Start your claim

Broken bone claims

If you’ve suffered a fracture or bone break as a result of an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation. Speak to our specialist solicitors today.

Call: 0161 904 4661 Start your claim

Key points for making an injury claim

The most important things to remember when making a fractured/broken bone injury claim:

  • You can claim compensation if your accident occurred in a workplace or any public location where another party is responsible for ensuring safety.
  • Claims can be made on a no win, no fee basis.
  • You generally have three years from the date of the accident to start your claim.
  • The healing and recovery time for a fractured or broken bone varies greatly depending on the type of bone, the type of fracture, its location in the body, and the age of the injured person.
  • It’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim, including medical records, photographs of the injury and accident scene, witness statements, and receipts for any related expenses.
  • The compensation you’re entitled to will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
  • You can claim for physical injuries, psychological impact, and any financial losses resulting from the accident.

Common causes of broken or fractured bone accidents

Broken or fractured bones can happen as a result of a whole host of accidents. Often, the cause of such injuries is negligence or unsafe conditions – in other words, causes that are out of the victim’s control. Here are some common causes of these types of injuries:

  • Slips, trips, and falls: Falling on a wet floor without warning signs or tripping over uneven pavements.
  • Road traffic accidents: Being knocked off your bicycle or motorbike by a careless driver, or being hit as a pedestrian.
  • Workplace accidents: Falling from a height without proper safety equipment, tripping over unsecured cables, or being struck by falling objects due to faulty shelving.
  • Medical negligence: Delays in diagnosing or treating fractures, or poor level of care that leads to further injury.
  • Sports injuries: Accidents during physical activities due to unsafe conditions or lack of supervision.
  • Defective equipment: Injuries caused by faulty playground equipment or defective machinery at work.
  • Gym accidents: Dropping heavy weights due to improper equipment maintenance or poor supervision, or slipping on a wet floor in the locker room.
  • Industrial accidents: Incidents involving heavy machinery, forklift accidents, or exposure to hazardous conditions without proper protection.

If you’ve suffered a broken or fractured bone in any of these scenarios, or another type of accident, speak with our experienced personal injury solicitors. We can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of making a compensation claim.

What is the difference between a broken and fractured bone?

The terms ‘break’ and ‘fracture are commonly used interchangeably, but in actually fact, they refer to different levels of severity.

A fracture essentially means any crack or break in a bone, and there are several different types:

  • Hairline fracture: A thin crack in the bone.
  • Simple fracture: A single break that doesn’t pierce the skin.
  • Compound fracture: A break where the bone pierces the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
  • Comminuted fracture: The bone shatters into multiple pieces.

When a medical professional diagnoses a bone as ‘broken’, this generally means that the bone is completely split or shattered. Essentially, all broken bones are fractures, but not all fractures result in the bone being split into separate pieces.

Knowing these terms will help in accurately describing the injury and its severity, which is important for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and making a compensation claim.

What are the time limits for making a broken or fractured bone compensation claims?

You generally have up to three years from the date of your accident or the date a medical professional diagnosed your injuries to start your claim for a broken or fractured bone. However, there are some exceptions to this three-year time limit.

The three-year time limit doesn’t apply if the injured person is mentally incapacitated. It will only begin if they regain mental capacity.

For injuries involving a child, you can make a claim any time until their 21st birthday.

In both instances, you can claim on their behalf as a “litigation friend”. This is a person (usually a trusted family member or friend) who acts on behalf of another person who is unable to manage their own claim.

Whatever the circumstances, Express Solicitors recommends that you start your claim as soon as possible after the accident. This ensures that your legal team has as much time as possible to gather all the necessary evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.

What evidence do I need to support my broken/fractured bone compensation claims?

When you begin a compensation claim for a broken or fractured bone, having strong evidence is essential for building a strong case against the party you believe to be responsible. The more thorough your evidence, the greater your chances of a successful claim. After you’ve sought immediate medical attention, it’s important to begin the process of gathering evidence. This will include:

  • Accident report: If your injury occurred in a public place or workplace, make sure the incident is logged in an accident report book. Request a copy of this report, as this will include details of the date, time, and circumstances of your accident.
  • Photographic evidence: Take clear photos of the accident scene and any hazards that contributed to your injury, such as wet floors or broken equipment. Also, photograph your injuries so that the extent and severity is documented
  • Medical records: Obtain all records of your medical treatment, including doctor’s reports, X-rays, and any other relevant documents. This is one of the most important pieces of evidence.
  • CCTV footage: If the accident was captured on CCTV, request a copy of the footage as soon as possible. This will provide a clear visual account of how the accident occurred.
  • Witness statements: Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident. Witness statements that corroborate your version of events will significantly strengthen your claim.
  • Financial records: Keep detailed records of all expenses related to your injury. This includes medical bills, travel costs for treatment, and any loss of earnings. Receipts, invoices, and bank statements can be used to support your claim for financial losses.
  • Personal diary: Keep a diary that records how the injury impacts your daily life, including missed work, family events, and any ongoing pain or limitations.

