Broken Arm Compensation Claims

A broken arm injury can cause a lot of physical and emotional pain and suffering. Furthermore, it may affect your ability to work, take care of daily tasks and engage in hobbies and social activities. This can also lead to financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses.

Many accidents can lead to an arm fracture, including road traffic collisions, slips and trips, falls from heights and accidents at work. Criminal assaults can also lead to such injuries, particularly if the attacker uses a weapon. As long as someone else was at least partially responsible for your trauma, you may be eligible to make a broken arm compensation claim.

If you want to start a claim or learn more about the compensation claim process, call 0800 470 0474 today or enter your details here to receive a free consultation with a legal adviser.

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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

• Signs and symptoms of a broken arm injury
• Treatments and possible long-term effects
• Do I have a valid broken arm compensation claim?
• What evidence do I need to make a claim for a broken arm?
• What accidents may lead to a broken arm claim?
• Frequently asked questions
• What is the time limit to claim compensation?
• How much compensation for a broken arm could I receive?
• Will I lose my job if I claim for a broken arm at work?
• Will my personal injury claim be on a No Win No Fee basis?

Signs and symptoms of a broken arm injury

The arm is a functional unit of the upper body that consists of three sections: the upper arm, forearm and hand. A broken arm injury refers to a break or cracks in any of the bones that make up the arm, including the humerus, radius and ulna. The signs and symptoms of a fracture can vary depending on its severity and location, and may include:

• Intense pain at the site of injury that can be immediate or develop gradually
• Swelling around the injured area
• Bruising or discolouration due to bleeding under the skin
• A visible deformity or misalignment if the fracture is severe
• Inability to move or use the arm
• Tenderness to the touch
• Numbness or tingling, which may indicate nerve damage or compression

If you had an accident and have any of the symptoms above, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and order an X-ray to determine the location, type, and extent of the fracture and determine the best course of treatment for your injury.

Treatments and possible long-term effects

If you have been diagnosed with a broken arm, the treatment you will receive will depend on its type and severity and may include:

• Immobilisation with a cast or splint to keep the fractured bones in place and proper alignment during healing;
• Your doctor may manually manipulate the bones back into their place (reduction);
• Severe and open fractures will typically require surgery and the use of plates, screws or rods to stabilise the broken pieces;
• Over-the-counter or prescription medications to alleviate pain and discomfort;
• Physical therapy may be prescribed after the healing phase to restore the range of motion, strength, and function of the injured arm.

While most fractures will recover completely within several months, some may not heal properly and cause long-term issues, such as:

• Stiffness and a limited range of motion in the affected arm;
• Chronic pain, mainly if the injury was severe or involved nerve damage;
• The development of post-traumatic arthritis;
• Weakness in the affected arm if there was muscle atrophy during immobilisation or if the fracture affected nerves and blood vessels;
• Nerve damage, leading to sensations of tingling, numbness, or weakness;
• You may also suffer psychological effects, such as anxiety and fear of re-injury.

If you have suffered long-term consequences due to your accident, your solicitor will include them in your claim and ensure you receive the maximum compensation amount you are entitled to.

Do I have a valid broken arm compensation claim?

If you suffered an arm fracture due to someone else’s negligence, you might be able to make a claim for compensation. An experienced personal injury solicitor can let you know if your case has merit within minutes during a free initial consultation. They will ask you some simple questions to determine whether:

• Another party owed you a legal duty of care
• They breached their duty through negligence or wrongdoing
• You suffered a broken arm injury as a result within the last three years

Your solicitor will be able to prove a duty of care by referring to legislation relevant to the type of accident that caused your injury. Once liability is established, they will inform the other side of your intentions to claim compensation for a broken arm. If the defendant admits their fault, you can start to negotiate your compensation award. Otherwise, your solicitor will be ready to issue court proceedings.

What evidence do I need to make a claim for a broken arm?

Your solicitor will need as much evidence as possible to support your arm injury compensation claim. They will review all the proof you already have and help you gather anything else you may need, which could include:

• Photographs or videos of the accident scene and any hazards contributing to your injury before anything is moved or replaced. You should also photograph any visible injuries and damage to your personal items.
• Medical records and diagnostic tests that state the type and severity of your injury and treatments received. Your solicitor may also arrange a free medical exam with an independent specialist to assess the long-term effects of your broken arm.
• Statements from bystanders who saw how your accident occurred can significantly improve your chances of success, especially if the defendant denies liability. Therefore, it is important to ask for the names and contact details of any witnesses.
• If you were injured at work or on private premises, such as in a shop or restaurant, you should report the accident to the responsible party. Every company must keep an accident report book, and you have the right to ask for a signed copy of the form to prove your injury’s date, time and location.
• If your accident was recorded on CCTV or a dash cam, you can also request a copy of the footage as soon as possible.
• If you were the victim of a violent crime, you should report the incident to the police as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours. The police will provide you with a crime reference number.
• You can also use your own account of how you suffered a broken arm injury and how it has affected your life.
• Keep all the evidence of your financial losses, such as receipts, invoices and bank statements. You can only claim compensation for reasonable expenses that you have proof of.

What accidents may lead to a broken arm claim?

