A greenstick fracture is a type of incomplete fracture that most commonly occurs in children because their bones are softer and more flexible than adult bones. In a California personal injury case, a greenstick fracture can arise from falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or playground incidents — and even though it’s considered a “mild” fracture, it can still lead to pain, immobility, school absences, and even long-term complications. If your child suffered a greenstick fracture due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation on their behalf.
🦴 What Is a Greenstick Fracture?
A greenstick fracture occurs when a bone bends and cracks on one side, without breaking all the way through — similar to how a green twig snaps. It’s most commonly seen in:
- Children under 10 years old
- Forearms (radius and/or ulna)
- Occasionally the legs, wrists, or clavicle
While less severe than a full break, greenstick fractures may still require:
- Immobilization (casts, splints)
- X-rays or imaging
- Orthopedic consultation
- Follow-up care to ensure proper healing
🚗 Common Causes in California Personal Injury Claims
Greenstick fractures in children are frequently seen in:
- Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall incidents
- Playground accidents (e.g., falling from monkey bars or swings)
- Car accidents (even low-speed collisions)
- Bicycle, scooter, or skateboard accidents
- Sports injuries
- Daycare or school negligence
- Defective playground or toy equipment
- Supervision failures
⚖️ Personal Injury Law and Children in California
In California, minors cannot file a lawsuit themselves, but a parent or legal guardian can file on their behalf. The law provides strong protections for children, and courts take injuries involving kids very seriously — even for injuries that may seem minor to adults.
To win a case, you’ll need to prove:
- Duty of care – The responsible party had a duty to protect the child (e.g., property owners, schools, drivers).
- Breach of duty – They failed to act reasonably.
- Causation – Their negligence led to the fracture.
- Damages – The child suffered harm (medical bills, pain, emotional trauma, etc.).
💰 Compensation Available in Greenstick Fracture Cases
🔹 Economic Damages:
- Emergency care and doctor visits
- X-rays, splints, or casts
- Orthopedic specialist treatment
- Follow-up visits and therapy
- Medication
- Lost wages for parents taking time off work
- Childcare costs during recovery
🔹 Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma (e.g., anxiety, nightmares, fear)
- Loss of enjoyment of play or school
- Permanent injury or mobility issues (in rare cases)
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Parental emotional distress (in certain cases)
🔹 Future Medical Costs:
If complications develop later (e.g., bone growth issues, re-fracture), the claim can include anticipated future care.
🧾 Evidence That Supports the Case
✅ Essential Documentation Includes:
- Medical records and diagnosis from doctors
- X-rays and imaging reports
- Photos of the injury or accident scene
- Incident or accident reports (school, daycare, police)
- Witness statements
- Expert opinions (e.g., pediatric orthopedic surgeons)
- Parental accounts of the child’s recovery and challenges
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
👨⚖️ Why Work With a California Personal Injury Lawyer?
Child injury claims can be emotionally charged and legally complex. An experienced attorney can:
- Handle all legal paperwork and negotiations
- Make sure your child’s rights are fully protected
- Work with pediatric medical experts
- Maximize compensation by proving long-term impact
- File a lawsuit if needed to fight for fair recovery
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”]].