A broken leg (fracture of the femur, tibia, or fibula) is a serious and often debilitating injury that can occur in a wide range of California personal injury cases, including car crashes, falls, and more. If your leg was broken because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation under California law for your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
🦵 What Is a Broken Leg?
The leg is made up of three main bones:
- Femur – the thighbone, and the strongest bone in the body
- Tibia – the larger shinbone, weight-bearing
- Fibula – the thinner bone running next to the tibia
Common Types of Leg Fractures:
- Simple (closed) fracture: bone breaks but skin remains intact
- Compound (open) fracture: bone breaks through the skin (high infection risk)
- Comminuted fracture: bone shatters into multiple pieces
- Displaced fracture: broken pieces move out of alignment
- Stress fracture: small crack, often from repetitive stress or trauma
🚗 Common Causes in Personal Injury Cases
Broken legs frequently result from:
- Car and motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian or bicycle collisions
- Slip-and-fall incidents on unsafe surfaces
- Assaults or physical altercations
- Defective products (ladders, exercise equipment, etc.)
⚖️ Legal Framework for a California Personal Injury Claim
To recover compensation, you must prove:
- The defendant owed a duty of care
- They breached that duty through negligent or reckless actions
- Their conduct caused your injury
- You suffered documented damages
You don’t need to prove the defendant intended to hurt you — just that their negligence led to your injury.
💰 Damages You Can Recover
🔹 Economic Damages:
- Ambulance and emergency room fees
- Surgery (e.g., rods, plates, pins for stabilization)
- Hospitalization and physical therapy
- Pain medication and medical equipment (crutches, wheelchair)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Home modifications (e.g., ramps, accessible showers)
🔹 Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of mobility or independence
- Loss of enjoyment of life or activities
- Loss of consortium (impact on spouse or partner)
🔹 Punitive Damages:
May be awarded if the injury was caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct (e.g., DUI, assault).
🧾 Evidence Needed to Prove a Broken Leg Claim
To secure compensation, detailed medical and factual documentation is essential.
✅ Important Evidence:
- X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans confirming the fracture
- Orthopedic specialist evaluations
- Surgical records and treatment plans
- Physical therapy records
- Receipts and bills for treatment and equipment
- Photos of the injury or accident scene
- Witness statements or police reports
- Work records showing lost income or job limitations
👨⚖️ Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Even if liability seems obvious, insurance companies may:
- Minimize your injury
- Claim you were partially at fault
- Offer a low settlement that doesn’t cover future care
An experienced California personal injury attorney can:
- Maximize your compensation
- Negotiate with insurers
- Present expert medical testimony
- Handle court filings and trial prep if needed
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”]].