Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The law is highly nuanced, and every case is different, so your situation should be evaluated individually by an attorney. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
A broken tailbone often causes deep pain at the base of the spine that gets worse when you sit, stand up from a chair, or use the bathroom. Bruising, swelling, and pain during intimacy are also common. For people hurt in a fall or car crash in Las Vegas, those symptoms can disrupt work, sleep, and nearly every part of daily life.
Our attorneys have represented injured Nevadans since 2008. Managing Partner Matthew Hoffmann began his career defending insurers and medical providers, and Partner Tyler Crawford defended Nevada's largest hospitals before turning to plaintiff work. That background shows us how insurers evaluate tailbone injuries and why the medical record matters so much.
Below, we cover the symptoms of a coccyx fracture, how doctors diagnose it, and how these injuries are typically evaluated in a Nevada injury claim.
What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone (Coccyx Fracture)?
The symptoms of a broken tailbone usually center on pain at the very bottom of the spine. According to NIH's StatPearls review of coccyx pain, coccyx pain is often worse when sitting, leaning back, or rising from a seated position. It can feel sharp, dull, or aching.
Common symptoms of a coccyx fracture include:
- Pain that doesn't let up. Many people describe constant pressure or aching that flares with bending, standing, or walking.
- Pain when sitting. Sitting can feel like resting on a rock. Cushions may help, but rarely remove the pain entirely.
- A sharp spike when you stand up. StatPearls notes that rising from a seated position can cause a temporary but severe increase in pain.
- Bruising and swelling. The skin around the lower spine may look discolored and feel tender to the touch.
- Pain during bowel movements. Muscles that help control the bowels attach to the coccyx, so straining can trigger sharp pain.
- Pain during sex. Pelvic floor muscles also attach to the tailbone, which can make intimacy painful after an injury.
Pain from a tailbone injury can feel isolating and even embarrassing, but these symptoms are a recognized part of the condition. When pain is severe or doesn't improve, StatPearls recommends seeing a clinician experienced in treating coccyx pain. Seek emergency care right away for numbness, weakness, fever, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
How Is a Tailbone Fracture Diagnosed?
A tailbone fracture is usually diagnosed through a medical history, a physical exam, and imaging. A doctor will ask how the injury happened, press on the area to locate tenderness, and may perform a rectal exam to check how the coccyx moves. Mayo Clinic notes that MRI is sometimes used to check for a fracture or joint changes.
Standard X-rays don't always tell the full story. StatPearls explains that seated X-rays of the coccyx often reveal abnormalities that standing X-rays miss, because the tailbone bears weight and shifts when you sit. Comparing sitting and standing films lets doctors measure abnormal movement or dislocation.
CT scans and MRI can add detail when the diagnosis is unclear. If your first provider dismisses your pain or can't explain it, a referral to a spine, pain, or physical medicine specialist is worth requesting.
What Medical Documentation Matters Most for a Tailbone Injury Claim?
The medical documentation that matters most is a clear, consistent record linking your tailbone injury to the fall or crash that caused it. Insurers often treat tailbone injuries as minor bruises. Thorough records are the best way to show what you actually experienced.
Useful records for a tailbone injury claim include:
- Emergency room or urgent care notes from the day of the injury
- Imaging reports, including any seated and standing X-rays, CT scans, or MRI results
- Treating physician notes describing how the injury happened
- Physical therapy, pelvic floor therapy, and pain management records
- Records of injections, nerve blocks, or surgical consultations
- Work restrictions and documentation of missed time
- Receipts for prescriptions, cushions, and other out-of-pocket costs
- A personal journal tracking pain levels, sleep, and activities you can no longer do
Gaps in treatment can hurt a claim. When weeks pass between appointments, insurers may argue the injury resolved or came from something else. Following your treatment plan protects both your health and your case.
How Much Is a Broken Tailbone Worth in a Settlement?
There is no set amount for a broken tailbone settlement. Value depends on the specific facts, including how severe the fracture is, how long recovery takes, and how the injury affects your life. Online "average settlement" figures rarely reflect the details that drive a real case.
In Nevada, an injury claim may include economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Our pain and suffering guide explains how those damages are generally evaluated.
Tailbone injuries can be undervalued because they don't always show up dramatically on imaging. StatPearls notes that most cases improve with conservative care, but some patients develop persistent, even lifelong, pain. When pain becomes chronic, the long-term impact can be significant, which is why careful documentation and an experienced attorney matter.
What Factors Increase or Decrease a Tailbone Injury Settlement?
Several factors can increase or decrease the value of a tailbone injury settlement. No single factor decides a case, and how they interact depends on your circumstances.
Factors that may increase value include:
- A displaced fracture, dislocation, or instability confirmed on imaging
- Chronic coccydynia that continues months after the injury
- Injections, nerve blocks, or a coccygectomy (surgical removal of the tailbone)
- A job that requires long periods of sitting or driving
- Clear evidence that another party was at fault
- Adequate insurance coverage available to pay the claim
Factors that may decrease value include:
- Delays in seeking medical care or gaps in treatment
- A history of tailbone or lower back problems the insurer can point to
- Your own share of fault, which can reduce recovery under Nevada's comparative negligence law (NRS 41.141)
- Low policy limits
Timing also matters. Under NRS 11.190(4)(e), most Nevada personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years, and some claims carry shorter notice deadlines. An attorney can confirm which deadlines apply to your situation.
Talk to a Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Tailbone Injury
A broken tailbone can affect how you work, sleep, and move for months. If your injury happened because someone else was careless, Battle Born Injury Lawyers can review your situation and explain your options.
Our attorneys bring decades of experience, including years defending insurance companies and hospitals. Clients work directly with their attorney from start to finish, and we have recovered more than $100 million for injured Nevadans. Contact us or call (888) 396-9003 for a free case evaluation at our offices in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Reno.
Sources
- Bain HL, Mabrouk A, Foye P. Coccyx Pain. StatPearls, National Library of Medicine, updated Aug. 9, 2025.
- Mayo Clinic. What causes tailbone pain, and how can I ease it?
- Nevada Legislature. NRS 11.190, Periods of limitation.
- Nevada Legislature. NRS 41.141, Comparative negligence.
