How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Broken Arm Injury in CA?

A broken arm can significantly impact daily life, leading many Californians to wonder about the compensation they might receive. You might be asking: How much compensation can you get for a broken arm injury in California?

In California, settlements for a broken arm injury typically range from $20,000 to $50,000. Factors influencing compensation include the severity of the fracture (simple or compound), the need for surgery, and limitations on performing everyday activities.

With decades of experience helping injury victims recover fair compensation, I’ve guided countless clients through the claims process. Let’s explore what determines settlement amounts and how you can maximize your recovery.

 

What Factors Influence Broken Arm Compensation?

The amount of compensation you may receive depends on several key factors that determine the severity and impact of your injury:

1. Severity of the Fracture

• Simple Fractures: Clean breaks requiring minimal treatment result in lower settlements.
• Compound Fractures: Breaks that pierce the skin require higher compensation due to increased medical costs and recovery time.
• Comminuted Fractures: Multiple fractures needing surgery or prolonged therapy typically lead to significant settlements.

2. Medical Expenses

Medical costs form the basis of your claim and may include:

• Emergency room visits
• X-rays and diagnostic imaging
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medications

3. Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

A broken arm may temporarily or permanently prevent you from working, resulting in lost income and diminished earning potential.

4. Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages for pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life often account for a large portion of the settlement.

5. Liability and Insurance Coverage

The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits and the strength of your evidence significantly affect the final settlement amount.

 

 

What Are Typical Settlement Ranges for Broken Arm Injuries?

The table below provides an overview of common settlement ranges for broken arm injuries and the factors that influence compensation:

Injury Type	Settlement Range	Factors Impacting Settlement
Simple Fracture	$30,000–$50,000	Minimal complications, requires basic treatment
Compound Fracture	$50,000–$100,000	Surgery required, higher risk of infection, longer recovery
Comminuted Fracture	$75,000–$150,000	Multiple breaks, extensive treatment, and prolonged rehabilitation
Fracture with Nerve Damage	$100,000–$200,000+	Severe complications, long-term effects, and chronic pain

 

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Broken Arm Injury?

A broken arm can lead to lasting consequences that impact your health, career, and quality of life. These effects often play a significant role in settlement calculations:

1. Chronic Pain

• Persistent pain requiring ongoing medical intervention.

2. Reduced Mobility

• Limited range of motion or stiffness impacting daily activities and job performance.

3. Nerve Damage

• Weakness, numbness, or loss of sensation due to severe fractures or surgical complications.

4. Emotional Impact

• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the accident or prolonged recovery.

5. Secondary Health Issues

• Misalignment or improper healing can lead to conditions like arthritis or muscle atrophy.

 

What Evidence Strengthens a Broken Arm Injury Claim?

To maximize your settlement, you need to provide strong evidence that supports your claim:

Medical Documentation

• X-rays, MRI scans, and detailed treatment records showing the extent of your injury.

Accident-Related Evidence

• Police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and witness statements establishing fault.

Financial Records

• Proof of lost wages, medical bills, and other economic losses.

Expert Testimonies

• Statements from medical professionals about future treatment needs.
• Vocational experts testifying about diminished earning capacity.

 

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Broken Arm Injury Claim?

Victims of broken arm injuries can recover these types of damages:

• Economic Damages: Medical expenses (current and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and rehabilitation costs.
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of gross negligence to deter similar behavior.

 

 

Can I Claim Compensation for Future Medical Expenses?

Yes, you can recover compensation for anticipated medical costs, such as:

• Follow-up surgeries or treatments
• Long-term physical therapy
• Pain management for chronic conditions Your attorney may collaborate with medical experts to estimate future expenses and include them in your claim.

 

Can Pre-Existing Conditions Impact Compensation?

If a pre-existing condition was worsened by the accident, you are still entitled to compensation. Here’s how it works:

1. Demonstrating Aggravation

Use medical records to show that the accident directly exacerbated your condition.

2. Proving Causation

Provide clear evidence linking the accident to the worsening of your injury.

3. Adjusting Compensation

While your award may account for the pre-existing condition, you can still recover damages for the aggravation caused by the accident.

 

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Broken Arm Claim?

Most claims are resolved within six months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case and whether liability is contested. Severe injuries or cases involving significant damages may take longer to resolve.

 

 

How Can a Lawyer Help Maximize Your Broken Arm Injury Settlement?

Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer can significantly increase the value of your broken arm injury settlement. Here’s how they can help:

1. Case Assessment
   An experienced attorney evaluates the specifics of your case to estimate the full value of your claim, including all potential damages.
2. Negotiating With Insurance Companies
   Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements. A lawyer uses evidence and legal expertise to push for maximum compensation.
3. Gathering Strong Evidence
   Attorneys collect and organize key evidence such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies to strengthen your case.
4. Proving Liability
   Establishing fault is crucial in personal injury claims. Your lawyer will identify the responsible parties and build a compelling argument to hold them accountable.
5. Calculating Non-Economic Damages
   Attorneys use proven methods, such as the multiplier approach, to quantify pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
6. Litigating in Court, If Necessary
   If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.

 

Why Choose Scher, Bassett, and Hames?

At Scher, Bassett, and Hames, we are committed to helping injured victims in San Jose and throughout California secure the compensation they deserve. With extensive experience in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, we provide the legal guidance needed to maximize settlements.

Contact us today at 408-739-5300 for a free no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve.

 

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