Updated July 2, 2026
A hairline fracture that heals in a cast reads very differently to an insurer than a compound break requiring plates and screws, even though both show up as "broken bone" claims. This page covers what actually gets checked before a fracture claim gets valued, and how this site's calculator handles the range between those two extremes.
What insurers look at first
X-rays are close to non-negotiable for a fracture claim; without them, there's no proof a bone actually broke rather than being bruised or sprained. Beyond the initial diagnosis, an adjuster looks at how the break was set: a simple fracture that healed with a cast alone reads as far less severe than one requiring surgical fixation with plates, screws, or pins. Follow-up imaging confirming proper healing, or the lack of it, also factors in, especially for weight-bearing bones where a poor union can mean lasting limitations.
How the math works
| Severity tier | Multiplier | Typical fracture example |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate | 2.5× | Simple fracture, healed in a cast, no surgery |
| This page's default | 3.0× | Fracture claims generally, per this site's convention |
| Serious | 3.5× | Surgical fixation with hardware, standard recovery |
| Severe | 4.5× | Compound fracture, documented lasting functional loss |
Add medical bills and lost wages to the multiplier result using the injury claim calculator. Retained hardware that stays in your body permanently, and any documented reduction in grip strength, mobility, or range of motion, both typically support moving toward the higher end of this range.