So, you have a broken bone from a car accident. And now you're wondering how much your case is worth.
We understand how medical bills, lost wages, and rehab can add up fast — so getting a fair settlement to cover those costs is essential.
But the truth is, settlements for broken bones vary wildly.
While minor injuries, like a wrist fracture that heals in weeks, might settle in the single-digit thousands, more severe breaks that require surgery or long-term care could demand six-figure payouts.
To give you an idea of what to expect, we’ll break down the average settlement amount for broken bones in Texas car accidents. We’ll also examine the key factors that affect the average payout, and how a skilled lawyer can help you maximize the compensation for your injury.
That said, the best way to get a precise estimate is to have a car accident lawyer review your case. Why not reach out to No Bull Law for a free case evaluation? Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is ready to fight for justice in your settlement.
In Texas, the average settlement for a broken bone caused by a car accident typically falls between $15,000 and $250,000. But for more severe cases requiring long-term rehab, like a spinal cord injury, payouts can go even higher than $250,000.
That said, compensation for broken bones can still vary widely depending on factors like the type of fracture, the need for surgery, and any lasting complications. For example, the payout for a serious upper leg fracture could exceed $190,000 and, in some cases, reach into the millions. However, the final settlement is usually capped by the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits.
What does the average settlement amount usually cover?
Your settlement amount should compensate for:
- Economic damages, like medical costs, property damage, and lost wages, and
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
But remember, personal injury settlement amounts aren’t one-size-fits-all, so the average settlement figures mentioned above don’t always reflect what you might actually receive.
Several elements come into play, making every case unique.
These six key factors will give insight into how insurers and attorneys assess a personal injury claim for broken bones:
- The severity of the injury: Serious fractures that require surgeries, rehab, or extended recovery time typically lead to a higher settlement amount. A complex leg fracture needing multiple procedures will likely receive more compensation than one that heals with a simple cast. For instance, a femur fracture, one of the most severe leg injuries, has a median national average payout of $155,000 to $170,000. Meanwhile, a broken foot can get you around $25,000 to $75,000.
- Lost wages: If a broken leg injury affects your ability to work, the settlement may cover both present and future income losses.
- Pain and suffering: Lawyers often use a multiplier to determine the severity of the injury and its impact on daily life. For instance, if you're right-handed, breaking your dominant arm can make work and daily tasks much harder than injuring the other. This added impact could lead to a higher settlement.
- Liability: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means both drivers can share responsibility for a car crash based on fault. You won't qualify for compensation if you're more than 51% at fault. However, if you're 50% or less at fault, your payout is reduced by your share of the blame.
For instance, if your damages amount to $80,000 but you’re 10% at fault, you would receive $72,000.
- Punitive damages: These damages are awarded in cases of extreme recklessness, like drunk driving accidents, to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior. They are capped at the greater of $200,000 or two times the economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000).
- Legal representation: The skills and experience of your personal injury lawyer are crucial when dealing with insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim. According to the Insurance Research Council, having a lawyer on your side can potentially increase your settlement payout by 3 - 3.5x. We’ll get into how they do that in the next section.
A personal injury lawyer helps ease the claims process and fights for the best possible compensation. Here’s how:
- They’ll gather essential evidence, including X-rays, orthopedic reports, and witness statements. If needed, they may work with accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your car accident case.
- Your lawyer will calculate all economic damage (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damage (pain and suffering). Since broken bones often require ongoing medical care, physical therapy, or even surgery, they will factor in these future expenses when negotiating a settlement.
- They will handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring deadlines are met and mistakes are avoided.
- Your attorney will submit a demand letter to the at-fault party's insurance company outlining the damages you seek.
- The insurance company may accept, reject, or counter the demand. Negotiations will continue until both sides reach an agreement.
- The attorney you hire will break down the process into clear, easy-to-understand terms, helping you make informed decisions about whether to accept a settlement or pursue legal action.
- If a fair settlement is reached, you’ll sign an agreement and receive compensation. If negotiations fail, your lawyer may file a lawsuit and take your car accident case to court.
Handling a broken bone settlement on your own can be challenging, especially while coping with pain and recovery.
Selecting a Texas law firm with expertise in personal injury cases, such as No Bull Law, guarantees that a skilled professional advocates for your rights so you can focus on healing. Plus, personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency basis, so you won’t have to pay any fees unless you win your case.
With that in mind, let’s tackle some common questions about settlements.
3 FAQs Related to Broken Bone Settlements
Here are the answers to three common questions related to broken bone claims:
1. How Is Pain and Suffering for a Broken Bone Settlement Calculated in Texas?
Calculating pain and suffering damages can be challenging since they are subjective. Texas offers two common methods:
- Multiplier method: This approach multiplies economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) by a number that reflects the severity of the pain and suffering. The multiplier typically ranges from one to five, depending on the injury’s impact.
- Per diem method: A daily amount is assigned to the pain and suffering, which is then multiplied by the number of days the person has endured it. For example, if the daily rate is $150 and the pain lasts 100 days, the total pain and suffering damages would be $15,000.
2. How Long Does it Take to Settle a Broken Bone Claim in Texas?
Settlement timelines vary depending on the complexity of the injury, insurance negotiations, and whether liability is contested. If litigation is involved, a personal injury settlement may take several months to over a year on average.
Consulting an attorney can help expedite the settlement process.
3. Is a Broken Bone Settlement Taxable in Texas?
No, your compensation for a broken bone injury is generally tax-free.
Maximize Your Broken Bone Settlement with No Bull Law
A broken bone settlement can be complicated, from proving the full impact of your injury to dealing with insurance companies that try to minimize your personal injury claim.
Without strong legal representation, you risk settling for less than you deserve. That’s why hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential. They understand how to protect your rights, negotiate aggressively, and fight for fair compensation.
At No Bull Law, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on getting back on your feet
Contact No Bull Law today for a free case evaluation — let’s break through the legal hassle and secure your rightful settlement!
