wrong turn, or one accident to land in disaster. Personal injuries range in severity, from a scraped knee to a critically damaged spinal cord. Many personal injuries, however, result in broken or fractured arms, legs, or feet — injuries that are largely treated by casts.
Casts are orthopedic devices wrapped around your injured joints and bones in order to immobilize and protect them, accelerating the healing process. Your doctor will prescribe one of the many different types of casts available based on how serious your injury is:
Plaster Cast
Composed of gauze and plaster strips, plaster casts are one of the more traditional types of casts. The plaster strips are soaked in water, then wrapped around the injured area as needed. As the materials dry, the plaster cast hardens into a solid support that keeps the injured area safe and stable. These casts are not removable and generally cannot get wet.
Splint
Made of plaster strips and fiberglass, splints are often thought of as "half-casts". Unlike plaster casts, which completely seal the injury and nearby areas, splints may not cover the entire area. They are typically used to treat swelling after personal injury, and are often replaced with a sturdier, permanent cast later on.
Synthetic Cast
An increasingly popular variant of casts, a synthetic cast is primarily used for broken hands and wrists, but can also be used for feet as well. Like splints, synthetic casts employ fiberglass, plaster strips, and gauze to create a solid, sturdy foundation on which the injured area can rest and recover. Synthetic casts also appeal to many children, as these casts often come in a wide array of colors and designs.
Cast Brace
Cast braces are different from the other types of casts, as they fit like an oversized boot or glove. Composed of hard plastic on the outside and soft padding on the inside, cast braces are secured with straps (typically Velcro strips) to immobilize the injury. While cast braces may not be as stable as plaster casts, they can be easily removed, and many victims choose a cast brace for its convenience in comparison to more permanent casts.
Regardless of which cast you are prescribed, these devices cost a sizable amount of money. Many insurances cover this cost, but some may be reluctant to provide you compensation. After receiving your cast, the best thing you can do is immediately contact Colley & Colley about your personal injury case. Our experienced lawyers will work diligently through your situation to get you the compensation you deserve. To learn more or to get started, contact an attorney in Tyler, Texas today.
15511 W Highway 71
Suite 110-142
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 477-2001
512-477-3335
© 2024 by Colley Firm P.C All rights reserved.
