Author: John Mattiacci | Owner Mattiacci Law
Published February 3, 2025
Suffering a broken bone in a car accident can be life-altering, leaving you with medical bills, missed work, and pain. So, what is the average settlement for a broken bone in a car accident?
The average settlement for a broken bone in a car accident typically ranges from $35,000 to $125,000, depending on factors like the type of fracture, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
As an experienced personal injury attorney, I’ve dedicated my career to helping clients secure the maximum compensation they deserve for their injuries. I meticulously examine every detail of each case, leaving no stone unturned to ensure my clients receive the justice and financial recovery they need to move forward.
In this article, I’ll break down the key factors that influence these settlements and how you can secure the compensation you deserve.
Average Settlements for Common Broken Bone Injuries in Car Accidents
Settlement amounts for broken bone injuries vary widely, primarily due to the severity of the fracture, medical costs, and potential impact on your life. Below is a breakdown of average settlement ranges for specific types of fractures:
| Type of Fracture | Average Settlement Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Broken Arm | $45,000 – $92,000 | Upper arm fractures are less common but more severe, often resulting in higher settlements. Lower arm fractures are more common and tend to be less severe. |
| Broken Leg | $55,000 – $150,000 | Simple fractures may settle on the lower end, while severe breaks requiring surgery can result in settlements between $100,000 and $250,000. |
| Broken Clavicle | $35,000 – $85,000 | Clavicle fractures often require extensive treatment, especially if the injury impacts shoulder mobility. |
| Broken Foot | $15,000 – $35,000 | Fractures in the foot are generally less severe but can still impact mobility, especially in cases requiring surgery. |
| Broken Ribs | $15,000 – $100,000 | Rib fractures vary widely based on the number of ribs broken and whether they result in organ damage or other complications. |
| Sacrum Fracture | $20,000 – $70,000 | Sacrum fractures can impact mobility and often require a lengthy recovery period, resulting in moderate settlement amounts. |
| Vertebra Fracture | $112,000 (single vertebra) | Fractures to the vertebrae are among the most severe and costly, especially if multiple vertebrae are affected (median award of $207,000 for multiple). |
| Femur Fracture | $167,000 | Femur fractures are severe injuries that often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, resulting in high settlement amounts. |
Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts for Broken Bones in Car Accidents
Settlement amounts for broken bones vary based on several key factors:
- Severity of the Fracture
- The more complex the fracture (such as a compound or multiple fractures), the higher the settlement amount is likely to be. Severe fractures that require surgery or multiple procedures often result in larger settlements than minor fractures that heal with minimal intervention.
- Type of Medical Treatment Required
- Injuries requiring surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care can significantly increase settlement amounts. For example, a femur fracture that involves surgical intervention may yield a higher payout than a simple break that heals with casting alone.
- Long-Term Impact of the Injury
- If a broken bone results in long-term or permanent disabilities, such as loss of mobility or chronic pain, the settlement amount will likely increase to compensate for these life-altering effects. Injuries impacting your ability to work or perform daily activities are especially influential.
- Healing and Recovery Time
- Broken bones that require extended recovery, rehabilitation, or additional procedures can add to the settlement amount. For instance, a complex leg fracture that necessitates multiple surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation period will generally result in a higher settlement than a fracture that heals with a simple cast.
- Comparative Negligence in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. If your fault exceeds 50%, you cannot recover damages.
How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated for Broken Bone Settlements?
Pain and suffering compensation for broken bones is often calculated using a multiplier method or per diem approach. The multiplier method takes the total economic damages (medical expenses and lost wages) and multiplies it by a number, typically between 1.5 and 5, based on the severity of the injury.
For example, if economic damages total $50,000 and the multiplier is 3, the pain and suffering damages would be $150,000. The per diem approach assigns a daily value to your pain and suffering, multiplied by the number of days until full recovery.
Factors that influence pain and suffering calculations include:
- Severity of the fracture: Compound fractures or those requiring multiple surgeries result in higher multipliers.
- Impact on quality of life: Loss of mobility, chronic pain, or inability to perform daily activities can increase compensation.
- Recovery time: Longer recovery periods typically yield higher awards.
Understanding how these damages are calculated can help victims set realistic expectations and ensure a fair settlement.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages for Broken Bone Injuries
A settlement for a broken bone injury in a car accident typically includes both economic and non-economic damages. Understanding these types of compensation can help clarify what you may be entitled to receive.
| Type of Damage | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Tangible, out-of-pocket costs directly tied to your injury. | Medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy, surgery costs, and future medical expenses. |
| Non-Economic Damages | Intangible losses that impact your quality of life. | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment in life, and decreased mobility. |
Examples of Broken Bone Settlements in Car Accident Cases
To illustrate how these settlements play out, here are some examples:
- Case Example #1: Broken Arm in a Car Accident
A driver sustained a broken arm requiring surgery after a collision. The victim’s settlement included $60,000 in economic damages for medical costs and lost wages, and $30,000 in non-economic damages for pain and suffering, totaling $90,000. - Case Example #2: Multiple Vertebra Fractures
In a severe accident, a driver suffered fractures to multiple vertebrae. Due to the severity, the settlement reached $210,000, including coverage for ongoing medical treatment and compensation for chronic pain. - Case Example #3: Femur Fracture Requiring Surgery
A pedestrian hit by a car sustained a broken femur, which required surgical intervention. The settlement reached $180,000 due to the extensive recovery period, physical therapy, and the long-term impact on mobility.
The Role of Expert Witnesses in Maximizing Broken Bone Settlements
Expert witnesses can play a crucial role in increasing settlement amounts for broken bones by providing authoritative testimony on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact. These professionals help strengthen your case by offering objective insights.
Key types of expert witnesses in broken bone cases include:
- Medical Experts: Physicians or orthopedic surgeons testify about the extent of the fracture, required treatments, and potential long-term complications, such as arthritis or mobility issues.
- Economic Experts: These professionals calculate the financial impact of the injury, including lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and projected medical costs.
- Vocational Experts: If the injury limits your ability to work, a vocational expert can explain how it affects your career prospects and earning potential.
- Life Care Planners: For severe fractures requiring long-term care, these experts outline the costs of future treatments, therapy, and accommodations.
Including expert witness testimony in your case can significantly bolster your claim, making it harder for insurers to dispute the settlement value.
Get Professional Help If You’ve Been Injured
Suffering from a broken bone after a car accident can be life-changing, and understanding the settlement process can help you make informed decisions about your recovery. For guidance on maximizing your settlement, contact Mattiacci Injury Law at 215-914-6919. Our team is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Related Content:
- Can I Sue for Pain and Suffering After a Car Accident?
- How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Pennsylvania?
- What is the Average Settlement for Car Accident Back and Neck Injury?
- How Much is the Settlement Amount for Nerve Damage in Pennsylvania?
- What Percentage Do Lawyers Take for Personal Injury in Pennsylvania?
FAQs About Broken Bone Settlements in Car Accidents
How long does it take to receive a settlement for a broken bone injury?
Are broken bone settlements taxable?
Can I still receive a settlement if I was partially at fault for the accident?
What types of fractures result in the highest settlements?
How does my insurance coverage impact the settlement?
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