What Should I Do If I Fracture My Wrist In A Slip And Fall Accident?

After a slip and fall accident, your doctor may treat your wrist with a splint, cast, or surgery depending on how severe the fracture is. It’s important to follow all medical instructions exactly as given. Skipping appointments or disregarding your doctor’s recommendations can delay your recovery and allow the insurance company to question the seriousness of your injury. Staying consistent with your treatment also creates a clear medical record that documents your pain, limitations, and the care you received, which can significantly strengthen your claim.

Report The Incident

If you fractured your wrist at a store, restaurant, apartment complex, hotel, or workplace, make sure to report the accident right away. Ask that an incident report be completed and request a copy for your records.

If the fall happened on private property, inform the homeowner or property manager as soon as possible. Creating an official report helps establish a clear timeline and connects your injury to the hazardous condition that caused your fall.

Document The Scene And Your Injuries

Evidence plays a crucial role in the success of a personal injury claim, so gathering it as soon as possible can strengthen your case. If you are able, or if someone can assist you, take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, whether it was a wet floor, loose carpeting, uneven pavement, broken steps, or inadequate lighting.

You should also document your injuries by photographing any swelling, bruising, or medical devices such as splints or casts. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened, and make sure to note the exact location, time, and circumstances of the incident.

It also helps to write down a detailed account of the fall while everything is still fresh in your mind, as insurance companies often use missing or unclear information to minimize your claim.

How Wrist Fractures Are Treated

Wrist fractures can range from mild to severe, and the treatment you receive depends on the type and extent of the injury.

• Casting Or Splinting. Mild fractures may heal with simple immobilization. A cast or splint keeps the wrist still and helps the bones stay properly aligned as they mend.
• Closed Reduction. When the bones are out of place but surgery is not required, a doctor may manually realign them before applying a cast or splint.
• Open Reduction And Internal Fixation. More severe or displaced fractures frequently require surgery. In these cases, surgeons realign the bones and stabilize them using plates, screws, or pins to ensure they heal correctly.
• External Fixation. For complex injuries, doctors may use an external frame to stabilize the wrist from the outside until the bone heals enough for further treatment or removal of the device.
• Physical Therapy. After the bone begins to heal, therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Many patients need weeks or months of rehabilitation to regain normal function.
• Pain Management. Doctors may recommend medication or other treatments to help control pain and discomfort throughout the recovery process.

Healing times vary, and some people may experience ongoing stiffness, weakness, or chronic pain depending on how severe the fracture was and what treatment was required.

Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Guidance

After a slip and fall accident, an insurance adjuster may contact you and ask for a statement. These calls are not meant to support your recovery. Adjusters are trained to reduce claim payouts by asking misleading questions, taking your words out of context, or pressuring you into accepting a settlement that falls far short of what your injuries are truly worth.

You should decline to discuss the incident until you have consulted a personal injury attorney. Once you have legal representation, your lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company and shield you from tactics that could undermine your claim.

Keep Records Of Your Expenses And Limitations

A fractured wrist can make everyday tasks challenging, from driving and typing to cooking or performing your job. Keeping detailed records is essential to show how the injury affects your life. Track your medical bills, prescription expenses, physical therapy sessions, costs for braces or medical equipment, lost time from work, and notes about your pain or daily limitations. Thorough documentation can significantly strengthen the value of your injury claim.

Your Right To Compensation

If your wrist fracture happened because someone failed to maintain a safe property, you may be able to recover compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. This can include medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, and expenses for therapy, rehabilitation, or home assistance. Because wrist fractures can affect long-term mobility and your ability to work, an experienced personal injury attorney can help identify all potential damages and make sure nothing is missed.

Contact Us For Your Slip And Fall Accident

If you or a loved one has been severely injured, don’t delay – call (800) 529-0804 right now for a free consultation with an expert personal injury lawyer. When dealing with a stressful situation, you need a knowledgeable personal injury team to guide you through the recovery process. Contact Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC right away! There is no obligation, and it will not cost you anything to learn about your legal possibilities for pursuing compensation.

CALL THE HEAVY HITTERS AT 1-800-LAW-0804 TODAY!