Compensation for broken bones

If you’ve suffered a fractured or broken bone in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we can help you make a broken bone compensation claim.

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broken bone compensation claims

Broken Bone Compensation Claims

Any type of fracture can be painful and affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities. You may not be able to drive, cook, clean, care for your children and engage in your hobbies for weeks or even months due to a broken bone. That can also have an emotional impact and lead to lost wages and other financial expenses.

If you’ve suffered a broken or fractured bone due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation. Common accidents leading to a claim include road collisions, workplace accidents, sports incidents, criminal assaults and falls from heights.

If you want to start a broken bone compensation claim, do not hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to request a call back. An experienced solicitor will determine if you have a valid case and answer any questions you have about the legal process.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

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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.

    What is a broken bone injury?

    A broken bone injury, also known as a fracture, occurs when there is a break or crack in a bone. Fractures can range from mild to severe and can occur in any bone in the body, including the skull, face, ribs, pelvis and limbs. Common causes of broken bones include:

    • Trauma from accidents such as falls and road accidents
    • Repetitive stress or overuse of a particular bone or joint
    • Medical conditions such as osteoporosis, bone tumours, or certain infections

    There are various types of broken bones and fractures, such as:

    • Closed fractures occur when the bone is broken, but it does not pierce the skin
    • Open or compound fractures are often due to severe accidents that cause the bone to puncture through the skin
    • Displaced fractures occur when the broken pieces of the bone misalign
    • Greenstick fractures are common in children and occur when the bone breaks and cracks but does not entirely break
    • Comminuted fractures occur when the bone is broken into multiple pieces

    Regardless of the type of fracture you’ve suffered, if it was due to someone else’s negligence, you could make a bone injury compensation claim.

    Symptoms and diagnosis of broken bones

    The symptoms of a broken bone can vary depending on the type, location and severity of the fracture. The most common ones include:

    • Pain, especially when trying to move the affected body part
    • Swelling and inflammation
    • Bruising and tenderness
    • Visible deformity
    • Inability to move or use the limb
    • Numbness or tingling, particularly if the nerves are affected

    To diagnose your injury, your doctor will thoroughly examine the injured area for signs of deformity, tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. They will also order an X-ray to visualise and confirm you have a broken bone. In some cases, especially for complex fractures, the doctor may also request a CT or MRI scan to obtain more detailed images of the injured area.

    Treatment and possible long-term effects of fractures

    Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate course of treatment, which may include:

    • Immobilisation with a cast or splint to help stabilise the bone, promote alignment and prevent movement during healing
    • Realigning the bones into their proper position by manually manipulating them
    • Medication to manage pain and reduce inflammation during the healing process
    • Surgical procedures by using internal or external fixation devices, such as plates, screws, pins or wires

    You may also require many months of physical therapy and rehabilitation before the bone returns to normal strength and function. In some cases, you may never fully recover or may suffer other complications, such as:

    • Chronic pain and joint stiffness
    • Reduced range of motion and mobility
    • Nerve or blood vessel damage leading to long-term sensory or circulatory issues
    • Muscle weakness
    • Psychological impacts, such as anxiety and depression due to changes in lifestyle and activity levels

    Your solicitor will assess the full impact of your injury on your life and ensure you receive the maximum level of fracture compensation you are entitled to.

    Can I make a broken bone compensation claim?

    The easiest way to find out if you can claim compensation for a broken bone is through a free consultation with a no win no fee* personal injury solicitor. They will ask you a few questions about your case to determine whether:

    • Another person or company owed you a duty of care
    • They breached their obligations through negligence or wrongdoing
    • You suffered a broken bone or fracture injury due to their actions

    Your solicitor will be able to prove a duty of care by referring to the relevant legislation, such as the Road Traffic Act 1988 or the Occupiers Liability Act 1984. You should keep in mind that you can claim broken bone compensation even if you were partially at fault for your injury. For example, if you were not wearing a seatbelt or were incorrectly using your protective equipment in an accident at work. Under contributory negligence, you may receive a reduced compensation award in such cases.

    What evidence do I need to claim broken bone compensation?

    If you want to claim compensation for broken bones, you will need various evidence to show how your accident occurred, how it has affected your life and who was at fault. Your solicitor could use any of the following types of proof:

    • Photographs of the accident scene before anything is moved, repaired or replaced;
    • Pictures of your injury and recovery process;
    • Contact details of witnesses who saw the accident and can support your claim if the defendant denies liability;
    • Your medical records and X-rays from the hospital where you received treatment will show the type of bone injury you suffered;
    • A medical review from an independent specialist about the long-term effects of your fracture;
    • A copy of an accident report form if you were injured due to an accident at work or in a public place like a shop or restaurant;
    • CCTV or dash cam footage if the accident was captured on camera;
    • Your notes about how the accident occurred, who you think was at fault and how it has affected your life;
    • You also need financial evidence, like receipts and invoices, if you want to claim any costs related to your injury.

    Once your solicitor has all the necessary evidence, they will calculate the amount of compensation you are entitled to and start negotiating your settlement with the other side.

