A fun night out with friends can quickly spiral into a painful ordeal if you find yourself injured, especially by someone who’s supposed to keep the peace. Bar bouncers are hired to maintain order and ensure safety, but what happens when they cross the line? A broken wrist caused by a bouncer isn’t just an accident—it could be a serious legal matter requiring you to seek help from a personal injury lawyer Minneapolis. If you or someone you know has suffered this kind of injury, understanding your rights and the steps to take next is essential.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. Even if the pain seems manageable now, a wrist injury can be more serious than it appears. Fractures, ligament damage, or nerve injuries can worsen without treatment. Head straight to the emergency room or urgent care. Not only will you get the treatment you need, but medical documentation of your injury will serve as critical evidence later.
Keep all medical records, X-rays, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes. These documents help establish a timeline and the severity of the injury. They also show that you took the situation seriously from the start.
2. Report the Incident to Management
Report the incident to the bar or club’s management as soon as you can. Ask for the name of the bouncer and request an incident report. If the bar refuses or tries to brush you off, make a written complaint via email or certified mail—this creates a paper trail showing that you notified them of the issue.
If any witnesses—friends or strangers—get their contact information. Witness accounts can help support your version of events and clarify any discrepancies.
3. Preserve All Evidence
Document everything. Take photos of your injury, the location where the incident happened, and any damage to your clothing or personal belongings. If the bar has security cameras (most do), request that the footage be preserved. Management might not hand it over easily, but making the request promptly increases the chance it won’t be deleted.
If you were able to capture any part of the event on video, such as a friend filming on their phone, that footage could be incredibly valuable. Save everything securely and back it up.
4. File a Police Report
Even if the bar staff downplays the event, you have every right to file a police report. Assault is a criminal matter, and a broken wrist is no small injury. Police documentation strengthens your case if you decide to pursue civil action later. Give a clear, accurate description of what happened, and request a copy of the report for your records.
5. Know Your Rights
Bouncers can use reasonable force to remove someone from a property, but “reasonable” is the keyword. They are not allowed to hit, shove, or injure patrons unless it’s in genuine self-defense or necessary to prevent harm. If a bouncer broke your wrist while you were complying or not posing a threat, it could be considered excessive force or assault.
In such cases, the bouncer and the establishment they work for could be held liable. Bars can be sued for the actions of their employees, especially if they hired untrained or overly aggressive staff.
6. Consider the Long-Term Impact
A broken wrist might heal in weeks or months, but the repercussions can last much longer. You may be unable to work, especially if your job involves manual labor or typing. You might face mounting medical bills, physical therapy sessions, and emotional stress.
These factors count toward compensatory damages, meaning you could be entitled to financial compensation for your losses, pain, and suffering.
7. Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer
You don’t have to handle this alone. A personal injury lawyer can help determine whether you have a case and what your next steps should be. They can guide you through filing a lawsuit, negotiating with insurance companies, and gathering evidence to strengthen your claim.
Most lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win. That makes it easier for victims to pursue justice without upfront costs.
Conclusion
What started as a night of fun shouldn’t end in physical and emotional trauma. If a bouncer broke your wrist, it’s more than just an unfortunate incident—it’s potentially a case of serious misconduct. By acting quickly, documenting thoroughly, and understanding your rights, you put yourself in the best position to seek justice and recover from your injuries. Don’t let fear or confusion stop you from taking action—speak with a personal injury lawyer Minneapolis to explore your legal options and protect your future.
