Fast facts (why this matters)

Falls send millions of people to the ER each year, often with wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures—especially in older adults. See the CDC’s falls data and injury breakdowns here: CDC falls facts and older adult trends. 

Common fractures from falls (and what they feel like)

• Wrist (distal radius) fractures: Very common after a slip or trip; timeline to full recovery can be months. Read AAOS OrthoInfo: distal radius fractures and its plain-language summary. AAOS wrist overview · AAOS plain-language PDF. 
• Hip fractures: Red flags include severe hip/groin pain, trouble standing/walking, and a leg that looks shorter or turned outward. See Mayo Clinic: hip fracture symptoms and treatment. Symptoms · Diagnosis & treatment. 
• Other fracture types: Learn the basics (open vs. closed, comminuted, spiral) in MedlinePlus with simple visuals. Fractures overview · Fracture types. 

Think a bone is broken? Get medical care now. Even “hairline” fractures need imaging and a plan. Quick primer: MedlinePlus: Broken bone. 

Why older adults face higher risk

Age, osteoporosis, and balance changes raise fracture risk—especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. See NIAMS (NIH) on osteoporosis and fracture risk, and the USPSTF screening statement. NIAMS osteoporosis · USPSTF screening. 

CDC notes ~300,000 hip-fracture hospitalizations yearly from falls. CDC: hip fracture prevention page. 

What to do right after a fall (checklist)

1. Medical first: ER/Urgent Care for X-rays (and CT/MRI if ordered). Hip fractures often need prompt surgery and rehab. Mayo Clinic: hip care. 
2. Report the incident to the property owner/manager and request an incident report number.
3. Save evidence: photos of the hazard (wet floor, broken step, poor lighting), shoes, clothes, and the area from multiple angles.
4. Get witnesses and ask to preserve video from cameras covering the area and the hour before/after.
5. Track symptoms daily (pain, mobility limits), and keep all medical records and bills.

Need help doing this fast? Talk to a Chatsworth injury lawyer.

Treatment & recovery basics (plain English)

• Care may include splints/casts, reduction (re-aligning bones), or surgery (plates/screws). See MedlinePlus: fracture treatment/repair. Treatment overview · Surgery steps (visual). 
• Wrist fractures often need months to regain strength; many people resume full activity by ~3 months, with full recovery up to a year. AAOS wrist recovery. 

California claim basics (deadlines you can’t miss)

• General personal-injury deadline: 2 years from the injury (California CCP §335.1). Read it here: §335.1 text (Justia) or state courts overview. 
• Public property (city, county, transit, school): you must present a government claim within 6 months before you sue (Gov. Code §911.2). Here’s the statute: §911.2. 

Deadlines are strict. If a city bus stop, school, or public sidewalk was involved, contact counsel immediately.

What damages can be recovered?

• Medical bills (ER, imaging, surgery, PT), future care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Out-of-pocket costs: meds, devices, home help, mileage, damaged items (glasses/phone).

Our job is to prove causation (the hazard caused your fall) and value (how the fracture changed your life), then negotiate or file suit to get you paid. Start here.

How we build your case (what we actually do)

• Send preservation letters for video and maintenance/cleaning logs.
• Collect witness statements and map the scene (lighting, warning cones, prior complaints).
• Build a clean medical timeline from first visit to final release.
• Quantify long-term loss (reduced function, job limits) with your providers.
• Hit every deadline (including public-entity claims).

FAQs

How do I tell a break from a sprain?

You can’t always. Swelling, deformity, or not being able to bear weight are warning signs. Get an exam and imaging. Primer: MedlinePlus fracture overview. 

Are hip fractures really that serious?

Yes—pain, inability to stand, and outward-turned leg are classic signs. Many hip fractures need surgery plus rehab. Mayo Clinic: symptoms · Treatment. 

How long does a wrist fracture take to heal?

Often months; some people need up to a year for full recovery. AAOS wrist recovery. 

What if I fell on public property?

Act fast. In California you generally must present a claim within 6 months before you can sue a public entity. Gov. Code §911.2. 

We help clients with fall-related fractures across Chatsworth, Woodland Hills, Porter Ranch, Simi Valley, and Los Angeles. Talk to a Chatsworth injury lawyer for a quick evidence plan.