A broken radius or ulna — the two bones in the forearm — is a serious orthopedic injury that can significantly affect your ability to use your hand, wrist, or arm. In California personal injury cases, fractures of the radius or ulna are often caused by car accidents, slip-and-falls, or bicycle accidents. If your injury was the result of another party’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
🦴 What Are the Radius and Ulna?
- The radius is the larger of the two forearm bones, located on the thumb side.
- The ulna is the smaller bone, running alongside the radius on the pinky side.
Types of Radius/Ulna Fractures:
- Distal radius fracture (near the wrist) — one of the most common broken bones in falls.
- Mid-shaft fractures — occur in the middle of the forearm, often from direct trauma.
- Both-bone fractures — when both the radius and ulna are broken.
- Monteggia or Galeazzi fractures — complex patterns involving dislocation at the elbow or wrist.
- Open fractures — where bone pierces the skin (higher infection risk and often requires surgery).
🚗 Common Causes in California Personal Injury Claims
These fractures are often the result of forceful impacts or falls:
- Motor vehicle collisions (especially if bracing for impact)
- Motorcycle or bicycle crashes
- Slip-and-fall accidents (particularly when landing on an outstretched hand)
- Pedestrian accidents
- Physical assaults or violent incidents
⚖️ Legal Elements of a California Personal Injury Case
To win compensation for a broken radius/ulna in California, you must prove:
- Duty of Care – The defendant owed you a legal responsibility (e.g., to drive safely or maintain property).
- Breach of Duty – The defendant failed in that duty (e.g., by driving recklessly or failing to repair a hazard).
- Causation – Their negligence caused your fracture.
- Damages – You suffered actual harm (medical expenses, pain, income loss, etc.).
Under California’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault — your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
💰 Compensation You May Be Entitled To
🔹 Economic Damages:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Orthopedic surgery (e.g., metal plates, screws, or rods)
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Pain medication and mobility aids
- Follow-up care and specialist visits
- Lost wages during recovery
- Loss of future earning potential
- Travel costs for medical treatment
🔹 Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of function or mobility
- Loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., limited ability to work, drive, or engage in hobbies)
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of consortium
🔹 Punitive Damages:
Awarded in rare cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, such as DUI accidents or assault.
🧾 Key Evidence to Build Your Case
To support your injury claim, gather:
- X-rays or imaging studies showing the fracture
- Medical records (including ER, surgery, and therapy documentation)
- Photos of your injury and the accident scene
- Accident or incident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Proof of lost income (pay stubs, tax records, or employer letters)
- Pain journal or statements about how the injury affected daily life
- Expert testimony (medical experts, occupational therapists, etc.)
⏳ California Statute of Limitations
- Standard personal injury: You have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.
- Claims against a government entity: Must be filed within 6 months of the incident.
Failing to meet these deadlines may bar you from recovering any damages, so it’s important to act quickly.
👨⚖️ Do You Need a Lawyer?
You’re not required to hire a lawyer — but with an injury as serious as a broken radius or ulna, having legal representation can significantly increase the value of your claim. A California personal injury attorney can:
- Accurately calculate current and future damages
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies
- Ensure your legal rights are protected
- Take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered
- Bring in medical experts to support your case
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”]].