Average Settlement Amount for a Broken Leg in Oklahoma

Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law supports people suffering from a broken arm in Oklahoma. A broken leg injury is one of the most severe personal injuries because it affects nearly every aspect of our lives.

Due to the severity of a broken leg, the settlement amount for a broken leg injury can be substantial, ranging anywhere from $100,000 to millions of dollars, depending on the details of the accident. Start your free initial consultation today to understand what your case is worth.

Calculating Average Settlement Amount for a Broken Leg

A common question accident victims ask is, what settlement amount can I expect for a broken leg bone injury? The compensation amounts awarded for broken leg bone injuries vary based on the type of break. The more severe the injury, the more compensation you can receive.

For example, for a fibula or tibia fracture the average recovery is lower than most broken leg bones because these are smaller bones in the legs that will tend to break in a low-impact collision. For a broken femur, however, the settlement amount would be much higher because it is typically the most severe bone in the leg to break. While the type of leg bone break will be a significant factor in determining compensation, other important factors will come into play such as liability, insurance coverage, and medical treatment.

Factors That Influence Settlement Value for a Broken Leg in Oklahoma

Factors to consider when calculating a broken leg injury settlement are:

  • Liability: the degree to which the defendant is found responsible for the injury can add value to your settlement. The more reckless the defendant’s actions usually result in a higher settlement.
  • Insurance coverage: the defendant’s insurance policy limits can cap the maximum settlement amount. If the defendant has an insufficient insurance policy, then alternate means of compensation will have to be pursued.
  • Legal representation: the expertise and negotiation skills of a Personal Injury Attorney will impact the outcome of your case.
  • Contributory negligence: Oklahoma is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning if you (the plaintiff) are found less than 50% at fault for your injury, then you can receive compensation for your damages.
  • Nature and extent of Injury: the cost of all reasonably necessary medical treatment and the estimated cost of future medical treatment are essential to the value of a case.
  • Objective findings for physical pain: pain is a subjective thing, so, objective evidence is needed to support it in a personal injury case. This is usually presented in the form of X-rays and MRIs.
  • Medical history of the victim: the prior medical history of the plaintiff comes into play if they were injured in the same area where they already have a medical history of issues. Under California, the negligent party is not responsible for prior injuries unless they were made worse by the incident.
  • Plaintiff’s age: the age of the victim comes into play if the injury may have been a result of “degenerative changes” rather than the careless act, or hazardous condition.
  • The occupation of the victim: the amount the injured victim was making and the amount they can no longer make due to their injuries plays a large role in determining their settlement.

How Settlement Negotiations Begin

In most personal injury cases such as a broken bone injury, the negotiation process begins with a demand letter. A demand letter is normally written by an attorney and includes:

  • The time, date, and location of the accident
  • The name of the person/company/government entity at fault, along with their contact information (if applicable)
  • Details of the injuries you’ve sustained directly from the accident
  • Summary of damages incurred, which include medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages
  • Supporting documents, which may include X-rays, MRIs, and other photos or videos of the accident if you have them

After a demand letter is sent, negotiation can begin. At the beginning of negotiations, either party will make an initial settlement offer. If your initial settlement offer is low, do not be surprised. The first settlement offer is intentionally low and it is recommended to never take the first offer. If you do end up accepting a settlement offer, it is important to note you will be giving up your right to pursue additional damages and claims against all parties involved in your accident.

Contact Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law

If you or your loved one has sustained a broken leg bone in a car crash, slip-and-fall accident, or any other accident in Oklahoma, the law firm of Ylla Gosney can help. We have years of experience in reaching successful settlements for our clients and are ready to do the same on your behalf.  For your free consultation contact us today and get the expert legal support needed to maximize your broken leg settlement.