You were involved in an accident that resulted in a wrist injury. You may now be wondering if you can make a claim for compensation for the injury you’ve suffered. The simple answer is yes. If the injury was a result of the negligence of another party, you can file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injury. If your injury happened while you were at work, you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Common types and causes of wrist injuries
The human wrist is one of the most complex joints in the body. It consists of 13 bones. This intricate but delicate system is susceptible to injuries resulting from:
- Car accidents
- Physical abuse
- Slip and fall accidents
- Work accidents
Wrist injuries can be grouped into three major categories:
- Fractures
This occurs when any of the bones that make up the wrist are broken. This is often the result of trauma.
- Sprains and strains
The bones that make up the wrist are connected to each other using ligaments. When the ligaments are stretched, torn or partially torn, the injury is categorized as a strain or sprain depending on the extent of damage. Fully torn ligaments can often only be repaired by surgical procedures.
- Tendonitis
This occurs when the tendons in the wrist become inflamed. This can occur as a result of trauma to the wrist.
Seeking treatment for a wrist injury
If you injured your wrist in an accident, it is always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor is likely to take an x-ray of the injured wrist to determine the extent of damage.
In many cases, simply allowing the wrist to rest will help it heal. Fractures often need alignment and time to heal on their own. You may be fitted with a cast to ensure that the joint remains immobile and therefore allow for healing.
Some injuries are more serious and require surgery. This may be followed by physical therapy to help the injured person regain strength and mobility.
Determining the value of your wrist injury claim
Awards for wrist injury lawsuits vary. Some plaintiffs have received as much as several hundred thousand dollars while others are awarded only a few thousand dollars. The actual value of your case will depend on:
- The severity of your wrist injury
- Whether the injury will result in permanent or long-term disability
- Your age
- The cost of treatment including physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Your ability to show that the other party’s negligence caused the accident that resulted in your wrist injury.
It is important to seek legal counsel from an experienced lawyer. This will help you determine how to approach your claim.
