Slip and Fall Claims Involving a Broken Arm or Wrist
Breaking a fall with an outstretched hand is the commonest injury mechanism in premises cases. Causation is rarely disputed, so the claim turns entirely on what function returns.
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The mechanism, and what it breaks
Falling forward produces an instinctive attempt to break the fall with the hands. The force travels through the wrist into the forearm, and the distal radius fracture at the wrist is the single most common result.
Higher-energy falls produce fractures further up: the radial head at the elbow, the humerus, and in older adults the shoulder. Scaphoid fractures in the wrist are notable because they are frequently missed on initial imaging and can fail to heal if untreated.
Whether the joint surface was involved
This is the question that separates a contained claim from a substantial one. A fracture that spares the joint surface generally heals well. One that extends into the wrist joint carries a real risk of post-traumatic arthritis and permanent stiffness.
Comminuted fractures, where the bone breaks into several fragments, usually require surgical fixation with a plate and carry a longer recovery and a greater chance of residual restriction.
Dominant hand, which is more than a detail
A dominant-side injury affects work, driving, writing and every activity of daily living. The practical loss is materially greater and it should be stated explicitly rather than left for the reader to infer.
For manual and skilled trades, and for anyone whose work requires fine motor control, a dominant wrist that does not fully recover can end the occupation.
What is usually left afterwards
Reduced range of motion, particularly extension. Grip strength loss, which is measurable and should be measured. Sensitivity to cold and to weather change, which is a genuine ongoing consequence people rarely mention because it sounds trivial.
Hardware irritation where a plate was used, frequently leading to a removal procedure. And post-traumatic arthritis where the joint surface was involved, which may not appear for years.
Why prompt imaging matters more than usual
Scaphoid fractures are notoriously invisible on initial X-rays and can lead to non-union and permanent problems if missed. Persistent wrist pain after a fall warrants re-imaging even where the first film was clear.
That sequence, a clear X-ray followed by a later diagnosis, is entirely normal clinically and is used to argue a delayed cause. Contemporaneous records of ongoing symptoms are what explain it.
Documenting the loss properly
Grip strength measurements and range of motion figures, which are objective and are frequently not recorded unless requested. Photographs of any scarring from fixation surgery.
And specific consequence: what you can no longer lift, carry, open, or do at work. Physical impairment is a separate compensable category in Texas and it appears on no invoice.
Summary
| Injury | Note | Long-term question |
|---|---|---|
| Distal radius fracture | The commonest | Range of motion and grip |
| Comminuted fracture | Usually needs a plate | Residual restriction, hardware removal |
| Joint surface involved | Separates contained from substantial | Post-traumatic arthritis |
| Scaphoid fracture | Often missed on first X-ray | Non-union if untreated |
| Radial head fracture | Higher energy | Elbow range of motion |
| Dominant hand | Materially greater practical loss | Work and daily living |
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Frequently asked questions
It depends mainly on whether the fracture extended into the joint surface and on what function returns. A fracture sparing the joint generally heals well; one involving it carries a real risk of arthritis and permanent stiffness.
Considerably. A dominant-side injury affects work, driving, writing and daily living, and for manual or fine motor trades a wrist that does not fully recover can end the occupation. State it explicitly rather than leaving it to be inferred.
Ask about re-imaging. Scaphoid fractures are notoriously invisible on initial X-rays and can lead to non-union and permanent problems if missed. Persistent pain after a fall warrants further investigation.
Grip strength and range of motion, which are objective and frequently not recorded unless requested. Also photograph any surgical scarring, and describe specifically what you can no longer lift, carry or open.
Talk it through with a lawyer
A free consultation covers whether you have a claim, what the deadline is, and what insurance is actually available.
Contingency fee. You pay nothing unless we win.