Arm Injury Claims

The arms play an essential role in completing and enjoying everyday tasks. If an arm is injured due to the negligence of another person or company, the consequences can be devastating. It can disrupt many aspects of life, affect your ability to work and result in significant pain and discomfort.

Our partner solicitors have helped thousands of people across the UK to secure the compensation they are rightfully owed for arm injuries caused by negligence. This includes work accidents, medical negligence, slips and trips, road accidents, and many others.

If you have suffered damage to your arm through no fault of your own, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser, as you may be entitled to compensation.

You can also fill out our contact form, and a legal advisor will call you back promptly to discuss your case. They can quickly determine if you have a valid arm injury claim and estimate the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. They will also be available to answer any questions you might have about the claims process.

Find out if you can claim

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Do I have a valid arm injury claim?
• What are the most common arm injuries?
  • Broken Arm
  • Dislocated Elbow
  • Bicep Tendonitis
  • Hand and wrist injuries
• Common causes of arm injuries
• Potential impacts of an arm injury
• How much compensation will I receive?
• What evidence will I need to make an arm injury claim?
• Do I need to claim within a certain time limit?
• What happens if I lose my arm injury claim?

Do I have a valid arm injury claim?

If you believe that your arm injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, the first thing you should do is contact a personal injury solicitor. They will offer you a free consultation to discuss your circumstances and establish whether you are entitled to compensation.

To determine if you have a valid arm injury claim, they will consider the following factors:

• Liability: Did someone else’s negligence or intentional actions cause your arm injury, and did they owe you a duty of care?
• Damages: Did your arm injury result in medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other types of harm?
• Evidence: Is there sufficient evidence to support your case, such as medical records, witness statements, or photographs?
• Time limits: Have you made your claim within the time frame allowed by UK law?

An arm injury could be due to different accidents and environments, including road traffic accidents, accidents at work and overuse injuries. According to your situation, the liable party to pay you arm injury compensation could be:

• An employer who violated the guidelines set by the Health and Safety Executive;
• A road user such as a driver or motorbike rider if they caused a road accident;
• A business owner, if your arm injury was due to a lack of proper maintenance at a privately owned business;
• A landlord who had failed to carry out necessary maintenance and repairs under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985;
• The local authorities, if you sustained an arm injury in a public place such as a trip on a damaged pavement;
• A manufacturer, in case of an arm injury caused by a faulty product;
• A healthcare professional if you have suffered damages due to medical negligence;
• Another individual, if you were assaulted or attacked by a dog without provocation.

Usually, arm injury claims can still be pursued even if the injured party was partially at fault. If you hold less than 50% of the blame, your compensation award will be reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility. This is legally referred to as contributory negligence. For instance, failing to wear a seatbelt as a passenger in a car accident could be an example of this.

What are the most common arm injuries?

The arm plays a pivotal role in various daily activities, including household tasks, work duties, and human and pet interactions. Thus, an injury to this limb can significantly impact all areas of your life.

Keep in mind that if another person or entity caused your injury through a negligent or intentional act, you might be entitled to arm injury compensation. The most common injuries seen in arm injury claims include:

Broken Arm

A broken arm is quite a common injury and is the reason for most arm injury compensation claims. Both children and adults can get a broken arm through many accidents caused by the fault of another person or company. This type of injury can be very painful and lead to extensive time off work or school during recovery. Some of the most common causes for broken arms include:

• Falls from heights (such as climbing frames, work shelving units or unprotected balconies)
• Road traffic accidents (RTAs)
• Criminal attack
• Slips, trips and falls
• Impact trauma from a falling object or moving weight

A broken arm typically heals within eight weeks for simple fractures, while more severe ones can take several months to heal. The negative impact of this type of broken bone during recovery can be significant, affecting your ability to carry out daily activities like driving, working, participating in sports or writing.

Dislocated Elbow

A dislocated elbow occurs when the humerus, ulna and radius (the elbow bones) move out of place where they meet at the elbow joint. This elbow injury can cause intense pain, limit movement, and result in discomfort and difficulties with everyday activities.

A dislocated elbow can also harm the surrounding tissue and nerves, requiring extended treatment and hindering the ability to perform daily tasks and work. This type of injury commonly occurs when someone tries to break a fall by extending their arm. If the cause of the fall was due to another person’s actions, you might be entitled to make an arm injury claim.

