Wrist Injury Workers' Compensation in Santa Clara, California

David Lamonica, Esq. · California Workers' Compensation Attorney
Reviewed by David Lamonica, Esq. · Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist
Published January 1, 2025
Updated February 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Wrist Injury claims are common in Santa Clara's Tech & Software sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $30,000–$80,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in Santa Clara is $74,800. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110. An experienced attorney who knows the Santa Clara board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Wrist Injury settlement values in California range from $30,000–$80,000
  • Santa Clara area settlements average $74,800 across all injury types
  • Key Santa Clara industries with wrist injury risk: Tech & Software
  • Your WCAB office: 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110
  • 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

Santa Clara avg. across all injuries: $74,800

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How Wrist Injurys Happen in Santa Clara

Repetitive typing, mouse use, and touchscreen interactions cause tendonitis, de Quervain syndrome, and other wrist conditions in tech workers.

Santa Clara's economy relies heavily on Tech & Software, making wrist injury claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.

Santa Clara WCAB Office

224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 277-1246

Served by San Jose WCAB. 10-minute drive via El Camino Real. Visitor parking available in the structure.

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

Covered

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

Covered

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

Covered

Wrist arthroscopy

Minimally invasive surgery to visualize and repair TFCC tears or evaluate ligament damage

Typical timeline: 6-12 weeks recovery

Covered

Factors That Affect Your Wrist Injury Settlement in Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara

  • 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 Santa Clara WCAB office is at 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Wrist Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in Santa Clara

View all Santa Clara workers' comp info →

Wrist Injury in Santa Clara FAQ

What is the average wrist injury workers' comp settlement in Santa Clara?

Wrist Injury settlements in California typically range from $30,000–$80,000. The overall average settlement in Santa Clara is $74,800. 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 Santa Clara?

Santa Clara workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 600, San Jose, CA 95110. Phone: (408) 277-1246. 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 Santa Clara?

Most wrist injury cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The Santa Clara WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the Santa Clara board can help move your case forward efficiently.

Which Santa Clara industries have the highest wrist injury risk?

In Santa Clara, wrist injury claims are most common in the Tech & Software industry. Santa Clara's semiconductor fabs and tech campuses create both high-tech RSI claims and chemical exposure cases. We handle both.

Injured at Work in Santa Clara?

Our attorneys handle wrist injury claims at the Santa Clara 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.

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