Got a lowball offer after breaking my wrist in a crash — is this normal?

Yes, they almost always start low. Like, offensively low. After my accident the first offer I got didn't even cover my ER bill, let alone the months of PT or the fact that I still can't fully rotate my shoulder. Don't accept anything without at least getting a second opinion on what your claim is actually worth. That first number is basically a test to see if you'll just take it and go away.

That opening offer is a tactic, full stop. They're hoping you're tired, stressed, and just want it over with. The fact that you have ongoing symptoms — the aching, the grip weakness — is actually really significant and they know it. Accepting now means you can't come back later if things get worse. Please do not respond to them yet without understanding what you're giving up.

I used to work on the claims side and I'll be honest with you — that first offer is almost never the real number. Adjusters are evaluated on how fast they close claims and how little they pay out. They're counting on you not knowing your claim's actual value. The fact that you have a documented permanent symptom (the grip and aching) is what we called a 'general damages' piece, and that's separate from just your medical bills. Most first offers completely lowball or ignore that entirely.

A few things worth knowing before you respond to anything:

1. Once you sign a release, that's it — you can't reopen the claim even if symptoms get worse. 2. 'Special damages' are your out-of-pocket costs (medical bills, lost income). 'General damages' are things like pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life — and those are often where the real difference lies in settlements. 3. You have time. Don't let them pressure you into a fast response.

Talking to a PI attorney before you counter is genuinely worth it. A lot of them do free consultations and work on contingency, so there's no upfront cost.

As someone who works in orthopedics — persistent grip weakness and weather-related aching after a wrist fracture is not nothing. That can be the beginning of post-traumatic arthritis or nerve involvement, and it absolutely should be documented by your doctor now if it isn't already. Make sure your orthopedic specialist has noted these ongoing symptoms in writing. That documentation matters enormously for your claim.

Don't counter yet. Talk to a personal injury attorney first — most will do a free consult. You have ongoing symptoms and a clear liability situation. That's actually a pretty solid case. Let someone who does this every day tell you what it's worth before you negotiate against yourself.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this on top of still recovering. The fact that your wrist still isn't right and you're already getting low-balled is really frustrating to hear. Please don't feel pressured to respond quickly — take the time to get the right help first. You've been patient through the whole process, a little more time to do this right is absolutely worth it. 💙

Not trying to be harsh, just want to make sure you have the full picture — did you get an IME (independent medical exam) or is the ongoing grip weakness only documented through your own PT and ortho? And do you have anything in writing from a doctor connecting those current symptoms directly to the accident? That documentation gap can sometimes be used against you. Just want to make sure your records are as solid as your story sounds.