Accidents occurring in California present numerous challenges and uncertainties. Among the various types of injuries that can happen to you or a loved one, fractures or breaks in the hand are particularly common. Since the hand and arm bear significant responsibility for your ability to perform tasks and simply live a normal life, a break or fracture of your hand can have long-lasting repercussions.
In California, as in other places, it’s crucial to be aware of the available options following a broken hand. Whether it pertains to medical treatment, physical recovery, or legal options, working with a skilled and experienced team of personal injury lawyers can significantly influence the way you navigate your path to healing.
Let Our California Personal Injury Lawyers Guide Your Recovery
At Maison Law, our California law firm includes a dedicated team of experienced, skilled personal injury lawyers committed to aiding you and other clients in recovering from a broken hand or any other harm caused by an unfortunate accident.
No matter how the accident happened, our team is here to help you understand your legal options and guide you through the next steps. To get started, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
How is a Broken Hand Defined in California?
In California–as well as other places–a broken hand is a fairly common injury. There are a variety of reasons for this, from the vulnerability to the large number of bones that comprises the hand. Generally speaking, a broken hand occurs when there is a fracture or break in one or more of the bones that make up the hand, including the:
- Metacarpals (bones in the palm)
- Phalanges (bones in the fingers)
The severity of a broken hand can vary, ranging from a small hairline fracture to a more complex break that may require surgical intervention. More to the point, here is a closer look at some of the more common types of broken hand injuries a person can suffer in California:
- Metacarpal fracture – This involves a fracture in one or more of the metacarpal bones, which are the long bones in the palm of the hand.
- Phalangeal fracture – This refers to a fracture in one or more of the phalanges, which are the bones in the fingers.
- Boxer’s fracture – This is a specific type of metacarpal fracture that occurs when the bone in the pinky finger is broken, often caused by a punch or striking a hard object.
- Bennett’s fracture – This is a type of fracture that happens where the thumb connects to the wrist, specifically at the base of the thumb where it meets the metacarpal bone.
- Rolando fracture – This is a more complex fracture pattern that occurs at the base of the thumb, resulting in a Y or T-shaped fracture.
- Spiral fracture – This type of fracture occurs when the bone is twisted, causing a spiral-shaped break.
- Comminuted fracture – In this type of fracture, the bone is shattered or broken into multiple fragments.
- Open fracture – Also known as a compound fracture, this occurs when the broken bone pierces through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
If you think your hand is broken in California, it’s important to see a doctor or healthcare professional. They can check your hand, take X-rays if needed, and give you a proper diagnosis. Getting medical help quickly and receiving the right treatment is really important for getting better.
What Causes Broken Hands in California?
Unfortunately, a broken hand can happen in any kind of accident in California. Certain accidents, however, increase the likelihood of a broken hand. Different factors in each accident, like the impact and circumstances, can make broken hands and similar injuries more probable. These accidents can include any of the following:
- Car accidents – High-velocity collisions, such as head-on or side-impact crashes, can subject the hand to considerable force, leading to fractures in the bones of the hand.
- Motorcycle and bicycle accidents – The hands are prone to injuries from collisions with other vehicles or the road surface. Similarly, in bicycle accidents, falls or collisions can result in hand injuries, particularly when riders instinctively use their hands to break their fall.
- Falls – When individuals slip and fall on a hard surface or from a height, the impact on their hands can cause them to sustain a broken hand.
- Dog bites – Dog bites can inflict significant trauma on the hand, potentially resulting in fractures or breaks. The force and pressure exerted by a dog’s jaws can cause damage to the bones and structures in the hand, leading to a broken hand.
- Workplace accidents – Accidents that occur in physically demanding occupations, such as construction or handling heavy objects, may involve situations where the hand experiences extreme pressure or trauma, which can result in a fracture.
- Assault or physical altercations – Direct blows or forceful impacts to the hand during altercations or assaults can lead to fractures in the hand.
As you can see, there are various types of accidents that can lead to a broken hand, along with other serious injuries. It’s important to understand the medical and legal challenges involved with a broken hand.
Should You Hire a Lawyer If You Break Your Hand in California?
Recovering from a broken hand is a sometimes challenging process that involves both physical and mental healing. On top of your physical recovery, it can affect your ability to work and enjoy your life as you once did. While it’s not a legal requirement in California that you need to hire a lawyer to represent you in an injury claim, having our team on your side can make the process much easier on you.
Here at Maison Law, our legal team is committed to assisting you throughout this recovery process. With our experience in helping clients facing similar situations, we can offer the following support in terms of your case:
- Gathering relevant medical records and documentation to establish the extent of your losses.
- Investigating the specifics of your accident.
- Determining liability for the accident and pursuing a claim against the responsible party.
- Providing guidance on the legal process, available options, and potential outcomes of your case.
Legal Options
When you break your hand, can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. This means you have to pay for medical bills and take time off work for treatment. These expenses are the main things you can ask for in a legal claim for compensation. Generally speaking, when you pursue your legal options in California–either through an insurance claim or lawsuit–you could potentially recover the following:
- Medical expenses – You can receive compensation for all the costs related to your hand injury treatment, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. This includes both the expenses you have already paid and those you may incur in the future.
- Lost wages – If your broken hand prevents you from working, you can seek compensation for the wages you have lost and any potential future earnings you may miss out on as a result of the injury.
- Pain and suffering – You can pursue compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident and your broken hand. This includes feelings of distress, anxiety, or depression, as well as a decreased enjoyment of life compared to before the injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship – If your ability to live your life as you did before the injury is affected, you can also seek compensation. This may include damage to your personal relationships.
The specific compensation you can claim depends on the circumstances of the accident and your individual situation. It is crucial to work with experienced lawyers in California who understand injuries. They can help you understand the legal process and ensure that you take all the necessary steps to receive the compensation you deserve.
Maison Law Will Provide the Legal Support You Need
At Maison Law, we understand the challenges you face when dealing with a broken hand from an accident in California. Our team of experienced dedicated lawyers will guide and support you through the legal process. We’ll be there for you every step of the way to make sure you get the compensation and outcome you deserve. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need, contact us today for a free consultation.
