Broken Upper Arm (Humerus Fracture) After a Dallas Car Accident

A broken upper arm after a Dallas car accident can be a serious and painful injury. Doctors call a break in the upper-arm bone a humerus fracture, but most injured people simply describe it as a broken upper arm, broken arm near the shoulder, or upper-arm fracture.

These injuries can make everyday activities difficult. Driving, getting dressed, sleeping, working, lifting a child, reaching overhead, carrying groceries, or even using a computer may become painful or impossible.

Some humerus fractures can heal without surgery. Others require plates, screws, rods, hospitalization, and months of physical therapy. A severe fracture can also damage nearby nerves or leave lasting weakness and loss of motion.

The Wooley Law Firm has represented many clients with serious upper-arm injuries, including humerus fractures, after car and truck accidents. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients with upper-arm injuries and other serious injuries. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

If another driver caused the crash that broke your arm, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, physical pain, impairment, and other damages.

Learn more about how a Dallas car accident lawyer can help after a serious wreck.

What Is a Humerus Fracture?

The humerus is the large bone in your upper arm between your shoulder and elbow.

A humerus fracture simply means that bone is cracked or broken.

People may describe the same injury using common terms such as:

• Broken upper arm

• Upper-arm fracture

• Broken arm near the shoulder

• Broken shoulder-area bone

• Broken arm above the elbow

• Fractured upper arm

Where the bone breaks matters because a fracture near the shoulder can create different problems than a break through the middle of the arm or near the elbow.

How Can a Car Accident Break Your Upper Arm?

A car wreck can place tremendous force on the shoulder and arm in a fraction of a second.

A humerus fracture can happen when:

• Your shoulder or upper arm strikes the driver's door

• You are hit from the side in a T-bone collision

• You brace against the steering wheel before impact

• Your arm strikes the dashboard, center console, or window

• Your shoulder is forced against the seat belt

• Your body is thrown sideways inside the vehicle

• Your arm becomes trapped during the collision

• You are thrown against the inside of the vehicle during a rollover

• You instinctively put your arm out to protect yourself

• You are struck as a pedestrian or bicyclist

A broken upper arm can also occur together with other injuries, including shoulder injuries, collarbone fractures, wrist injuries, nerve damage, neck injuries, and back injuries.

Types of Upper-Arm Fractures After a Car Accident

Doctors often describe humerus fractures based on where the break occurs.

Broken Upper Arm Near the Shoulder

The upper portion of the humerus connects to the shoulder.

A break in this area is often called a proximal humerus fracture.

In common terms, it is essentially a broken upper arm near the shoulder.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe shoulder pain

• Upper-arm pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Difficulty lifting the arm

• Pain when moving the shoulder

• Weakness

• Reduced range of motion

Because these injuries occur close to the shoulder joint, an injured person may initially think they simply have a shoulder injury.

Our article about shoulder injuries after a Dallas car accident discusses other serious shoulder problems that can occur after a collision.

Fracture Through the Middle of the Upper Arm

The long middle portion of the upper-arm bone is called the humeral shaft.

A break through this area can cause:

• Severe pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Difficulty using the arm

• Visible deformity

• Weakness

• Numbness or tingling

Important nerves run close to the humerus. For that reason, some fractures through the middle of the upper arm can also cause nerve-related symptoms.

If pain, tingling, or numbness travels into the wrist, hand, or fingers, read our guide to radiating arm pain and numbness after a Dallas car wreck.

Broken Upper Arm Near the Elbow

The lower end of the humerus helps form the elbow joint.

A fracture in this area can make it difficult to straighten or bend the arm and may cause significant elbow stiffness.

That can interfere with everyday activities such as:

• Driving

• Typing

• Reaching

• Lifting

• Carrying objects

• Using tools

• Dressing

• Cooking

Signs of a Broken Upper Arm After a Dallas Car Accident

A broken bone does not always look obvious immediately after a crash.

Common symptoms can include:

• Severe upper-arm pain

• Shoulder pain

• Elbow pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Difficulty lifting the arm

• Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow

• Weakness

• Visible deformity

• Grinding or popping

• Numbness or tingling

• Pain extending into the hand or forearm

• Inability to use the arm normally

If you think you may have broken your upper arm after a collision, seek appropriate medical evaluation.

How Doctors Diagnose an Upper-Arm Fracture

Doctors commonly use X-rays to identify fractures. Depending on the location and complexity of the injury, additional imaging such as a CT scan may also be appropriate.

Medical records can later become important evidence in a Dallas car accident case.

Helpful documentation can include:

• Emergency room records

• X-rays

• CT scans

• Orthopedic records

• Surgery reports

• Physical therapy records

• Work restrictions

• Medical bills

• Follow-up imaging

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that fracture treatment depends on factors including the location of the break, alignment, stability, and surrounding injuries.

Does a Broken Upper Arm Require Surgery?

