Wrist Injury Workers' Compensation in Costa Mesa, California
Quick Answer
Wrist Injury claims are reported by workers across Costa Mesa, with settlements typically ranging from $30,000–$80,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in Costa Mesa is $66,900. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 2 MacArthur Place, Suite 600, Santa Ana, CA 92707. An experienced attorney who knows the Costa Mesa board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Wrist Injury settlement values in California range from $30,000–$80,000
- Costa Mesa area settlements average $66,900 across all injury types
- Your WCAB office: 2 MacArthur Place, Suite 600, Santa Ana, CA 92707
- Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
- Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
- Report wrist injuries immediately, even if pain initially seems manageable
Wrist Injury Settlement Range
$30,000–$80,000
Costa Mesa avg. across all injuries: $66,900
Costa Mesa WCAB Office
Served by Santa Ana WCAB. Just 10 minutes from Costa Mesa via I-55. Paid parking available.
Wrist Injury Symptoms to Document
Immediate severe wrist pain
Intense pain at the moment of injury, especially with any wrist movement or gripping
Swelling and bruising
Rapid swelling around the wrist with bruising appearing within hours to days
Visible deformity
Abnormal wrist appearance or position, indicating significant fracture or dislocation
Loss of grip strength
Inability to grip, squeeze, or hold objects that were previously manageable
Chronic clicking or popping
Persistent clicking, grinding, or popping sensations with wrist rotation, often indicating TFCC tear
Limited range of motion
Difficulty bending wrist up/down or rotating forearm without pain
Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp
Immobilization with cast or splint
Rigid casting or removable splint to prevent wrist movement and allow bone/ligament healing
Typical timeline: 6-8 weeks for fractures, 4-6 weeks for sprains
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Range of motion exercises, strengthening, and grip training to restore function
Typical timeline: 8-12 weeks, 2-3 sessions per week
Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)
Surgical procedure using plates, screws, or pins to stabilize fractured wrist bones
Typical timeline: 3-6 months recovery, hardware may remain permanently
Wrist arthroscopy
Minimally invasive surgery to visualize and repair TFCC tears or evaluate ligament damage
Typical timeline: 6-12 weeks recovery
Factors That Affect Your Wrist Injury Settlement in Costa Mesa
Type of injury
Fractures settle higher than sprains; scaphoid and TFCC injuries are most valuable
Simple sprain: $15,000-$30,000 vs. Scaphoid non-union: $70,000-$120,000
Need for surgery
Surgical cases settle for 2-3x more than conservative treatment
Casting only: $25,000-$40,000 vs. ORIF surgery: $60,000-$100,000
Dominant vs. non-dominant hand
Dominant hand injuries receive 25-40% higher settlements
Non-dominant wrist: $45,000 vs. Dominant wrist: $60,000
Loss of grip strength
Measurable grip weakness significantly increases permanent disability rating
Full grip recovery: $35,000 vs. 50% grip loss: $75,000+
Filing Your Wrist Injury Claim in Costa Mesa
- Report wrist injuries immediately, even if pain initially seems manageable
- Request X-rays and potentially CT scan or MRI; scaphoid fractures often missed initially
- Document your job duties requiring gripping, lifting, tool use, or forceful hand activities
- Keep records of measured grip strength testing to prove functional limitations
- If wrist continues clicking or feeling unstable after initial treatment, request MRI for TFCC tear
- Track daily functional limitations - what you can no longer grip, carry, or manipulate
- Don't settle before confirming whether arthritis will develop; often appears 12-18 months post-injury
- Photograph workplace hazards that contributed to your fall or impact injury
- The Costa Mesa WCAB office is at 2 MacArthur Place, Suite 600, Santa Ana, CA 92707 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Wrist Injury Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in Costa Mesa
Wrist Injury in Costa Mesa FAQ
What is the average wrist injury workers' comp settlement in Costa Mesa?
Wrist Injury settlements in California typically range from $30,000–$80,000. The overall average settlement in Costa Mesa is $66,900. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.
Where do I file a wrist injury workers' comp claim in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 2 MacArthur Place, Suite 600, Santa Ana, CA 92707. Phone: (714) 558-4121. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.
How long does a wrist injury workers' comp case take in Costa Mesa?
Most wrist injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Costa Mesa WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Costa Mesa board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Injured at Work in Costa Mesa?
Our attorneys handle wrist injury claims at the Costa Mesa WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.
Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
How Much Is Your California Work Injury Case Worth?
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