Does It Matter If You Broke Your Dominant Arm in a Fall?

If you broke your arm in a fall, you may be wondering whether it makes a difference that it was your dominant arm. It can. A dominant vs. non-dominant arm injury settlement may differ because a dominant-arm injury can affect your work, daily activities, and independence in different ways.

We put together this guide to help you understand why this distinction matters and how it can shape the value of your case. If you were hurt in a fall on someone else’s property, reach out to our team for a free consultation.

Why Your Dominant Arm Matters After a Fall

Your dominant arm handles most of your fine motor tasks. Writing, typing, lifting, cooking, and driving all rely heavily on it. When this arm is injured, even simple daily routines become difficult.

This is one reason a dominant vs. non-dominant arm injury settlement can look different from a claim involving the non-dominant side. A dominant-arm injury may cause greater functional limitations when it affects tasks you regularly perform at work or in daily life.

Common Arm Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls can cause a range of arm injuries, from fractures to soft tissue damage. Some of the most frequent include:

• Broken bones, including wrist, forearm, or elbow fractures
• Joint injuries, such as dislocated shoulders or elbows
• Torn ligaments or tendons
• Nerve damage affecting grip strength or sensation

You can learn more about how these injuries are typically classified on our pages about broken bones and joint injuries. The type and severity of the injury both play a role in how your claim is valued.

How Dominant Arm Injuries Affect Your Daily Life

A dominant arm injury can limit your ability to work, especially in jobs that require typing, lifting, or manual tasks. If your job involves physical labor, even a temporary loss of function can mean missed shifts and reduced income.

When a dominant-arm injury affects your ability to work, those limitations may increase documented lost wages or support a claim for reduced earning capacity. Everyday activities like dressing, cooking, or driving may also become harder, which supports a stronger claim for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Proving the Impact of a Dominant Arm Injury

To support a dominant vs. non-dominant arm injury settlement, you need clear documentation showing how the injury has affected your daily function. This includes:

• Medical records detailing the diagnosis and treatment plan
• Physical therapy notes showing recovery progress or limitations
• A written statement from your doctor about long-term restrictions
• Evidence of missed work or reduced job duties

Whether your case involves surgery or heals without it, documenting how the injury changed your routine strengthens your claim.

Factors That Influence Settlement Value

Several factors affect how much compensation you may recover after a fall injury, including:

• Whether the injury involved your dominant or non-dominant arm
• The severity of the fracture or soft tissue damage
• Whether surgery was required
• Length of recovery and any permanent limitations
• Impact on your ability to work and earn income

You can get a general sense of potential value using our settlement calculator, or review typical slip and fall settlement amounts for similar cases.

What to Do If You Broke Your Dominant Arm in a Fall

If you broke your dominant arm in a fall on someone else’s property, taking the right steps early can protect your claim. Seek medical treatment right away, keep records of every appointment, and avoid returning to work before you’re cleared. If your injury happened while you were on the job, review how workplace falls are handled differently.

Understanding how long a settlement typically takes can also help you plan financially while your case moves forward. If an insurer offers a quick settlement, it helps to know negotiation tactics before accepting anything.

Talk to Us About Your Arm Injury Claim

A dominant arm injury can affect nearly every part of your daily life, and your settlement should reflect that impact. If you’re unsure how your injury may affect your claim, we’re here to help you understand your options. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions