In a California personal injury case, a fibula injury (fracture or other damage to the smaller of the two lower leg bones) can be a significant claim, especially if it involves surgery or long-term complications. Here’s a breakdown of how fibula injuries play into PI cases in California:
🦴 What is the Fibula and Why It Matters?
The fibula is the thinner bone on the outside of your lower leg. It stabilizes the ankle and supports lower leg muscles. While it doesn’t bear as much weight as the tibia, injuries to the fibula can still lead to major functional limitations—especially if paired with ligament damage, ankle fractures, or tibia involvement.
🔍 Common Causes of Fibula Injuries in PI Cases:
- Car accidents (direct impact to the leg or foot)
- Slip and falls (twisting or landing awkwardly)
- Pedestrian or bike accidents
- Sports injuries (if due to someone’s negligence or unsafe conditions)
💥 Types of Fibula Injuries:
- Fibular shaft fracture – break in the middle of the bone
- Distal fibula fracture – near the ankle; often part of an ankle fracture
- Compound or open fracture – bone breaks through the skin
- Comminuted fracture – bone shattered into multiple pieces
- Avulsion fracture – a ligament pulls a piece of the bone off
Often accompanied by:
- Torn ligaments (e.g., ankle)
- Damage to the tibia (making it a bimalleolar or trimalleolar fracture)
- Need for internal fixation (plates, screws, or rods)
💵 Potential Damages You Can Recover:
- Medical expenses – ER, surgery, hardware, imaging, rehab
- Future medical costs – especially if hardware removal or arthritis develops
- Lost wages – time off for recovery or surgery
- Loss of future earning capacity – for more severe or career-ending injuries
- Pain and suffering – physical pain, emotional trauma, disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life – if the injury limits mobility or lifestyle
📉 Settlement Value Ranges (estimates based on severity):
- Non-surgical fibula fracture: $25,000–$75,000
- Surgical fibula fracture with plates/screws: $75,000–$200,000+
- Severe fracture with permanent disability: $200,000–$500,000+
- Values vary based on liability, insurance coverage, and long-term impact
📅 Statute of Limitations in California:
- [Generally] 2 years from the date of injury for personal injury cases
- If a government agency is involved, you must file a government claim within 6 months
🔎 What Strengthens a Fibula Injury Case?
- Immediate medical attention and documentation
- Orthopedic surgeon records
- Imaging (X-rays, MRIs)
- Evidence of impact or cause (witnesses, photos, surveillance)
- Proof of how it affected your work, mobility, or daily life
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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