A broken wrist may seem like a straightforward injury, but when it comes to legal claims, the compensation can vary significantly. Whether you slipped on an icy sidewalk, were struck in a car accident, or suffered a workplace injury, understanding how wrist injury settlements are calculated is essential.
In New York, settlements for broken wrists often depend on several key factors: the severity of the fracture, whether surgery is needed, the circumstances of the accident, and the legal framework involved. Each case is different, and even similar injuries can lead to very different outcomes depending on the evidence, insurance coverage, and how well your case is presented.
If you’ve injured your wrist and are considering a claim, it’s important to understand how these elements work together — and how the right legal strategy can help maximize your recovery.
Average Settlement Ranges for Broken Wrist Injuries
The value of a broken wrist injury claim can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. That said, most settlements fall within predictable ranges based on the type and severity of the injury.
- General Settlement Range:
On average, broken wrist settlements range between $38,000 and $92,000. This reflects a broad mix of cases, from simple fractures to more serious injuries requiring extensive treatment or causing long-term limitations. - Non-Surgical Cases:
When surgery is not required, settlements are typically lower. These cases tend to fall between $15,000 and $25,000, particularly for clean, non-displaced fractures that heal with casting and physical therapy. - Surgical Cases:
When surgery is necessary, the stakes — and settlement value — go up. These claims can average $40,000 to $60,000, with high-end cases exceeding $150,000 when complications, long recovery times, or permanent impairments are involved.
These estimates offer a starting point, but keep in mind that every injury — and every case — is different. The final amount depends on not just your medical records, but the negotiation process, legal arguments, and even the insurer’s strategy.
Factors Affecting Broken Wrist Settlement Amounts
No two wrist injuries — or legal claims — are exactly alike. Several key factors influence how much compensation you may receive in a settlement. These include not only the physical damage but also how the injury affects your life and finances.
Severity of Injury
- Minor Fractures (Hairline or Non-Displaced)
These typically heal with conservative treatment like casting or splinting. Settlements in these cases often fall between $15,000 and $100,000, depending on pain levels, healing time, and other complications. - Serious or Complex Fractures (Displaced or Comminuted)
Fractures requiring surgery, metal implants, or long-term physical therapy may settle for $50,000 to $250,000 — especially if they involve permanent limitations in movement or strength. - Crush Injuries or Nerve Damage
These more severe injuries can result in lifelong disability or pain. If nerves are damaged or the hand loses function, these high-stakes cases often lead to six-figure settlements or verdicts.
Circumstances of the Accident
- Type of Accident
A slip-and-fall on public property, a rear-end car accident, or an injury at work each has its own legal path and liability questions. The type of accident affects how liability is proven and who pays — for example, a commercial insurance carrier, a private individual, or a workers’ comp policy. - Insurance Coverage
Settlement value can also be limited by the at-fault party’s insurance policy. If their policy maxes out at $50,000, it may cap your potential payout unless other parties can be held liable.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses
This includes ER visits, follow-ups, imaging, surgery, and physical therapy. The more intensive your treatment, the higher your medical bills — and the stronger your claim for reimbursement. - Lost Wages
If your injury kept you out of work, or affects your ability to do your job (especially in labor-intensive roles), you may be entitled to compensation for missed income and future earning losses.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering
This includes the physical pain from the fracture, emotional distress during recovery, and any lifestyle changes caused by the injury. Since hands are essential in daily life — driving, working, cooking, typing — even mild wrist injuries can have a disproportionate impact.
Specific Case Types: How the Type of Accident Impacts Your Wrist Injury Settlement
The way your wrist was injured plays a major role in how your case is handled and what kind of compensation you might receive. Different types of accidents have different legal processes, liability standards, and settlement trends.
Car Accidents
Car crashes are one of the most common causes of wrist fractures. Victims often instinctively brace for impact, leading to serious wrist trauma.
- Settlement Range:
Wrist injury settlements from car accidents usually range from $40,000 to $100,000, though more severe cases — especially those involving surgery or permanent damage — can go higher. - Insurance Factors:
Compensation typically comes from the at-fault driver’s liability policy or, in some cases, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Your attorney will also look at PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and any umbrella policies in place.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slipping on wet floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven surfaces can cause victims to fall onto an outstretched hand — a common mechanism for wrist fractures.
