A broken wrist is a common but often serious injury in California personal injury cases, frequently resulting from car accidents, slip-and-falls, bike crashes, or physical assaults. While some wrist fractures heal relatively quickly, others require surgery, physical therapy, and may result in long-term complications like stiffness, chronic pain, or reduced grip strength. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under California law.
🦴 What Is a Broken Wrist?
The wrist is made up of 8 small carpal bones, along with the radius and ulna (the two long forearm bones). The distal radius fracture (near the base of the thumb) is the most common wrist break, especially when someone falls on an outstretched hand.
Types of Wrist Fractures:
- Colles’ fracture – distal radius fracture with the wrist bent upward
- Smith’s fracture – distal radius fracture with the wrist bent downward
- Scaphoid fracture – break in one of the small wrist bones (often misdiagnosed)
- Comminuted fracture – bone shatters into multiple pieces
- Open (compound) fracture – bone pierces the skin
- Displaced fracture – bones move out of alignment
🚗 Common Causes in Personal Injury Cases
- Slip-and-fall accidents (wet floors, uneven sidewalks, poorly lit stairs)
- Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle or pedestrian accidents
- Defective equipment or hand tools
- Assaults or physical altercations
⚖️ Legal Framework in a California Personal Injury Claim
To recover damages, you must show:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- That duty was breached (through carelessness or misconduct)
- The breach directly caused your wrist fracture
- You experienced actual damages (medical costs, lost income, pain, etc.)
Even a seemingly “minor” wrist injury can have a major impact on your daily life, especially if your job or hobbies require manual dexterity.
💰 Damages You Can Recover
🔹 Economic Damages
- Emergency room treatment and imaging (X-rays, MRIs)
- Casts, splints, or surgery (e.g., pinning, plating)
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Prescription medications
- Assistive devices (e.g., wrist braces)
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Future medical care (in severe or chronic cases)
🔹 Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of hand function or dexterity
- Emotional distress (e.g., anxiety, depression)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., if you play music, work with your hands)
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
🔹 Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving intentional harm or gross negligence (e.g., drunk driving), punitive damages may be available.
🧾 What Evidence Supports a Wrist Injury Claim?
Wrist injuries are well-documented medically, but proving the impact on your life and work is crucial for maximum compensation.
✅ Strong Supporting Evidence:
- X-rays, CT scans, and orthopedic reports
- Medical records and surgical notes
- Therapy and rehabilitation records
- Testimony from medical professionals
- Photos of the injury and any scarring
- Proof of time off work or reduced duties
- Witness statements or incident reports
👨⚖️ Why You Should Work with a Personal Injury Attorney
Even with obvious fractures, insurance companies may downplay your injury, question its cause, or push you to settle quickly for less than you deserve.
A California personal injury lawyer can:
- Handle medical documentation and expert testimony
- Estimate long-term care costs and lost earning capacity
- Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial
- Fight for maximum compensation
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
How To Schedule A Consultation:
Please call us at 909-848-8448 to schedule a free consultation/case evaluation or complete the form immediately below. [Please note certain formalities must be completed to retain the Law Offices of James R. Dickinson, such as the signing of a legal fee agreement [see “Disclaimers”]].