How Much is the Average Settlement for a Broken Wrist Injury in Pennsylvania?

A broken wrist can impact your ability to work, care for yourself, or perform everyday tasks. But how much is the average settlement for a broken wrist injury in Pennsylvania? The wrist is one of the most commonly injured body parts in both workplace and non-workplace accidents. Wrist injuries are the most common type of non-fatal injury that causes people to take time off work.

The average broken wrist injury settlement in Pennsylvania ranges from $25,000 to $150,000, depending on the severity, treatment, recovery time, and liability. Hand and wrist injuries are particularly significant due to their impact on daily life and work. Dominant hand injuries typically result in higher settlement values due to their impact on quality of life.

At Mattiacci Law, we’ve helped injured clients recover substantial compensation for wrist fractures caused by car accidents, falls, and workplace incidents across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

 

 

According to the National Safety Council, wrist injuries are among the most frequent and costly injuries in both occupational and non-occupational settings. Approximately 20% of all emergency room visits involve hand injuries. Nationally, the average verdict award for hand and wrist injuries is approximately $630,000, reflecting the significant impact these injuries can have on individuals.

 

What Is a Broken Wrist Injury?

A broken wrist injury occurs when one or more bones in the wrist joint fracture due to trauma. A hand or wrist injury can involve fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage. The wrist is a complex joint composed of the radius, ulna, and eight small carpal bones.

Common types of wrist fractures include distal radius fractures, scaphoid fractures, and carpal bone fractures. Some fractures may involve significant tissue damage, especially in severe cases. Fractures can be particularly severe, leading to complications like nonunion or malunion.

Crush injury is a particularly severe type of wrist trauma that can result in long-term complications, including permanent disability and arthritis.

Common Types of Wrist Fractures:

• Distal radius fracture (most common)

• Scaphoid fracture (involving carpal bones)

• Comminuted fracture (bones break into multiple pieces)

• Compound or open fracture (bone pierces the skin)

Severity varies widely and often dictates whether surgery is necessary or if the injury will cause long-term impairment.

 

Why Wrist Injury Settlements Matter in Pennsylvania

Wrist injuries are often underestimated—until they make even simple tasks painful or impossible. Hand injuries, including wrist fractures, are among the most disabling types of injuries due to their effect on daily activities. Wrist injuries can result in permanent impairment and may lead to loss of fingers. Victims may require:

• Orthopedic surgery

• Physical therapy or rehab

• Time off work for recovery

• Long-term mobility adjustments

Pursuing a personal injury claim may be necessary to recover compensation for these losses. Taking your case to court or arbitration may be necessary if the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, potentially leading to greater compensation.

Whether you’re a construction worker, office employee, or parent, losing the use of your dominant hand can be life-altering—a workplace injury involving the hand or wrist can have especially serious financial and personal consequences.

Common Causes:

• Slip-and-fall accidents

• Car and truck crashes

• Bicycle or pedestrian incidents

• Work-related impacts and crush injuries

• Workplace accidents

Auto accident cases frequently result in hand, wrist, and finger injuries.

Wrist injuries can seriously affect your income, independence, and overall quality of life.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Pursuing a Broken Wrist Injury Claim in Pennsylvania

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Visit an ER or orthopedic specialist. X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be needed.

2. Get a Formal Diagnosis

A specialist can confirm the type of fracture and create a treatment plan that supports your legal claim.

3. Document the Injury Thoroughly

Photographs, medical reports, and pain journals all help illustrate the impact of your injury. Gathering and preserving evidence, such as photographs of the injury and witness contact information, is crucial to the success of your claim. Maintaining detailed records of receipts, bills, and documentation related to treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation is essential for calculating economic damages.

4. Contact an Experienced Injury Attorney

Mattiacci Law can assess your case and advise you on your options during a free consultation.

5. File an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit

We’ll handle paperwork, negotiate with insurers, and escalate to litigation if necessary.