Bicep Tendonitis

The bicep muscle has two tendons attaching it to the shoulder bones and another connecting it to the elbow’s radius bone. Although tendons are strong, repeated use, such as in work-related tasks, can lead to a painful condition called tendonitis that affects movement and functionality.

This condition often arises from repetitive motions performed by factory workers, construction workers, and cleaners. However, it can also result from sudden trauma or impact, such as road traffic accidents or physical assaults.

Hand and wrist injuries

The hand consists of 27 bones connected by muscles, tendons and ligaments and some of the densest areas of nerve endings in the body. The wrist connects the hand to the forearm and includes the distal ends of the radius and ulna and eight carpal bones. The integrity of the hand and wrist are essential for almost all daily activities.

There are many causes for hand and wrist injuries, including:

• Trauma from falls, sports injuries or assaults
• Overuse and repetitive motions
• Degenerative conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis
• Medical conditions like diabetes
• Poor posture and technique during activities

Some of the most common wrist and hand injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains. These can cause a wide range of symptoms like numbness, weakness in the hands or fingers, pain, stiffness and loss of motion.

The type of injury you suffered does not affect your eligibility to start an arm injury claim but will determine how much compensation you are entitled to for pain and suffering, known as general damages.

Common causes of arm injuries

Some of the most common causes of accidents that may result in arm injury claims include:

Criminal attacks can cause many arm injuries, such as:

• Stab wounds
• Gunshot wounds
• Blunt force trauma from being hit or beaten with a weapon
• Fractures or dislocations from being grabbed or restrained forcibly
• Cuts or lacerations from being slashed with a sharp object

If you have suffered an injury due to an unprovoked assault or another violent crime, you could claim arm injury compensation through the CICA within two years after the incident. To be eligible for a CICA claim, you must report the assault to the authorities and have a police reference number.

Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) could cause arm injuries in a variety of ways, including:

• Blunt force trauma from being hit by a car or other vehicle
• Fractures or dislocations from the impact or from being thrown from the vehicle
• Lacerations or cuts from broken glass or metal
• Burns from hot engine parts or from fires that may occur in the vehicle

Each road user has a legal obligation to take reasonable care and avoid causing harm to others on the road. This means that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike must act in a responsible and safe manner to prevent accidents and injuries. Neglecting this duty of care can result in liability for any harm caused in an arm injury claim.

Overuse of the arm at work

Arm injuries caused by overuse at work can result from performing repetitive motions for long periods, commonly referred to as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Examples of work activities that can cause arm injuries due to overuse include:

• Typing or using a mouse for prolonged periods
• Operating heavy machinery or tools
• Assembling products on a production line
• Painting or sanding
• Lifting heavy objects repeatedly and other manual handling work

It is important to take regular breaks, stretch, and use proper posture and ergonomics to prevent arm injuries due to overuse at work. In some cases, assistive devices such as wrist supports or modified tools can also help to prevent injury.

Failure of employers to meet their safety obligations, resulting in workplace accidents and arm injuries, such as:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents
• Accidents involving machinery or tools
• Lifting heavy objects improperly
• Burns or cuts from hazardous substances or equipment
• Electric shocks or electrical burns
• Vehicle accidents in a workplace setting (for example, forklift accidents)
• Blunt force trauma from falling objects or equipment failure
• Use of malfunctioning or unsafe machinery

Employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment and ensuring that employees are adequately trained in safe work practices to prevent arm injuries and other accidents in the workplace.

Sports and physical activities can also lead to a range of arm injuries due to the following:

• Overuse, such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
• Trauma, such as fractures or dislocations from falls or contact with other players or objects
• Overreaching or overexertion, such as strains or sprains
• Repetitive motions, such as throwing a ball or swinging a racket
• Improper technique, such as using poor form while lifting weights
• Unsuitable equipment, such as using worn-out or ill-fitting equipment

While sports injuries are common and are usually nobody’s fault, you might be eligible to begin an arm injury claim if the cause of your accident was faulty equipment, inadequate training, or insufficient maintenance of facilities.

Trips, slips and falls occur when a person loses their balance, which may lead to various types of arm damage. These injuries can range from minor bruises to more severe fractures or dislocations.

