A broken arm (fracture of the humerus, radius, or ulna) is a common injury in California personal injury cases, often resulting from car accidents, falls, or assaults. While a broken arm might seem straightforward, the financial, physical, and emotional impacts can be significant — especially if surgery or long-term recovery is needed. If someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation under California law.
🦴 What Constitutes a Broken Arm?
The arm includes three main bones:
- Humerus – upper arm
- Radius – forearm (thumb side)
- Ulna – forearm (pinky side)
Types of Fractures:
- Simple/closed fracture: bone breaks but does not pierce the skin
- Compound/open fracture: bone breaks through the skin
- Comminuted fracture: bone shatters into multiple pieces
- Displaced fracture: bone ends are out of alignment
- Greenstick fracture (common in children): partial break
🚗 Common Causes in Personal Injury Cases
- Car or motorcycle accidents
- Slip-and-fall or trip hazards
- Bicycle or pedestrian accidents
- Defective products (e.g., unsafe ladders, malfunctioning tools)
- Assault or physical altercations
⚖️ Legal Considerations in California
To recover damages in a California personal injury case, you must prove:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty through negligence or misconduct
- Their actions caused your broken arm
- You experienced actual damages (financial, physical, or emotional)
💰 Damages You Can Claim
🔹 Economic Damages
- Emergency room bills
- Orthopedic care and imaging (X-rays, MRIs)
- Surgery (e.g., open reduction and internal fixation)
- Casts, splints, or slings
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Lost wages (including recovery time and medical appointments)
- Future medical expenses (for severe or non-healing fractures)
🔹 Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of function or mobility
- Emotional distress (especially for children or those with long recovery)
- Loss of enjoyment of activities or hobbies
- Scarring or disfigurement
🔹 Punitive Damages
May be awarded if the injury was caused by gross negligence or intentional harm (e.g., DUI, assault).
🧾 Proving Your Case: Evidence You’ll Need
✅ Essential Documentation:
- Medical records and imaging reports
- Physician and orthopedic specialist notes
- Therapy or rehabilitation records
- Receipts for medical devices or prescriptions
- Employer documentation of missed work
- Witness statements or incident reports (for slips, crashes, etc.)
- Expert testimony if future complications are expected
👨⚖️ Why a Lawyer Can Help — Even for “Simple” Fractures
Even a basic broken arm can lead to long-term complications (e.g., nerve damage, arthritis, non-union of bone). Insurance companies may try to:
- Downplay the seriousness
- Blame pre-existing conditions
- Offer lowball settlements
A California personal injury attorney can:
- Help calculate long-term impacts and full damages
- Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial
- Coordinate medical experts and life care planners
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
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”]].