Home » Injury Type » Arm Injuries: Types, Causes, and Legal Options » Broken Arm (Humerus, Radius, Ulna): Symptoms, Causes, and Legal Options
Understanding and Overcoming Broken Arm (Humerus, Radius, Ulna) Injuries
A broken arm can disrupt your mobility, work, and daily life. Whether it’s the humerus, radius, or ulna that’s fractured, victims deserve proper care, recovery support, and fair compensation. This guide explains how these injuries happen, what symptoms to watch for, and how Knapp Moss helps clients rebuild after an accident.
Comprehensive Guide to Broken Arm Injuries
A broken arm occurs when one or more of the three major arm bones—the humerus (upper arm), radius, or ulna (forearm)—crack or break due to sudden impact or strain. These injuries often result from car crashes, sports accidents, or falls. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications.

Mild to Severe Fractures
Arm fractures vary in severity, from hairline cracks to compound breaks that pierce the skin or affect nearby tissues.

Common Symptoms of a Broken Arm
Swelling, bruising, severe pain, and limited arm movement are typical signs that immediate medical evaluation is needed.

Post-Injury Complications
Without proper care, victims may experience nerve damage, joint stiffness, or improper bone healing that limits mobility.
Common Types of Broken Arm Injuries
Not all broken arm injuries are alike. Doctors classify them based on bone location and fracture pattern. Each type carries unique treatment and recovery considerations that may influence your injury claim.
Humerus Fracture (Upper Arm)
Often caused by falls or direct blows, these breaks can affect shoulder or elbow movement.
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Radius and Ulna Fractures (Forearm)
Common in vehicle accidents or sports, these fractures may occur together and impact grip strength or wrist stability.
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Compound or Comminuted Fractures
Involve multiple bone fragments or breaks that puncture the skin, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
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Recurrent or Stress Fractures
Repetitive strain or weakened bones can cause recurring breaks that take longer to heal.
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Causes of Broken Arm Injuries
Broken arm injuries can happen anywhere—on the road, at work, or during everyday activities. When another party’s negligence is involved, victims may pursue compensation for treatment and lost wages.
Car Accidents
High-impact collisions can shatter the humerus, radius, or ulna, especially in side-impact or rollover crashes.
Workplace Accidents
Falls from ladders or machinery incidents frequently result in serious arm fractures for workers in construction and industrial jobs.
Slip and Fall Accidents
People instinctively use their arms to break a fall, making the forearm bones particularly vulnerable.
Sports Injuries
Contact sports or biking accidents can lead to multiple fractures and soft-tissue injuries.
Medical Malpractice
A surgical error or improper bone setting during treatment can cause a new arm fracture or worsen one.
Assaults and Violence
Direct physical impact from assaults or altercations can fracture arm bones and surrounding joints.
Understanding the cause of your broken arm is crucial for determining liability and securing proper compensation.
Role of a Broken Arm Injury Lawyer
A skilled attorney helps victims recover the compensation they need for medical bills, rehabilitation, and missed income. Knapp Moss guides clients through every legal step, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Case Evaluation
Your attorney reviews medical reports, accident details, and insurance coverage to build a strong foundation for your claim.
- Review medical records
- Collect accident reports
- Obtain expert testimony
Proving Negligence
Collecting witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony is essential to establishing fault.
- Identify responsible party
- Demonstrate breach of duty
- Prove causation of injury
Calculating Damages
Lawyers assess economic losses like medical bills and non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and loss of mobility.
- Calculate medical costs
- Estimate future earnings loss
- Include pain and suffering
The Role of Legal Support
Knapp Moss lawyers advocate for clients dealing with complex broken arm cases, ensuring they receive the care and justice they deserve.
Legal Considerations in Broken Arm Cases
Arm fracture claims require a strategic legal approach to preserve evidence, meet filing deadlines, and prove the full extent of your losses.
Statute of Limitations
California law restricts how long you have to file a personal-injury claim. Acting quickly protects your right to compensation.
- State-specific deadlines
- Filing requirements
- Time limitations
Lost Wages
Broken arms often prevent victims from working, especially in jobs requiring manual labor or physical tasks.
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Medical documentation
Pain and Suffering
Fractures cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Legal compensation may cover these intangible hardships.
- Medical history impact
- Documentation needs
- Claim evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about
broken arm cases and our legal services.
- Still have questions? Contact our support team
What should I do immediately after breaking my arm?
Seek medical care right away. Avoid moving the injured limb and have someone drive you to an emergency facility for X-rays and stabilization.
When should I contact a lawyer after a broken arm injury?
As soon as possible. Quick legal action preserves evidence and ensures you meet California’s filing deadlines.
Can Knapp Moss help if the other driver’s insurance won’t pay?
Yes. We pursue all available options, including uninsured motorist claims or litigation if necessary.
Does Knapp Moss charge upfront fees?
No. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.