Common causes of slips, trips, and falls include:

• Wet or slippery surfaces
• Uneven or cluttered walking areas
• Poor lighting
• Worn or damaged flooring
• Loose rugs or mats
• Stairs without handrails

To prevent arm injuries from slips, trips, and falls, it is essential to maintain a safe environment by cleaning up spills promptly, ensuring proper lighting, and fixing any hazards or damaged flooring.

Falling objects may strike the arm, causing injuries ranging from bruises and cuts to more serious fractures or dislocations. Common causes for accidents involving falling objects include:

• Items being stored improperly or not secured
• Items being dropped or knocked over
• Items falling from a height, such as from shelves or balconies
• Things being thrown or propelled by machinery

To prevent arm injuries from falling objects, it is important to store items properly and secure them to prevent them from falling. In the workplace, proper training and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can also help prevent injuries from falling objects.

Medical negligence can lead to arm injuries when a healthcare provider fails to provide appropriate care and treatment. These injuries can range from minor bruises or infections to nerve damage or amputations.

Examples of medical negligence leading to arm injuries include:

• Surgical errors, such as incorrect incision sites or nerve damage during surgery
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, leading to worsening of the condition
• Improper administration of medications or anaesthesia
• Improper use of medical equipment, such as incorrect placement of IVs or improper use of casts or braces

In case of suspected medical negligence, you should seek legal advice to determine whether you might be entitled to arm injury compensation.

Your personal injury solicitor will seek to demonstrate that your arm injury was due to the negligence of another person, known as the liable party, and will then aim to recover the highest compensation possible on your behalf.

Potential impacts of an arm injury

The arm is an essential limb for the completion of a vast number of tasks. The potential short-term impacts of an arm injury can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury, but some common effects include the following:

• Pain and discomfort
• Limited range of motion or mobility
• Weakness or loss of strength
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Swelling or inflammation
• Bruising or discolouration
• Loss of sensation or feeling
• Difficulties performing everyday activities, such as dressing or brushing teeth
• Psychological effects, such as anxiety or depression related to the injury and recovery process

In more severe cases, an arm injury can lead to long-term effects such as chronic pain and permanent loss of function or mobility. This may affect various tasks and areas of your life, including:

• Driving or riding a motorbike or bicycle
• Writing and typing
• Lifting heavy objects
• Using a phone, computer, remote control and other household devices
• Playing with and caring for children
• Getting dressed
• Sports and hobbies

The more significant the negative impact your injury has had on your life, the more arm injury compensation you may be entitled to claim. Your solicitor will therefore ensure they get a full understanding of how the injury has impacted your day-to-day life and any changes or sacrifices you have made as a result.

How much compensation will I receive?

Your solicitor will establish how your life has been negatively affected by the injury to calculate a compensation award that reflects your pain and suffering. The more severe your symptoms and the greater the negative impact the trauma has had on your life, the larger the settlement award will be.

The following considerations should be taken into account when establishing how much your arm injury claim may be worth:

• The severity of injury and level of pain suffered
• The treatment needed to date and likely future treatment and recovery plans
• The impact of the injury on your ability to perform usual daily tasks
• The impact of the injury on your ability to work and any income loss that you may have suffered or are likely to suffer in the future
• Whether the injury has had a detrimental effect on your independence, for example, with your ability to drive or care for children
• The cost of treatment
• Any transportation costs you have incurred as a result of the injury

The damages that can be recovered in arm injury claims can be categorised as either special or general.

Special damages are specific, quantifiable losses that result from an injury. They may include:

• Medical expenses, such as hospital bills and prescription costs
• Loss of earnings or income, including both past and future earnings
• Cost of rehabilitation or therapy
• Cost of modifications to a home or vehicle to accommodate a disability

General damages, on the other hand, are non-economic losses that are more difficult to quantify. These may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Loss of reputation or dignity

To determine a fair and reasonable award for general damages, your solicitor will refer to previous awards in similar cases and the Judicial College Guidelines, which provide a range of suggested awards for different arm injuries. For example:

• Between £5,630 and £16,380 for a mild arm injury, such as a fractured forearm
• Between £10,890 and £16,380 for a fractured humerus
• Between £2,810 and £3,790 for a minor wrist injury with full recovery within a year
• Between £16,380 and £33,430 for a moderately severe arm injury leading to long-lasting symptoms such as a restriction in movement
• Between £33,430 and £111,690 for serious arm injuries resulting in varying degrees of inability to use the arm

To learn more about how much arm injury compensation you could be entitled to, call 0800 470 0474 or use our contact form to arrange a no-obligation call back from a legal adviser.

