Wrist Injury Workers' Compensation in Santa Rosa, 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 reported by workers across Santa Rosa, with settlements typically ranging from $30,000–$80,000. The average workers' compensation settlement in Santa Rosa is $65,400. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. An experienced attorney who knows the Santa Rosa board can help you maximize your recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Wrist Injury settlement values in California range from $30,000–$80,000
  • Santa Rosa area settlements average $65,400 across all injury types
  • Your WCAB office: 50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
  • 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 Rosa avg. across all injuries: $65,400

Get Free Case Review

Santa Rosa WCAB Office

50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 576-2391

Santa Rosa has its own WCAB office. Free 2-hour parking on surrounding streets. Paid garage on 3rd Street is one block away.

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 Rosa

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 Rosa

  • 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 Rosa WCAB office is at 50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 — arrive early as parking can be limited.

Wrist Injury Claims in Nearby Cities

Other Workplace Injuries in Santa Rosa

View all Santa Rosa workers' comp info →

Wrist Injury in Santa Rosa FAQ

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

Wrist Injury settlements in California typically range from $30,000–$80,000. The overall average settlement in Santa Rosa is $65,400. 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 Rosa?

Santa Rosa workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 50 D Street, Suite 420, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Phone: (707) 576-2391. 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 Rosa?

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

Injured at Work in Santa Rosa?

Our attorneys handle wrist injury claims at the Santa Rosa 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.

Free Consultation

How Much Is Your California Work Injury Case Worth?

Get a free, confidential case evaluation from our experienced attorneys. No obligation, no fees unless we win.

We respond within 15 minutes during business hours

No Win, No Fee
24/7 Available
Confidential
Rated 4.9/5 Stars
Call Now Free Review