6. Calculate and Present Damages

Your claim should include:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent limitations or scarring

 

Factors That Affect a Broken Wrist Injury Settlement

Key Influences on Settlement Amounts:

• Dominant hand involvement (may increase value)

• Need for surgery or pins/plates

• Loss of range of motion or grip strength

• Permanent disfigurement or disability

• Work limitations or job loss

• Clear liability vs. shared fault

Pennsylvania Legal Considerations:

• Comparative fault rules can reduce compensation

• 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims

• Limited tort insurance can restrict non-economic damages unless the injury is “serious”

 

Average Settlement Ranges by Wrist Injury Severity

Type of Wrist Fracture	Average Settlement Range	Notes
Minor nondisplaced fracture	$10,000 – $25,000	Minimal treatment, full recovery expected
Distal radius fracture	$25,000 – $75,000	Most common; may affect daily use long-term
Fracture requiring surgery	$75,000 – $125,000	Includes hardware placement and therapy
Comminuted or compound fracture	$100,000 – $150,000+	Higher compensation for pain, scarring, long-term impact

 

The average workers comp settlement for a wrist injury in California can differ from a personal injury settlement. A workers comp settlement is typically based on the specifics of the workers compensation claim, such as the extent of disability, required medical care, and whether surgery is needed. The comp settlement for wrist injuries often reflects factors like lost wages, permanent impairment, and future medical expenses.

Generally, the average workers comp settlement for a wrist injury may be lower than a personal injury settlement, but it provides guaranteed benefits for employees injured on the job. In California, the average settlement for hand, finger, or wrist injuries is slightly lower at $25,904. Temporary disability payments for workers’ comp in California are two-thirds of the average weekly earnings, capped within set limits. The average workers’ compensation settlement for a wrist injury in California is approximately $26,284.

 

Diagnosing and Treating Broken Wrist Injuries

Early and accurate diagnosis of a wrist fracture is essential for recovery and compensation. Common diagnostic tools include:

• X-rays to confirm fracture location and severity

• MRI/CT scans to assess joint or ligament damage

Prompt and appropriate medical treatment is essential not only for recovery but also for supporting your legal claim. Treatment may involve:

• Immobilization with a cast or splint

• Surgical repair with pins, screws, or plates

• Physical therapy for rehabilitation

Failing to follow medical guidance may weaken your case and delay recovery. Failure to heal properly can result in permanent injury, which may increase the value of your claim.

 

Long-Term Consequences of a Wrist Fracture

While some recover in weeks, others may face: * Limited range of motion

• Chronic pain or arthritis

• Permanent loss of grip strength

• Nerve damage or CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). Injuries requiring surgery tend to result in higher payouts for wrist injuries due to increased medical expenses and longer recovery times.

• Limited range of motion

• Chronic pain or arthritis

• Permanent loss of grip strength

• Nerve damage or CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome)

A more severe injury may require ongoing care and significantly impact your ability to work.

These complications often justify larger settlements, especially when they impact career, independence, or quality of life.

A severe injury to the wrist or hand can result in long-term disability and higher compensation. A hand injury, especially to the dominant hand, can have a profound effect on daily life and increase the potential settlement value.

 

Proving the Full Value of a Broken Wrist Claim

To secure maximum compensation, you need more than just an X-ray. Insurers often downplay the seriousness of broken wrist claims. Thorough documentation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your personal injury case.

Supporting evidence includes:

• Orthopedic surgeon notes

• Physical therapy records

• Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs)

• Impact statements from employers or family

Understanding your insurance coverage is crucial for ensuring all eligible damages are claimed.

Detailed documentation can elevate your case value significantly.

 

How Wrist Injuries Affect Different Types of Workers

Certain professions are more impacted by wrist injuries, including:

• Construction workers and manual laborers who rely on lifting and gripping

• Nurses or healthcare staff who use repetitive hand motions

• Mechanics and factory workers handling tools or heavy materials

• Office professionals experiencing impaired typing or writing abilities

Injured workers in these fields may be eligible for workers compensation benefits to cover lost wages and medical expenses. Filing workers compensation claims is a critical step for those hurt on the job, and navigating the workers comp process can be complex.

Workplace-specific limitations should be addressed in your damages claim to reflect real-world losses.

 

Talk to a Pennsylvania Wrist Injury Lawyer Today

If you suffered a broken wrist due to someone else’s negligence, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Mattiacci Law fights aggressively to secure maximum compensation.

Call 215-914-6919 today for a free no-obligation consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.

We serve clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and we’re ready to help you recover.

Further Reading:

• What Happens After You Reject a Settlement Offer?
• How Much is the Average Car Accident Settlement?
• Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable?
• What Percentage Do Lawyers Take for Personal Injury Cases?

Resources:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Wrist Fractures
• PA Code – Personal Injury Statutes
• NIH – Recovery and Rehabilitation for Broken Bones