What evidence will I need to make an arm injury claim?

To make a successful arm injury claim, you will need to provide strong evidence to support your case. The specific evidence required will depend on the nature of the injury and the circumstances surrounding it, but some common types of proof that may be relevant in your case include the following:

• Medical Records: It is essential to seek medical attention for your arm injury as soon as possible. Your medical record will serve as proof of the severity of your injuries, treatments and interventions, and your recovery prospects.
• Photographic Evidence: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene and your arm injury, as these can be used to provide visual evidence to support your claim.
• Accident Reports: If the arm injury was due to a workplace accident, you should file an accident report with your employer and obtain a copy. Likewise, businesses such as supermarkets and restaurants should have an accident log book for any incidents that occur on their premises.
• Police Reports: If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident or a violent assault, call the police immediately and wait for their arrival. The police report is essential if you decide to pursue an arm injury compensation claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
• Witness Statements: If anyone witnessed the accident, obtain their contact information, as their testimony may be valuable to confirm what happened, how and when.
• CCTV Recordings: If the accident was captured on CCTV or dash cam footage, ask the owner for a copy of the recording before it is erased.
• Financial Expenses: If you have suffered any financial losses due to your arm injury, such as lost wages or medical expenses, keeping receipts or other records of these costs is essential.
• Written Notes: Document the timeline of events, including what happened leading up to the accident, the pain and suffering caused by your injury, and how it has affected your life.

Overall, the more comprehensive and convincing the evidence you can provide to support your arm injury claim, the greater your chances of success. Your solicitor will be able to assist you in gathering everything you need to build a strong case.

Do I need to claim within a certain time limit?

Yes, there is a time limit for making a personal injury claim, known as the claim limitation date. In the UK, the time limit for making an arm injury claim is usually three years from the date of the accident or the date when you became aware of the injury.

Once this period has passed, your claim becomes time-barred, and you will no longer be eligible for compensation. In some cases, the court may extend the limitation date based on the reasons for and extent of the delay in filing a claim. However, this should not be relied upon, as you could lose your chance to claim compensation.

There are a few exceptions to the three-year time limit to claim arm injury compensation:

• If the injured person is a minor, the time limit does not start until their 18th birthday. A parent, guardian, or another litigation friend could claim on their behalf at any point while they are legally a minor.
• There is no time limit to start an arm injury claim if the claimant is mentally incapable of conducting legal proceedings. This can include conditions such as dementia, brain injury, stroke, or mental health problems such as depression or schizophrenia.
• If you or someone you loved suffered an arm injury abroad, the time limit might differ from country to country and be as short as six months.
• The CICA imposes a two-year time limit to start a personal injury claim following an assault or another violent crime.
• If you were injured while serving in the military, you have seven years to claim arm injury compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

Due to the time limits that apply to arm injury claims, it is recommended to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident. This reduces the chance of missing the deadline and will give your solicitor plenty of time to gather evidence and prepare your case.

What happens if I lose my arm injury claim?

If you have a valid arm injury claim, the solicitors we work in partnership with will offer you a no win no fee agreement*. Also known as a conditional fee agreement, this service is designed to protect you from incurring any costs in the event of a loss.

Furthermore, you do not have to pay any upfront fees to benefit from legal representation in your case. Your solicitor takes on the risk of litigation, and you will not pay them a penny unless they win arm injury compensation on your behalf.

In this case, they will get a success fee, which is meant to compensate them for the risk taken by representing you on a no win no fee basis. According to the Ministry of Justice regulations, the success fee that a solicitor can charge is capped at a maximum of 25% of the compensation awarded.

Additionally, your solicitor usually takes out an insurance policy called After the Event (ATE) on your behalf. This protects you from having to pay legal fees and disbursements if you lose your claim, including:

• The other side’s solicitor fees
• Transportation costs
• Court charges for submitting documents
• Time spent by paralegals, secretaries, and other support staff
• The cost of obtaining police and medical reports
• Expert witness fees

To find out if you have valid grounds to make a personal injury claim for an arm injury, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser today. Alternatively, enter your details into the contact form below to receive a call back.