If you need help in gathering or collating evidence to make a claim, our experienced personal injury solicitors at Express Solicitors are here to guide you through the process.

How much compensation can I claim for a broken bone?

If you’re thinking about claiming compensation for a broken bone, you’re probably wondering how much you could receive. Since each injury and its impact is unique, the compensation available for broken bone injuries is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, your claim will be made up of two parts: general damages and special damages.

General damages cover the pain and suffering you’ve endured, as well as any loss of enjoyment in life due to your injury. The factors that will influence the general damages you could be awarded include:

  • The type of fracture or broken bone injury you’ve suffered and its seriousness.
  • Whether you needed surgery.
  • If metal plates or screws were inserted to help mend the break.
  • The level of treatment you received or plan to receive.
  • Any ongoing restrictions imposed by your injury, such as difficulties playing sports, taking part in leisure activities, driving, daily chores, gardening, or DIY tasks.
  • Whether any of the effects are permanent.
  • The likelihood of needing further surgery in the future.

Special damages are there to compensate for the financial losses you’ve incurred due to your injury. To claim special damages, it’s important to keep all relevant wage slips, receipts, invoices, and bank statements. Special damages can include:

  • Medical expenses, as well as the cost of medications.
  • Loss of earnings and potential future income, including pensions.
  • Costs of surgery and treatment.
  • Any costs associated with care, even if provided by family or friends.
  • Travel expenses for medical appointments.
  • Costs for any necessary modifications to your home, as well as any specialist equipment.

The amount of compensation you could receive for your broken bone injury will be influenced by the Judicial College Guidelines, which consider the injured body part and the injury’s severity, including recovery time. To find out what you could be owed in general damages, use our compensation calculator. 

Find out how much you could claim

Minimum Amount -
Maximum Amount -

Compensation amounts are estimated based on the level of injury below

Our expert personal injury solicitors understand that no amount of money can truly compensate for the pain and suffering you’re experiencing. However, we’re passionate about fighting on your behalf to secure compensation that accurately reflects the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, your loss of earnings, and any changes to your lifestyle. For a more accurate estimation of how much you could receive, including special damages, speak to Express Solicitors today.

Broken bone compensation amounts

The table below provides average compensation amounts for broken bone injuries, categorised by different areas of the body and the severity of the injury. These figures are intended as a guide. Each case is unique, and the actual compensation you receive may vary based on individual circumstances. However, this table should give you a fairly accurate indication of what you might expect.

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, speak to our no win no fee solicitors to find out if you can make a claim.

Average compensation amounts for fracture / broken bones claims

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
FaceMinor£1,7100 to
£13,740.00
Light or no scarring on the face, but no fractures, loss/damage of one/two front teeth, simple fractures of the jaw or nose, but with a possibility of complete recovery.
FaceSerious£9,110.00 to £48,420.00More serious fractures such as a broken jaw or nose, breaking/damage/loss of several teeth.
FaceSevere£29,780.00 £97,330.00Severe injuries resulting in facial disfigurement, several jaw fractures, chronic tooth pain, and scarring. May lead to eating restrictions or higher risk of joint arthritis. Covers negative effects on mental health.

