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

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Author: John Mattiacci | Owner Mattiacci Law
Published April 21, 2025

Broken Wrist Injury

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 average broken wrist injury settlement in Pennsylvania ranges from $25,000 to $150,000, depending on the severity, treatment, recovery time, and liability.

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.

 

How Much is the Average Settlement for a Broken Wrist Injury

 

What Is a Broken Wrist Injury?

A broken wrist injury occurs when one or more bones in the wrist joint fracture due to trauma. The wrist is a complex joint composed of the radius, ulna, and eight small carpal bones.

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. Victims may require:

  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Physical therapy or rehab
  • Time off work for recovery
  • Long-term mobility adjustments

Whether you’re a construction worker, office employee, or parent, losing the use of your dominant hand can be life-altering.

Common Causes:

  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Car and truck crashes
  • Bicycle or pedestrian incidents
  • Work-related impacts and crush 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.

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

 

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

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.

 

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)

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

 

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.

Supporting evidence includes:

  • Orthopedic surgeon notes
  • Physical therapy records
  • Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs)
  • Impact statements from employers or family

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

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:

Resources:

FAQs About Broken Wrist Injury Settlements

How long does it take to heal from a broken wrist?

Most wrist fractures heal in 6 to 12 weeks, but serious cases may take months and require physical therapy.

Can I get a settlement without surgery?

Yes. Even nonsurgical fractures can justify compensation if they cause pain, missed work, or lasting impairment.

What if the fracture worsened a pre-existing condition?

You may still qualify for compensation if the accident aggravated a previous injury. Documentation is key.

Can I sue with limited tort insurance?

Yes—if the wrist injury meets Pennsylvania’s serious injury threshold, you can pursue damages beyond basic coverage.

What evidence strengthens a broken wrist claim?

Detailed medical records, follow-up care, lost wage documentation, and accident reports all strengthen your case.
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