Last updated: August 2026
When someone breaks their clavicle, or collarbone, it can be painful and take time to heal. A clavicle fracture is when the bone that connects your shoulder to your chest breaks. This can happen because of a fall, sports injury, or car accident.
After a clavicle fracture, you might be wondering about the average settlement for this type of injury. The average settlement for a broken clavicle can range between $5,000 to $50,000, depending on factors like the severity of the injury, medical expenses, and lost wages.
If you or a loved one has suffered a clavicle fracture in Chicago, contact Phillips Law Offices. Our skilled personal injury lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us now at (312) 346-4262 or fill out the contact form on our website.
Understanding Broken Clavicle Injuries
Anatomy of the Clavicle
The clavicle, also known as the collarbone, is a long, thin, S-shaped bone that connects your shoulder to your chest, located at the top of your chest just below your neck. It helps support your arm and shoulder, allowing you to move your arm freely.
Causes of Broken Clavicles
A fall onto your shoulder or an outstretched arm is one of the most common causes, whether from sports, biking, or slipping on ice. Car accidents and other high-impact injuries can also cause a broken clavicle. Less commonly, the bone can break due to repetitive stress, like heavy lifting or overuse.
Types of Broken Clavicle Injuries
A simple fracture breaks the bone into two pieces. In more severe cases, the bone may break into multiple pieces, or pierce through the skin (an open fracture). A hairline fracture means the bone is cracked but not completely broken. The type of fracture determines the best treatment and how long it takes to heal.
Average Settlement for Broken Clavicle Injuries
Factors Influencing the Settlement Amount
- Severity of the Injury: A simple fracture that doesn’t need surgery typically results in a smaller settlement than a more complex fracture requiring surgical repair.
- Medical Expenses: Doctor’s visits, X-rays, and any medication needed all factor into your settlement.
- Lost Wages: If the injury has stopped you from working, you can recover the wages you’ve lost.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and limitations the injury has caused in daily life are compensable beyond the hard medical costs.
- Long-Term Effects: A permanent disability or lasting limitation on your ability to work or enjoy life can significantly increase the settlement amount.
Average Settlement Amounts for Different Scenarios
- Simple Fracture with Full Recovery: Typically $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the specifics of the case.
- Complex Fracture Requiring Surgery: Typically $20,000 to $50,000.
- Permanent Disability: Can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars if the injury caused lasting disability or significantly impacted your ability to work or enjoy life.
How Settlement Amounts Are Determined
The at-fault party’s insurance company typically pays the settlement. They review the severity of your injury, your medical expenses, and other costs before deciding what to offer. From there, there’s usually room to negotiate, your lawyer will push back against a low initial offer and negotiate toward a fair number, sometimes going back and forth a few times before reaching agreement.
Having a lawyer represent you matters: they understand how to negotiate with insurance companies and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering you’re actually entitled to.
Symptoms of a Clavicle Fracture
Signs of a broken collarbone include pain (especially when moving your arm or shoulder, or touching the area), swelling and bruising (which may appear immediately or over a few hours), and difficulty moving your arm.
How Is a Clavicle Fracture Diagnosed?
A doctor starts with a physical examination, asking how the injury happened and checking for swelling, bruising, and deformity. X-rays confirm the diagnosis and show how severe the break is, quick and painless, though you’ll need to hold still.
Steps to Take If You Have a Clavicle Fracture Injury
- Seek Medical Attention: See a doctor right away. They’ll assess the severity and may order X-rays or other tests.
- Document the Injury: Keep medical bills, doctor’s notes, and other paperwork, and photograph the injury and any visible bruising or swelling.
- Report the Injury: Report it to your employer if it happened at work, or to police if it happened in a car accident.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: If someone else is at fault, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to settle a broken clavicle claim?
Usually several months, though it varies with the severity of the injury and how negotiations with the insurance company go. Working with a personal injury attorney can help move the process along and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Do I need a lawyer to settle a broken clavicle claim?
Having a lawyer can be really helpful. They negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure you’re not missing out on money you’re entitled to.
Suffered a Clavicle Fracture In a Car Accident? Contact us Today!
If you or a loved one suffered a clavicle fracture in a car accident in Chicago, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our car accident lawyer today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
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