In our previous article, we discussed arm injuries and how they are often caused by defensive instincts just before impact from a motor vehicle accident. Similarly, wrist and hand injuries are often defensive, and particularly common in slip and fall accidents. In this article, we will take a look at three arm, wrist, and hand injuries and historical examples of the personal injury settlement values victims have received:
Scaphoid Fracture
The scaphoid is one of the eight carpal bones of the wrist. Scaphoid fractures are commonly caused by falls onto an outstretched hand. Symptoms include: Wrist pain, swelling or bruising at the thumb side of the wrist.
In 2013, the Court in Matthew Pierce and Robert Pierce v. City of Hamilton, 2013 ONSC 6485 awarded the injured person $75,000 for injuries that included a scaphoid fracture.
To read the full decision on CanLII, click here.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome results in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand as a result of pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Common symptoms include: numbness or pain in the hand, forearm or wrist; occasional tingling in the hand, occasional pain in the forearm, and stiffness in the fingers.
In 2012, the Court in Shaw v Shaw, 2012 ONSC 590 awarded the injured person $65,000 for injuries that included carpal tunnel syndrome.
To read the full decision on CanLII, click here.
Partial Tear of the Flexor Tendon of the Fifth Digit
A partial tear of the flexor tendon of the fifth digit (the “pinky”) can affect your ability to bend and straighten the fifth digit. Tears can be caused by cuts or sudden pulls against a strong grip. Common symptoms include: inability to bend the fifth digit, pain when fifth digit is bent, and numbness in the fingertip.
In 2003, the Court in Allen v Lawrence Avenue Group Ltd, 2003 CanLII 43571 awarded the injured person $50,000 for injuries that included a tear for the fifth digit.
To read the full decision on CanLII, click here.
Receiving the Settlement You Deserve
People often believe that settlement value is mostly determined by the extent of the injury. While this is a factor, the most important information is how the injury has impacted your life. In other words, what does the injury prevent you from being able to do and how does this affect you?
I encourage you to view my previous article about seeking compensation for arm injuries, wherein I discuss, in greater detail, the injury and how victims can receive the compensation they deserve.
A thorough lawyer should take the time to fully understand your specific situation, including your life and responsibilities before and after your accident, to ensure you do not under-settle your case. By quantifying every possible loss, you are more likely to receive a just settlement that will help to ease the financial burdens that usually occur during recovery.
If you have sustained a personal injury at another party’s fault, please contact me and my team of experienced personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
*Roger R. Foisy is not a medical professional. The advice in this blog is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice.
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