Compensation amounts for back, neck, shoulders and upper body injuries

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
NeckModerate£7,890.00 to £38,490.00Covers injuries that accelerated a pre-existing condition, disc lesions, cervical spondylosis, serious limitation of movement, permanent and/or recurring pain, all caused by fractures or dislocations.
NeckSevere£45,470.00 to £148,330.00£148,330.00Serious fractures, severe soft tissue damage, chronic pain conditions, disc damage, partial paraplegia, or significant, permanent disability
BackModerate£12,510.00 to £38,780.00Includes: spinal fusion, compressed or fractured lumbar spine (possibly resulting in higher risk of osteoarthritis and constant pain), prolapsed discs and other injuries that may require surgery and a continued acceleration/worsening of a pre-existing back condition
BackSevere£38,780.00 to £160,980.00Typically requires surgery. Injuries include: damaged spinal cord and partial paralysis, psychological issues, loss of bladder and/or bowel function, disc lesions, impaired movement, arthritis, etc.
ShoulderSerious£12,770.00 to £19,200.00Fractured humerus, clavicle or rotator cuff needing surgery.
ShoulderSevere£19,200.00 to £48,030.00Significant disability caused by severe damage to the neck or brachial plexus.
Pelvis & hipsModerate£12,590.00 to £39,170.00No serious disability, but covers injuries requiring hip operations, replacement of hips (or the need for either in the future).
Pelvis & hipsSevere£39,170.00 to £130,930.00Severe hip/pelvis fractures resulting in bowel damage or spinal fusion, childbirth complications, hip replacement, and/or leading to higher likelihood of future surgery.

Compensation amounts for arm, hand, and finger injuries

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
ArmMild£6,610.00 to £19,200.00Fractured forearm.
ArmModerate£19,200.00 to £39,170.00Serious arm injury leading to long-lasting symptoms.
ArmSerious£39,170.00 to £59,860.00Serious injury resulting in an inability to use the arm(s) to some extent. Does not result in amputation.
ArmSevere£96,160.00 to £300,000.00Results may include the amputation of one/both arms. Compensation amount will depends on amputated area, whether phantom pain is experienced, and on other effects on the quality of life.
ElbowModerateUp to £12,590.00Includes: tennis elbow, deep cuts, simple fractures, no permanent damage.
ElbowSerious£15,650.00 to £32,010.00Results in restricted movement but does not require surgery or cause disability.
ElbowSevere£39,170.00 to £54,830.00Injury causes severe disability or requires surgery.
WristModerate£3,530.00 to £12,590.00Uncomplicated Colles fracture or minor undisplaced fractures with recovery between 1 – 2 years. May include use of plasters.
WristSerious£12,590.00 to £39,170.00Soft tissue damage or broken wrist causing some permanent disability.
WristSevere£47,620.00 to £59,860.00Significant permanent disability or complete loss of wrist function.
HandMinorUp to £5,000.00Covers lacerations and crush injuries, and soft tissue injuries (recovery within 6 months).
HandModerate£5,720.00 to £29,000.00Covers penetrating wounds and crush injuries resulting in permanent but non-intrusive symptoms, or soft tissue damage and deeper cuts resulting in impairment of the hand (may require surgery).
HandSevere£55,820.00 to £201,490.00Covers amputation and rejoining of several fingers, resulting in a clawed, impaired, or unsightly hand, amputation of one/both hands (alternatively, amputation of several fingers rendering the hand almost useless).
FingerMinorUp to £4,750.00Includes: full-healed fractured finger bones (healed within 1 year) with/without minor scarring.
FingerModerate£3,500.00 to £6,000.00Includes: complete (or almost complete) recovery after broken finger, amputation or loss of a part of the little finger.
FingerSevere£18,740.00 to £24,990.00Includes: complete amputation of one/more fingers, fractures of the index finger. Compensation depends on level of disability and suffering.
ThumbModerate£9,670.00 to £12,590.00Covers fractures with recovery within 6 months, damage to nerves or tendons resulting in partial loss of sensation, and cosmetic thumb deformities.
ThumbSevere£19,600.00 to £54,830.00Partial/complete amputation of the thumb, surgical wire insertions, nerve damage, fractures, inability to grip.

