Ulnar Nerve Injury Car Accident Settlements: Things to Know
Last updated Thursday, February 26th, 2026
If you’re experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness in your ring finger and little finger (or your pinky) following a car accident, you may have sustained an ulnar nerve injury. The frequency of these types of injuries far exceeds public awareness of them; their physical and monetary consequences can be very serious. This article discusses the specifics of ulnar nerve injuries, the process for determining settlements, and the ways you can protect yourself.
What is the Ulnar Nerve?
The ulnar nerve begins as a branch of the brachial plexus and descends the length of the arm. It transmits sensations to the ring and little fingers (or your pinky), as well as the medial aspect of the forearm. The ulnar nerve also has control of nearly all the small muscles of the hand involved in fine movement, of the hand such as grasping objects, typing, etc.
The ulnar nerve is located in two narrow tunnels along the course of the arm. The first is the cubital tunnel located at the elbow. The second is the Guyon canal, which is located at the wrist. The cubital and Guyon canals are narrow spaces that contain ligaments and bone. Swelling or pressure at either of the tunnel locations can easily compress the ulnar nerve. As a matter of fact, ulnar nerve entrapment is the second most common peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities.
How Do Car Accidents Result in Ulnar Nerve Injuries?
There are several scenarios that allow a car accident to occur, which will result in an ulnar nerve injury. When a person is in a car accident, the person’s arm may collide with the door panel or steering column of the vehicle, directly traumatizing the ulnar nerve. Additionally, seat belts and airbags can apply pressure to the arm of the injured individual, causing bruising or stretching of the ulnar nerve. Low-speed collisions can also be traumatic to the ulnar nerve simply because it is located very close to the surface of the body. Driving practices can also contribute to ulnar nerve injuries. For example, resting a bent arm against a window for extended periods of time can put continuous tension on the ulnar nerve. If a collision occurs while the elbow is in a flexed position, the additional tensile force may exacerbate the injury.
Common symptoms of ulnar nerve injuries resulting from a car accident include pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness of the hands. More severe cases of ulnar nerve injuries may result in a deformity of the hand referred to as a “claw hand,” which occurs when the patient’s fingers are bent into a claw-like configuration due to the weakened state of the hand muscles.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Ulnar Nerve Injuries
Medical professionals diagnose ulnar nerve injuries primarily using a physical examination, tapping the nerve at the elbow, and/or testing the patient’s grip strength. Next, the professional may order tests to assess the function of the nerve. Examples of tests include electromyography (EMG) and/or nerve conduction studies (NCS) to determine how quickly electrical impulses pass through the nerve. Finally, the professional may order imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or ultrasound to evaluate whether compression exists at the level of the elbow and/or wrist.
The treatment of ulnar nerve injuries varies based on the degree of the injury. Most patients begin with conservative treatments, including anti-inflammatory medications, physical/occupational therapy, and/or splints to maintain the elbow and/or wrist in a neutral position. Approximately 50% of patients experience improvement without surgical intervention.
Surgical intervention may be necessary for those patients who do not respond to conservative treatments. Surgical intervention may include releasing tight tissues, removing cysts, and/or relocating the nerve to a more anatomically safe position. While surgical intervention is often effective, there is always the possibility that symptoms will recur.
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What Are Settlements for Ulnar Nerve Injuries Worth?
Settlement values for ulnar nerve injuries are highly variable based upon the specific circumstances of each case. There are numerous law firms throughout the United States that have documented the settlement values for ulnar nerve injuries. According to these reports, settlement values are usually within the following ranges:
Georgia attorneys report that ulnar nerve settlements tend to fall in the range of $50,000 to $200,000. Texas attorneys report that ulnar nerve settlements tend to fall in the range of $50,000 to $175,000. South Carolina attorneys report that ulnar nerve settlements tend to fall in the range of $20,000 to $250,000. Some attorneys in Illinois report that ulnar nerve settlements tend to fall in the range of $15,000 to $100,000. One attorney group reported settlement amounts in the range of $350,000, and in extreme cases of nerve damage, settlements can reach amounts above $500,000.
Factors That Affect the Amount of Your Settlement
There are many factors that influence how much compensation you will be entitled to receive.
The extent and permanency of the injury greatly impact the value of your claim. Typically, higher-value claims arise when the injury results in chronic pain, prolonged weakness, or a permanent claw hand deformity. Additionally, the effect of the injury on your daily activities and work-life will also have a significant impact on the value of your claim. Furthermore, the amount of medical expenses that you have incurred and anticipate paying in the future are a critical component of determining the value of your claim.
Additionally, non-economic damages such as emotional distress, depression, and anxiety also count toward the value of your claim. Documenting your emotional and psychological effects through maintaining a pain journal, receiving counseling or psychotherapy, and keeping track of any prescription medications taken to alleviate emotional and psychological symptoms, may be beneficial documentation to provide evidence of your claim.
If comparative fault applies in your case, your recovery may be reduced proportionally to the extent that you are found to be at-fault for the accident. Conversely, the eggshell plaintiff doctrine provides protection for you if a pre-existing condition increased the severity of your injury, thereby making the defendant completely liable for the consequences of the injury.
Finally, obtaining experienced legal representation will significantly enhance the chances of maximizing your potential recovery. Experienced attorneys will assist you in identifying and pursuing additional insurance policies available to you, such as uninsured motorist coverage and umbrella coverage. Additionally, experienced attorneys will advocate for you to resist and counter lower settlement offers from insurance companies.
Protecting Yourself Through Documentation
Your actions immediately following a car accident can significantly influence the success of your claim.
Obtaining immediate medical attention is the single most important action you can take to maximize the chances of obtaining compensation. Delayed treatment can lead insurers to believe that your injury is less severe than it actually is, potentially leading to inadequate compensation. Once you have obtained medical attention, documenting every medical visit, physical or occupational therapy session, and prescribed medication is essential to establishing your paper trail.
Do not accept a quick settlement offer from an insurer. Insurers often issue early settlement offers before they understand the true extent of the nerve damage and, therefore, may underestimate the amount of compensation you need to compensate you for current and future medical costs.
A pain journal that documents your symptoms and limitations will be an excellent resource to utilize. Be cautious about posting statements that may contradict your claimed limitations on social media, as insurers may attempt to utilize them against you.
Documenting lost income through submission of pay stubs and records of days missed from work will aid in demonstrating your entitlement to lost wages, as well as diminished earning capacity, in the event of serious injuries.
Important Statutes of Limitations
The personal injury laws of each state establish the timeframe in which you may bring a lawsuit. Therefore, the timeline will commence at different times depending on where you reside. For example, Georgia and Texas have statutes of limitations of 2 years for lawsuits arising out of automobile accidents. If you fail to meet the statutory deadline, you may be barred from bringing a lawsuit and obtaining any compensation whatsoever.
In addition to the statute of limitations, many states have caps on non-economic damages and/or mandatory arbitration requirements prior to filing a lawsuit. Therefore, it is essential that you consult with an attorney who understands the applicable laws of your jurisdiction to ensure that you comply with all relevant statutes of limitation, caps on damages, and arbitration requirements.
Ulner nerve injuries can severely affect almost every aspect of your life, including your ability to perform daily tasks and your ability to earn a living. Understanding your medical situation, as well as your options regarding litigation, will place you in a much stronger position to seek the support and compensation you are entitled to.