Not every humerus fracture requires surgery.

Some fractures may be treated with a sling, brace, restricted movement, and follow-up care.

More complicated fractures may require surgery, especially when the bone pieces are significantly displaced, the fracture involves a joint, or the injury cannot remain properly aligned on its own.

Surgery may involve:

• Plates

• Screws

• Rods

• Other internal fixation hardware

After surgery, many patients require physical therapy to rebuild strength and restore motion.

What If I Needed Plates or Screws in My Arm?

A car accident claim involving surgery can be considerably different from a claim involving a fracture that heals without an operation.

Surgery may result in:

• Hospital expenses

• Surgeon bills

• Anesthesia charges

• Surgical hardware

• Follow-up imaging

• Orthopedic appointments

• Physical therapy

• Medication expenses

• Scarring

• Extended time away from work

• Lifting restrictions

• Difficulty driving

• Difficulty sleeping

• Future medical treatment

An insurance company should not evaluate the claim simply as a “broken arm.”

The important question is how significantly the injury affected your life.

Our Experience Representing Clients With Upper-Arm Fractures

The Wooley Law Firm has represented many clients who suffered serious upper-arm injuries in car accidents, including humerus fractures, broken upper arms, shoulder-area fractures, and other significant arm injuries.

We understand that a humerus fracture is not simply a medical diagnosis on an X-ray.

It can affect whether someone can:

• Work

• Drive

• Sleep comfortably

• Lift a child

• Carry groceries

• Exercise

• Perform household tasks

• Reach overhead

• Use tools

• Return to their normal activities

Some of our clients have required surgery, plates or screws, extensive rehabilitation, and significant time away from work.

The Wooley Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients with upper-arm injuries and other serious injuries caused by car and truck accidents.

Every case depends on its own facts, evidence, insurance coverage, and injuries. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Our experience with serious fracture cases helps us understand the importance of documenting not only medical bills and imaging, but also how an arm injury has changed a client's everyday life, ability to work, independence, and future.

How Long Does a Broken Upper Arm Take to Heal?

There is no single recovery period for every humerus fracture.

Recovery can depend on:

• Where the bone broke

• Whether the fracture was displaced

• Whether surgery was necessary

• Whether the shoulder or elbow was also injured

• Whether nerves were affected

• The patient's overall health

• Whether complications occurred

• Physical therapy progress

• The physical demands of the person's job

Even after an X-ray shows that the bone has healed, a person may continue experiencing stiffness, weakness, pain, or reduced range of motion.

That can be important in a personal injury case.

A healed bone does not always mean a fully recovered person.

How a Broken Arm Can Affect Your Job

A serious upper-arm fracture can prevent someone from working for weeks or months.

The impact may be particularly severe for people working in:

• Construction

• Warehousing

• Manufacturing

• Trucking

• Delivery

• Nursing or healthcare

• Automotive repair

• Landscaping

• Restaurants

• Maintenance

• Skilled trades

But physical jobs are not the only occupations affected.

An office employee can struggle with typing, writing, carrying files, driving to work, or sitting comfortably while the arm is immobilized.

When an injury affects employment, the claim may include lost wages and, in more severe cases, diminished future earning capacity.

What Is a Humerus Fracture Car Accident Case Worth?

People often search for an “average humerus fracture settlement” after a car accident.

There is no trustworthy average that can tell you what an individual case is worth.

The value depends on the evidence.

Important factors can include:

• How the accident happened

• Who was responsible

• Location of the fracture

• Severity of the break

• Whether the bone was displaced

• Whether surgery was required

• Whether plates, screws, or rods were installed

• Length of hospitalization

• Length of physical therapy

• Lost wages

• Future earning problems

• Physical pain

• Permanent weakness

• Loss of range of motion

• Scarring

• Nerve damage

• Future medical care

• Available insurance coverage

A fracture that heals without surgery is different from a serious upper-arm fracture requiring surgery and leaving permanent weakness.

The proper value should reflect what happened to the individual person, not merely the name of the injury.

What Compensation Can I Recover for a Broken Upper Arm?

If another driver or company was legally responsible for the Dallas car accident, damages may include compensation for losses supported by the evidence.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses can include:

• Ambulance transportation

• Emergency room treatment

• X-rays

• CT scans

• Orthopedic appointments

• Surgery

• Hospitalization

• Anesthesia

• Prescription medication

• Physical therapy

• Follow-up care

• Future treatment

If you have questions about medical bills after a wreck, see our guide to medical care and hospital bills after a Dallas car accident.

Lost Wages

If the fracture prevents you from working, lost income may be part of your claim.

Loss of Earning Capacity

A permanent limitation may affect the type or amount of work you can perform in the future.

Physical Pain

A broken upper arm can cause significant pain from the initial injury through surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery.

Physical Impairment

Physical impairment can address the loss of activities and abilities beyond pain itself.

