What is the Average Settlement for a Broken Bone in a Car Accident?

If you’re asking, “What is the average settlement for a broken bone in a car accident?” here’s the quick answer:

The national median verdict for a single vertebra fracture case is $112,000. Multiple vertebra fractures may lead to a median award of $207,000, while a femur fracture from a car accident typically results in a median verdict of $167,000. However, the specific amount you may receive depends on the type of fracture, medical treatment required, and other factors unique to your case.

Understanding how settlements vary based on the type of fracture and other key factors can help set realistic expectations if you’ve sustained a broken bone in a car accident.

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:

<table style="width:100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin-bottom: 20px;">
  <thead style="background-color: #f2f2f2;">
    <tr>
      <th style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;"><strong>Type of Fracture</strong></th>
      <th style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;"><strong>Average Settlement Range</strong></th>
      <th style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;"><strong>Description</strong></th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Broken Arm</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">$45,000 - $92,000</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">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.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Broken Leg</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">$55,000 - $150,000</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Simple fractures may settle on the lower end, while severe breaks requiring surgery can result in settlements between $100,000 and $250,000.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Broken Clavicle</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">$35,000 - $85,000</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Clavicle fractures often require extensive treatment, especially if the injury impacts shoulder mobility.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Broken Foot</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">$15,000 - $35,000</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Fractures in the foot are generally less severe but can still impact mobility, especially in cases requiring surgery.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Broken Ribs</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">$15,000 - $100,000</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Rib fractures vary widely based on the number of ribs broken and whether they result in organ damage or other complications.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Sacrum Fracture</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">$20,000 - $70,000</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Sacrum fractures can impact mobility and often require a lengthy recovery period, resulting in moderate settlement amounts.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Vertebra Fracture</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">$112,000 (single vertebra)</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Fractures to the vertebrae are among the most severe and costly, especially if multiple vertebrae are affected (median award of $207,000 for multiple).</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Femur Fracture</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">$167,000</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Femur fractures are severe injuries that often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, resulting in high settlement amounts.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts for Broken Bones in Car Accidents

Settlement amounts for broken bones vary based on several key factors:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Comparative Negligence in Florida
   • Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that your settlement may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

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.

<table style="width:100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin-bottom: 20px;">
  <thead style="background-color: #f2f2f2;">
    <tr>
      <th style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;"><strong>Type of Damage</strong></th>
      <th style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;"><strong>Description</strong></th>
      <th style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;"><strong>Examples</strong></th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Economic Damages</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Tangible, out-of-pocket costs directly tied to your injury.</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy, surgery costs, and future medical expenses.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Non-Economic Damages</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Intangible losses that impact your quality of life.</td>
      <td style="padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;">Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment in life, and decreased mobility.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

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.

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 Rosen Injury Law at 954-787-1500. Our team is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Related Content:

• Can You Receive a Low Impact Car Accident Settlement in Florida?
• Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident Compensation in Florida
• Cervical Spine Injury Settlement Amounts and What You Need to Know
• Can I Receive a Settlement for a Neck Injury Without Surgery?
• What is Considered Bodily Injury in a Car Accident?
• How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?