Clavicle (Collarbone) Fracture Settlement Amounts in 2025

The clavicle or collarbone is one of the most commonly broken bones in the human body. Clavicle fractures frequently occur in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, and slip and fall incidents. While many clavicle fractures heal with conservative treatment, some require surgical repair with plates and screws, which significantly increases the settlement value.

Average Settlement Amounts

Non-displaced clavicle fracture treated with a sling settles for $15,000 to $50,000. Displaced clavicle fracture requiring surgery settles for $50,000 to $175,000. Comminuted clavicle fracture with multiple fragments settles for $75,000 to $250,000. Clavicle fracture with nerve or blood vessel damage settles for $100,000 to $350,000. Clavicle fracture with permanent deformity or limitation settles for $125,000 to $400,000.

Types of Clavicle Fractures

Clavicle fractures are classified by location. Midshaft fractures account for approximately 80 percent of all clavicle fractures and occur in the middle third of the bone. Distal fractures occur near the shoulder joint and account for about 15 percent of clavicle fractures. Medial fractures occur near the sternum and are the least common, accounting for about 5 percent.

The location of the fracture affects treatment options and settlement value. Distal fractures near the shoulder joint are more likely to require surgery and may affect shoulder function, resulting in higher settlements.

Treatment Options

Non-surgical treatment involves wearing a sling for four to eight weeks while the bone heals. This is appropriate for non-displaced fractures where the bone fragments remain aligned. Physical therapy begins after the sling is removed to restore range of motion and strength.

Surgical treatment involves open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws to hold the bone fragments in proper alignment. Surgery is typically recommended for displaced fractures where the bone fragments are significantly out of alignment, open fractures where the bone breaks through the skin, fractures with associated nerve or blood vessel damage, and fractures that fail to heal with conservative treatment.

Factors Affecting Settlement Value

Whether surgery is required is the most significant factor. Surgical cases are worth two to four times more than non-surgical cases due to higher medical expenses, longer recovery, and greater pain and suffering. The extent of permanent impairment affects the settlement. Some clavicle fractures result in a visible bump or deformity at the fracture site, reduced range of motion in the shoulder, chronic pain, and hardware that may need to be removed in a future surgery.

The impact on your occupation matters significantly. If you work in a physically demanding job that requires overhead reaching, lifting, or carrying, a clavicle fracture can prevent you from returning to work for months and may permanently limit your ability to perform certain job duties.

Recovery Timeline

Non-surgical clavicle fractures typically heal in six to twelve weeks. Surgical cases require six to eight weeks of restricted activity followed by physical therapy, with full recovery taking four to six months. Return to contact sports or heavy physical labor may take six to twelve months.

Complications

Nonunion occurs when the fracture fails to heal, requiring surgery. Malunion occurs when the bone heals in an improper position, potentially requiring corrective surgery. Hardware irritation from plates and screws may require a second surgery for removal. Thoracic outlet syndrome can develop if the fracture compresses nerves or blood vessels. Shoulder stiffness and reduced range of motion may persist after healing.

Conclusion

Clavicle fracture settlements range from $15,000 for simple non-surgical cases to $400,000 for complex fractures with permanent limitations. The key factors are whether surgery is required, the extent of permanent impairment, and the impact on your ability to work.

Use our free settlement calculator to estimate what your clavicle fracture case might be worth.