Compensation amounts for leg and foot injuries

Part of bodySeverity of injuryAmount of compensationTypes of injuries
LegMinor£2,450.00 to £11,840.00Minor injuries with recovery within a few months (e.g. soft-tissue injuries, bruising, cuts, and contusions). Slightly more severe injuries such as simple fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula.
LegModerate£17,960.00 to £54,830.00Minor fractures with partial recovery, serious soft tissue injury, injuries to one leg (e.g. broken bones, crushing injuries), ligament injuries, compound fractures leading to near certainty of arthritis or instability.
LegSevere£87,890.00 to £282,010.00Severe injuries resulting in extensive degloving, bone grafting, permanently reduced mobility, or amputation of one/both legs (above/below the knee).
KneeModerate£26,190.00 to £43,460.00Includes: seriously damaged kneecaps, ligaments, or muscles, dislocation, a torn meniscus, acceleration injuries (over several years), resulting in ongoing discomfort or pain.
KneeSevere£52,120.00 to £96,210.00Covers constant pain, severe disability, or muscle wastage. Higher compensation if need for surgery or injury effects quality of life.
AnkleMinorUp to £13,740.00Smaller fractures, but bone has not been displaced. May include sprains, injured ligaments (likely leads to scarring). Smaller injuries can allow for full recovery within a year, without any scarring.
AnkleModerate£13,740.00 to £50,060.00Includes ligament tears, fractures, leading to smaller disabilities while standing/moving. Increased risk of osteoarthritis. Operation/cast needed. May lead to inability to work or call for special footwear.
AnkleSevere£50,060.00 to £69,700.00Severe injury resulting in deformities, disabilities, or even amputation of the body part down the line.
FootMinorUp to £13,740.00Includes: minor fractures, lacerations or contusions (with complete recovery within 2 years), ruptured ligaments or other puncture wounds that result in chronic pain or a permanent limp.
FootModerate£13,740.00 to
£70,030.00
Includes: metatarsal fractures resulting in permanent deformity and ongoing symptoms, fractured heels (both), restricted mobility, degloving and heel fusion.
FootSevere£83,960.00 to £201,490.00Injury needing amputation of one/both feet or traumatic amputation of the forefoot (to prevent need for complete amputation)
ToeMinorUp to £9,600.00One or more broken toes with a varying recovery period. Compensation depends on the presence of long-term symptoms and speed of recovery.
ToeModerate£13,740.00 to £21,070.00Multiple fractures, crush injuries to two/more toes, permanent disability. May have involved unsuccessful past operations.
ToeSevere£21,070.00 to £56,080.00Severe crush injuries leading to less/surgical amputation of one or two toes (not including the big toe), amputation of all toes or the big toe.

Can I make a no win no fee broken bone compensation claim?

Yes. Our specialist personal injury solicitors handle broken bone compensation claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means you won’t have to pay any upfront costs or hidden charges. You only pay if your claim is successful, so there is no financial risk to you.

Who is responsible for paying my broken bone compensation?

Compensation for a broken bone claim is typically covered by the insurance of the party found to be at fault. For workplace accidents, this would be your employer’s liability insurance. In road traffic accidents, it’s the at-fault driver’s vehicle insurance. For accidents in public places, the responsible party could be a business, such as the operator of your gym or a retail store, or a local council.

What is a no win no fee agreement?

A no win no fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), means you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful. We also arrange an After The Event (ATE) insurance policy on your behalf, protecting you from any costs if the claim is unsuccessful. This means you can pursue your claim without any financial risk.

How long will my broken bone compensation claim take?

The duration of your claim will depend on its complexity. Some claims may be resolved within a few months, while others could take longer, especially if long-term damage needs to be assessed, or if the party responsible denies liability. Our solicitors will provide an estimated timeline during your initial consultation.

Can I claim for a broken bone caused by a slip, trip, or fall in a public place?

Yes, you can claim for a broken bone injury caused by a slip, trip, or fall in a public place if the accident was due to another party’s negligence. Examples include slipping on a wet floor without warning signs, tripping over uneven pavements, or falling due to a broken handrail

Can I claim for a broken bone caused by an accident at work?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure a safe working environment. You can claim for a broken bone injury caused by a workplace accident if you can prove that it was the result of your employer’s negligence. This applies even if you were partly at fault, in which case you may receive reduced compensation based on your degree of responsibility.

Can I claim compensation for a broken bone caused by medical negligence?

Yes, you can claim compensation for a broken bone resulting from medical negligence. This could include misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or improper medical care. You will need to prove that the injury was a direct result of the medical professional’s negligence.

Can I claim for a broken bone caused by a road traffic accident?

Yes, if you have suffered a broken bone in a road traffic accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you can claim compensation. This includes accidents where you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian.

Why choose Express Solicitors?

With over 20 years of experience in personal injury claims, Express Solicitors is well-equipped to handle broken bone compensation cases. Our team excels at taking on challenging claims that other firms might avoid, and our track record of success speaks for itself. We approach every case with thoroughness and empathy, ensuring our clients receive the best possible representation.

We offer no win, no fee arrangements for broken bone compensation claims, meaning you can pursue your claim without worrying about upfront costs. We’re extremely proud to have an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot and are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), demonstrating our dedication to professional integrity and client satisfaction.

Contact us today to begin your broken bone compensation claim and find out how much compensation you may be entitled to.

Call us on 0161 904 4661

Lines are open now and our legal advisors are on standby to tell you if you can make a claim.

Call: 0161 904 4661

Start your claim online

Complete our simple form to receive a call back from our expert legal team.

Start your claim