- Settlement Range:
These cases tend to fall within the $38,000 to $92,000 range, though outcomes depend heavily on proving that the property owner was negligent and failed to address a known hazard. - Key Considerations:
Liability is often disputed. Evidence such as surveillance footage, incident reports, or witness statements can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
When the injury happens on the job — whether through a fall, equipment accident, or repetitive strain — a workers’ compensation claim is often the only remedy.
- Average Settlement:
Nationally, the average workers’ comp settlement for wrist injuries is around $26,284, including coverage for medical bills and a portion of lost wages.
However, more serious injuries involving surgery or long-term disability can settle for significantly more. - Limitations:
Unlike personal injury claims, workers’ comp usually does not allow for pain and suffering damages — but in some cases, third-party liability may create an additional path to compensation.
Real-Life Wrist Injury Settlement Examples
To better understand how wrist injury settlements are calculated, it helps to look at actual case outcomes. These examples highlight how specific facts — like the need for surgery, the context of the accident, or insurance strategy — can impact the final result.
Case Example A: $450,000 Settlement — Non-Surgical Fractured Wrist
In one notable case handled by Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., a client sustained a non-displaced fractured wrist after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. The client, LaSaun J., was working at the time and had just exited his box truck when he was hit.
Despite no surgery being required, the insurance company initially offered just $100,000. Our firm pursued arbitration and successfully argued that LaSaun’s injuries — and the context of the accident — warranted far greater compensation. The final arbitration award: $450,000.
This result underscores how legal strategy, clear evidence, and effective advocacy can dramatically affect the outcome — even in non-surgical cases.
Case Example B: $50,000 Settlement — Surgical Wrist Injury in a Car Accident
In another matter, a client suffered a fractured wrist in a rear-end car accident on the FDR Drive in Manhattan. The injury required outpatient surgery and physical therapy, but the client made a full recovery within six months.
The final settlement included:
- $40,000 for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- $10,000 in additional compensation for loss of consortium, due to the impact the injury had on the client’s home life.
While not as high as the LaSaun case, this example shows how surgical intervention and secondary damages can influence settlement value even when recovery is successful.
Steps to Maximize Your Broken Wrist Settlement
If you’ve suffered a wrist injury due to someone else’s negligence, your settlement doesn’t just depend on what happened — it depends on what you do next. These steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Prompt treatment is not only critical for your health, but it also creates a clear medical record that connects the injury to the accident. Delays in care can be used against you by insurance adjusters.
2. Gather and Preserve Evidence
Take photos of your injury, any visible hazards (like a wet floor or broken curb), and damage to vehicles or property. Collect names and contact info for witnesses, and request copies of police or incident reports whenever possible.
3. Maintain Detailed Records
Save all receipts, bills, and documentation related to your treatment, lost wages, assistive devices, and rehabilitation. These documents are the foundation for calculating economic damages.
4. Be Cautious When Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly — often with a low settlement offer. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything without first speaking to an attorney. Remember: their job is to minimize payouts.
5. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
A skilled attorney can evaluate your claim, help you understand your rights, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we work directly with clients from day one — no handoffs, no runaround. Just honest legal guidance and aggressive advocacy.
6. Consider Litigation or Arbitration When Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, taking your case to court — or binding arbitration — may be the best way to recover the compensation you deserve. Our firm has a track record of successful outcomes through both avenues.
Broken wrist injuries can be deceptively serious — with long-term consequences that affect your work, daily activities, and quality of life. Whether your injury happened in a car accident, a fall on someone else’s property, or while you were on the job, understanding what goes into a fair settlement is crucial.
From the type of fracture to the need for surgery, from lost wages to pain and suffering, your compensation depends on more than just your medical bills. It hinges on evidence, legal strategy, and how strongly your case is presented.
At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. P.C., we’ve helped New Yorkers recover compensation for wrist and hand injuries through careful case building and aggressive representation — including a $450,000 arbitration award for a client with a non-surgical wrist fracture.
If you’ve suffered a hand or wrist injury in an accident, don’t guess at what your claim might be worth. Let us evaluate your case and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call us today at 212-240-9465 or contact us online to get started.