Many accidents can lead to a claim for a broken arm, including:

• Slips, trips and falls. It is quite common to suffer some type of arm injury from a slip or trip. Our natural instinct is to reach out and use our hands to break a fall, which may result in a broken arm. Such accidents are typically preventable and may be due to wet floors, objects left in walkways, faulty pavements or poor lighting.
• Road traffic accidents. The speed and force that are typically involved in road accidents are often the cause of arm fractures. Such injuries can affect any road user, including car drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorbike riders. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you could claim under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
• Accidents at work. Many workplace hazards can lead to a fractured arm, such as inadequate training, poor housekeeping, faulty ladders, unsafe machinery and lack of protective equipment. Your employer must always follow the health and safety legislation to protect you from injuries. If they fail to do so, you could be entitled to claim compensation.
• Sports accidents. Almost all sports may lead to different types of arm injuries, including broken bones. Such accidents often occur due to nobody’s fault, but they may sometimes be due to negligence. You could be eligible to claim broken arm compensation if you were injured due to poor ground conditions, faulty equipment, inadequate training or poor advice from a coach.
• Falling from heights. Falls from heights pose a significant risk of breaking your arm. The impact upon landing can result in fractures, especially if you attempt to brace yourself during the fall. Whether at work or on private property, you may be able to claim if someone else’s negligence caused your accident.
• Criminal assaults. Physical altercations can also lead to broken arms, especially if you try to defend yourself against forceful blows. Most often, the assaulter is not identified or does not have the means to pay compensation for an arm injury. In such cases, you could claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) as long as you were not to blame for the incident and it was reported to the police.
• Playground accidents. If your child has suffered a broken arm on a playground due to faulty equipment or lack of supervision while at school, you could be eligible to claim on their behalf.

You could still make a broken arm compensation claim even if your accident was not listed here. The main thing to remember is that somebody else must have been at fault for your accident. To find out if your case has merit, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may want to start a broken arm compensation claim. Below, we have answered the most common questions about the claims process. For more details, please don’t hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back using our online claim form. A friendly legal adviser will be happy to help and answer any questions you have.

What is the time limit to claim compensation?

As a general rule, the time limit to start an arm injury claim is three years, starting from the date of your accident. If you do not begin legal proceedings within this timeframe, your case will be statute-barred under the Limitation Act 1980, and the court will no longer accept it, even if it has merit. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as:

• In the case of accidents involving children, the time limit only begins on their 18th birthday. A parent or legal guardian could claim compensation for a broken arm on their behalf at any time before that.
• There is no time limit if the claimant lacks mental capacity and cannot handle a claim. A litigation friend could represent anyone who suffers from a brain injury, mental health disease or any other condition affecting their intellectual abilities.
• If you suffered an arm injury due to a violent crime, you have two years to start a claim through the CICA.

How much compensation for a broken arm could I receive?

The amount of compensation you could receive if you suffered a broken arm will depend on the type and severity of your injury, how it has affected your life, and any related financial losses. Your solicitor will consider all your losses when calculating your compensation amount. These are grouped into two types of damages:

General damages are awarded for physical pain and suffering, mental distress and loss of amenities such as the ability to participate in a leisure activity. These are based on the guidelines from the Judicial College. According to our broken arm compensation calculator, you could receive:

• £6,610 to £19,200 for a simple forearm fracture
• £19,200 to £39,170 for a broken arm that causes long-term issues
• £39,170 to £59,860 for a severe arm injury that leads to significant disability

Special damages are awarded for financial losses related to your injury. These may include lost earnings, medical bills, prescriptions, care costs and travel expenses. They are calculated based on evidence like receipts, payslips and invoices.

Will I lose my job if I claim for a broken arm at work?

Your employer has a legal duty to take all reasonable measures to protect you from work-related injuries and illnesses. Their responsibilities are stated by legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and include:

• Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential risks of arm injuries related to the equipment, work process, and environment;
• Implement control measures to eliminate or reduce risks;
• Provide adequate training and information to employees regarding potential hazards, safe working practices, and the proper use of equipment;
• Maintain good housekeeping and provide safe and well-maintained tools and machinery;
• Introduce safety procedures and ensure employees receive adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and they know how to use it;
• Provide adequate supervision and monitoring when necessary.

If your employer has failed to comply with their duties and you suffered an injury, you are entitled to make a broken arm claim. This is your legal right, and they cannot sack you or discipline you in any way for claiming compensation. If they do so, a solicitor can help you take further action under unfair dismissal laws. They will help you claim at an employment tribunal that may order your employer to reinstate you or take any other corrective measures it sees fit.

Will my personal injury claim be on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you are eligible to claim compensation for a broken arm, your personal injury solicitor will offer you a no win no fee* agreement. That means you do not have to pay them anything upfront to represent you. Also, you do not pay them a single penny if your case fails.

You also have After the Event (ATE) insurance as part of your no win no fee arrangement. This policy will cover all litigation costs if you lose the claim, including medical and police reports, court fees, travel expenses and the defendant’s legal costs. This ensures you will never be left out of pocket if your claim is unsuccessful.

To start a personal injury claim or learn more about your legal options, do not hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back.