    Common accidents leading to broken bones

    A fracture or broken bone can be due to many accidents and traumatic events, such as:

    • Road traffic accidents. The impact force in road collisions can cause fractured bones in various body parts. Their type and severity will depend on the speed of the vehicles, the point of impact, and the use of safety measures like helmets or seatbelts. Vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders are most at risk of broken bone injuries.
    • Accidents at work. Various workplace accidents can lead to fractures and broken bones. These include falls from heights, machinery accidents, being struck by falling objects and forklift accidents. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, your employer has a legal duty to take all reasonable measures to protect you from injuries. If they have failed to do so, you could claim compensation for broken bones.
    • Slips, trips and falls. These are some of the most common accidents in public places despite being largely preventable. They are often due to hazards like broken pavements, wet or slippery floors, objects left in walkways and poor lighting. Local councils and private business owners must ensure all public premises are safe for the general public. Otherwise, they may be liable for compensation for a fracture injury caused by their negligence.
    • Sports accidents. Many sports have an inherent risk of injuries such as broken or fractured bones. These include football, gymnastics, skiing, horseback riding and many others. While most sports injuries are nobody’s fault, some circumstances could lead to an injury compensation claim. Examples include injuries caused by faulty equipment, poor ground conditions, bad advice from a coach or lack of proper training.
    • Criminal assaults. Fights or physical altercations can involve punches, kicks, or the use of weapons that may lead to broken bones, particularly in the face, jaw, or ribs. In such cases, the assaulter may be unidentified or does not have the means to pay compensation for fractured bones. However, if you are not to blame for the incident, you could start a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which compensates the innocent victims of violent crimes in the UK.
    • Playground incidents. Children are prone to accidents and injuries and need proper supervision at school and on playgrounds. If your child has suffered a broken bone due to faulty equipment, inadequate care, uneven surfaces or obstacles on a playground, you could be eligible to claim compensation on their behalf.
    • Faulty products. Defective products can cause serious injuries, including broken bones. When products are defective or fail to perform as intended, you are at risk of various accidents. Some scenarios in which faulty products can lead to fractures include failure of safety gear such as harnesses, malfunctioning vehicles, and structural failures of products like ladders or furniture. In such cases, you could start a broken bone compensation claim under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

    Frequently asked questions about broken bone claims

    Below, we have answered some of the most common questions from people who want to claim personal injury compensation following a bone fracture. For more information or to start your claim, please call 0800 470 0474 today or enter your details into our online claim form to request a call back.

    Can I make a claim on behalf of my child?

    If your child has suffered a fracture due to someone else’s negligence, you could make a compensation claim on their behalf. Your solicitor will help you fill out and file all the documents you need to be appointed as their litigation friend. Afterwards, the claims process will be the same as any other personal injury case.

    You will help your solicitor gather evidence for the claim and have many other responsibilities, such as paying court fees, signing legal documents and making decisions about the case. If you secure compensation for your child, you may have to attend an Infant Approval Hearing. This is a simple procedure where a judge examines the evidence and decides whether the settlement is fair.

    How long do I have to make a broken bone injury claim?

    The time limit to claim compensation for broken bones is three years following the date of your accident. Under the Limitation Act 1980, your claim will become statute-barred and no longer valid if you do not start legal proceedings before this deadline. Some exceptions may apply, such as:

    • For child injury claims, the three-year time limit only begins on their 18th birthday. A parent or legal guardian could claim for them at any time before that.
    • There is no time limit if the injured person lacks mental capacity due to PTSD, a brain injury or another health condition. A litigation friend could claim on their behalf at any time.
    • If you suffered a fracture due to a criminal attack, the time limit to make a claim through the CICA is two years after the incident.
    • If you’ve broken a bone in an accident abroad, the time limit may depend on which country you were visiting when the accident happened.

    Other time limits may apply to your personal injury claim, so it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you are considering making a claim.

    How much compensation will I get for a fractured or broken bone?

    The amount of broken bone compensation you could receive if you make a successful injury claim depends on your circumstances. Two types of damages will determine how much compensation you could get:

    • General damages cover the physical injury and how it has affected your life. This could include physical and mental pain, reduced quality of life, inability to engage in a hobby, and other subjective losses. General damages are awarded based on the guidelines from the Judicial College. You can refer to our compensation calculator to see how much you could receive for your broken bone claim.
    • Special damages cover the financial expenses you incurred due to your injury, such as medical bills, travel expenses, care costs, mobility aids, lost wages and other expenditures.

    Will I get a No Win No Fee service?

    If you are eligible to claim, your personal injury solicitor will represent you on a no win no fee basis. That means you do not have to pay them anything upfront. They will only get a success fee if you receive compensation, which is capped at 25% of your award.

    As part of your agreement, your solicitor may also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance for you. The ATE is a type of insurance policy that covers all the litigation expenses if you lose the broken bone compensation claim. These include court fees, medical and police reports, expert witness fees and the defendant’s solicitor costs. You only pay for the cost of the ATE premium if your case is successful.

    If you want to claim compensation for broken bones or learn more about the claims process, do not hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 today for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Or use our online claim form if you would prefer to receive a call back.