For example, a humerus fracture may prevent someone from:

• Lifting weights

• Playing sports

• Caring for children

• Working around the house

• Driving

• Gardening

• Fishing

• Hunting

• Performing hobbies

• Sleeping normally

Scarring or Disfigurement

Surgery or a severe open fracture may leave permanent scars.

Do Not Settle Before You Know How Your Arm Will Recover

Insurance companies sometimes attempt to settle claims before the injured person knows the long-term result of treatment.

That can create a serious problem.

Before signing a release, important questions may include:

• Will I need surgery?

• Could I need another surgery?

• Has the bone healed properly?

• Will I regain full shoulder motion?

• Will I regain full elbow motion?

• Will I have permanent weakness?

• Is there nerve damage?

• Can I return to my old job?

• Will I have permanent lifting restrictions?

• Will I need future treatment?

Once a liability claim is fully settled and released, you generally cannot reopen it simply because the injury later turns out to be worse than expected.

Evidence That Can Help a Broken-Arm Car Accident Claim

A serious fracture does not eliminate the need to prove how the crash happened.

Useful evidence may include:

• Police crash report

• Vehicle photographs

• Accident-scene photographs

• Surveillance footage

• Dashcam video

• Witness statements

• Traffic-camera footage

• Vehicle event data

• Emergency medical records

• X-rays

• CT scans

• Orthopedic records

• Surgical records

• Photographs of braces or slings

• Photographs of surgical scars

• Physical therapy records

• Medical bills

• Wage records

• Work restrictions

Insurance companies are evaluating their own financial exposure. You should not assume they will collect evidence that strengthens your claim.

What If I Also Injured My Shoulder or Collarbone?

A broken upper arm often occurs with other injuries.

A crash victim may also suffer:

• Shoulder injuries

• Rotator cuff tears

• Collarbone fractures

• Wrist injuries

• Hand injuries

• Neck injuries

• Nerve injuries

For related information, read our guide to collarbone fractures after a Dallas car accident.

Tell your medical providers about all symptoms after the collision, not merely the injury that hurts the most.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

Texas generally requires a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within two years after the claim accrues, although important exceptions can change the deadline.

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 contains the general two-year limitations period for personal injury claims.

You should not wait for the limitations deadline to approach before investigating a serious car accident.

Important evidence can disappear much sooner.

Businesses may overwrite surveillance video, vehicles may be repaired or sold, witnesses can become difficult to locate, and electronic evidence may not remain available indefinitely.

Anyone concerned about a legal deadline should obtain advice based on the specific facts of the case.

How Can a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer Help After a Humerus Fracture?

A serious fracture case involves more than forwarding an emergency room bill to an insurance adjuster.

The Wooley Law Firm can investigate:

• Who caused the collision

• Whether multiple people or companies were responsible

• Available insurance coverage

• Additional insurance policies

• Crash-scene evidence

• Witnesses

• Electronic evidence

• Medical records

• X-rays and other imaging

• Surgical treatment

• Future medical needs

• Lost income

• Future earning limitations

• Physical impairment

• Scarring

• The effect of the injury on everyday life

The objective is to document not simply that you suffered a broken arm, but what that broken arm has taken away from you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Upper Arms After Dallas Car Accidents

Is a humerus fracture the same as a broken arm?

A humerus fracture is specifically a break in the large upper-arm bone between the shoulder and elbow.

Can a car accident cause a humerus fracture?

Yes. A serious collision can cause an upper-arm fracture when the arm or shoulder absorbs substantial force or strikes part of the vehicle.

Is a broken arm near the shoulder a humerus fracture?

It can be. The upper portion of the humerus connects to the shoulder, so a fracture near that area may be diagnosed as a proximal humerus fracture.

Does a humerus fracture always require surgery?

No. Some fractures can be treated without surgery, while others may require plates, screws, rods, or other fixation. Treatment depends on the individual fracture.

Can a broken upper arm cause permanent problems?

Some people recover fully, while others can experience ongoing weakness, stiffness, pain, limited motion, nerve problems, or other complications.

Can I recover lost wages if I cannot work?

Potentially. If another party is legally responsible for the accident, documented lost income may be included in a personal injury claim.

Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?

A serious fracture claim should generally be evaluated based on the full extent of the injury, future treatment needs, work consequences, and available insurance coverage before a final release is signed.

Talk to a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer After a Broken Upper Arm

A broken upper arm can mean surgery, months of rehabilitation, missed work, significant pain, and difficulty performing ordinary activities.

The Wooley Law Firm has represented many clients with humerus fractures and other serious upper-arm injuries, and we have recovered millions of dollars for clients suffering upper-arm injuries and other serious injuries in car and truck accidents.

If you suffered a broken upper arm, humerus fracture, shoulder-area fracture, or other serious injury in a Dallas car accident, you may have the right to seek justice and pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, mental anguish, impairment, scarring, and other damages.

Call (214) 699-6524 for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.