Do I Have A Broken Bone Claim?

If you’ve suffered a broken bone in a motor vehicle accident or slip and fall incident in California, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Understanding whether you have a valid claim and what steps to take can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with pain and recovery. Let’s break down everything you need to know about broken bone claims in simple terms.

What Makes a Valid Broken Bone Claim?

To have a valid claim for a broken bone injury in California, your case needs three main elements:

1. Someone else was careless or negligent (they failed to take reasonable care)
2. Their carelessness directly caused your injury
3. You suffered actual damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)

For example, if another driver ran a red light and crashed into your car, causing you to break your arm, they were negligent and directly caused your injury. Similarly, if a store owner knew about a broken step but didn’t fix it or warn customers, and you fell and broke your hip, they may be responsible for your injuries.

Common Scenarios That Lead to Broken Bone Claims

Motor Vehicle Accidents:

• T-bone collisions at intersections causing broken ribs
• Head-on crashes resulting in broken legs or arms
• Motorcycle accidents leading to multiple fractures
• Pedestrian accidents causing broken hips or pelvis

Slip and Fall Accidents:

• Falls on wet floors in stores causing broken wrists
• Trips on uneven sidewalks resulting in broken ankles
• Falls down poorly maintained stairs leading to broken hips
• Slips on icy parking lots causing broken elbows

What Compensation Can You Recover?

A broken bone claim may allow you to recover various types of damages:

Medical Expenses:

• Emergency room visits
• X-rays and other imaging tests
• Surgery costs
• Physical therapy
• Medical equipment (crutches, casts, wheelchairs)
• Future medical care related to your injury

Lost Income:

• Wages lost while recovering
• Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
• Lost business opportunities
• Future income losses

Pain and Suffering:

• Physical pain from the injury
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Inconvenience and lifestyle changes

How Do You Know If Your Claim Is Worth Pursuing?

Consider these factors when evaluating your claim:

1. Severity of the Break: Simple fractures that heal quickly may result in smaller settlements than complex breaks requiring surgery or causing permanent limitations. For instance, a hairline fracture in your finger might be worth less than a compound fracture in your leg that requires multiple surgeries.
2. Impact on Your Life: A broken bone that prevents you from working for six months or forces you to change careers will likely result in a larger claim than one that heals quickly with minimal disruption to your life.
3. Clear Liability: When fault is obvious (like being hit by a drunk driver), your claim is typically stronger than in cases where liability is disputed or unclear.
4. Available Insurance Coverage: The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits and your own insurance coverage can affect your claim’s value and collectibility.

Important Steps to Protect Your Claim

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care Getting prompt medical attention not only ensures proper healing but also creates important documentation of your injury. Keep all medical records and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
2. Document Everything

• Take photos of your injury and the accident scene
• Get contact information from witnesses
• Keep records of all medical bills and receipts
• Document time missed from work
• Keep a daily journal about your pain and limitations

3. Be Careful What You Say Don’t apologize or admit fault after an accident, as this could hurt your claim. Also, avoid posting about your accident or injury on social media, as insurance companies might use this against you.
4. Watch the Clock California has a two-year statute of limitations (legal deadline) for personal injury claims. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of injury, or you could lose your right to compensation.

When to Contact a Lawyer

While not every broken bone claim requires an attorney, consider seeking legal help if:

• Your injury is severe or requires surgery
• The insurance company denies your claim or makes a low offer
• Fault for the accident is disputed
• You’re missing significant time from work
• You’re experiencing permanent limitations
• Multiple parties might be responsible for your injury

For example, if you broke your leg in a car accident and needed surgery, missed three months of work, and now have permanent mobility issues, an attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses.

Remember, most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This allows you to get legal help without paying anything upfront.

Moving Forward

If you’ve suffered a broken bone due to someone else’s negligence, you likely have a valid claim for compensation. The key is acting promptly to protect your rights while focusing on your recovery. Each case is unique, so consider speaking with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and help you understand your options.

Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney about Your Broken Bone Injury

Schedule your free case evaluation today with our award-winning personal injury attorneys. We’ve helped thousands of injured victims in auto accidents and slip-and-fall cases recover fair compensation for broken bone injuries. Call or chat with us now — we’re here to help 24/7!

Recommended Reading:

• Do I Need Legal Representation Following a Car Accident?
• Attorney Fees: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
• How Can Attorneys Help with Your Injury Case?