Broken Finger Compensation Claims

A broken finger may not seem like a severe injury, but it can affect your ability to work and carry out various activities for weeks or months at a time. Besides physical pain, this can lead to mental anguish, anxiety and considerable financial losses and expenses.

A broken finger can have various causes, such as road accidents, injuries at work, physical violence and slips, trips and falls. If someone else caused your accident by acting negligently, you may be entitled to claim broken finger compensation.

To find out if you have a valid finger injury compensation claim, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back to speak to a personal injury solicitor. They will offer you a free consultation and answer any questions you may have.

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Table of Contents

• What is a broken finger injury?
• Symptoms and diagnosis of a finger fracture
• How is a broken finger treated?
• Can I make a broken finger claim?
• What type of evidence will I need to support a personal injury claim?
• Common accidents that can lead to a broken finger compensation claim
• Can I claim compensation for a broken finger at work?
• Frequently asked questions
• Can I make a broken finger claim on behalf of my child?
• How much compensation can I claim for broken fingers?
• What is the time limit to make a personal injury claim?
• Can I claim injury compensation on a No Win No Fee basis?

What is a broken finger injury?

Fingers play a crucial role in dexterity and are essential for various functions, such as touching, grasping and manipulating objects. Each finger consists of three bones known as phalanges, except for the thumb, which has two. A broken finger injury occurs when one or more of these bones break, often due to sudden trauma or repetitive stress.

There are various types of finger fractures, including:

• Closed fractures – there is no open wound or break in the skin;
• Open fractures – the bone has pierced through the skin, and there is an open wound with a higher risk of infection;
• Greenstick fractures – the bone bends and cracks but does not entirely break;
• Hairline fractures – these are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress and overuse and are not easily visible on X-rays;
• Comminuted fractures – the bone is shattered or broken into three or more pieces;
• Displaced fractures – the broken bone fragments are out of position and are not aligned properly;
• Non-displaced fractures – the bone remains in its normal alignment despite the break.

The type of finger injury you suffered will determine the amount of compensation you could receive if you make a successful claim. For example, an index finger fracture may be worth more than a fracture to a little finger.

Symptoms and diagnosis of a finger fracture

A broken finger is a common injury that can cause a range of symptoms that rarely go unnoticed. These may include:

• Sharp or intense pain that is often immediate
• Swelling around the injured area, causing the finger to appear larger than usual
• Bruising or discolouration due to bleeding under the skin
• Limited range of motion and impaired grip
• Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
• Stiffness and tenderness to the touch
• The finger is oddly shaped or out of alignment

If you injured your finger and suspect a fracture, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. A healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam to assess the extent of pain, swelling, deformity, and range of motion in the injured finger. They may also order an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and the location and severity of the fracture.

How is a broken finger treated?

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment plan. Based on the type and severity of your injury, this could be:

• Immobilising the injured finger using a splint or cast to make sure it heals in the correct position;
• Strapping the broken finger to another finger to keep it in position;
• A tetanus injection or antibiotics to prevent infections if there is an open cut;
• Manually straightening the finger under a local anaesthetic if you have a displaced fracture;
• Complicated breaks may need surgery using small wires, plates and screws to keep the bones in place.

Protecting the injured finger and avoiding strenuous activity during the healing process is essential. This could take several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the fracture. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may also be necessary to restore range of motion, strength and function. Finger fractures generally heal well, but in some cases, they can cause long-lasting issues, such as joint stiffness and chronic pain.

Can I make a broken finger claim?

If you suffered a broken finger, the easiest way to find out if you can claim compensation is through a free consultation with a legal adviser. They will ask you a few questions about your case to determine whether:

• A third party owed you a duty of care
• They breached this duty by acting negligently and causing an accident
• You’ve suffered a finger injury as a result

A duty of care will be established by referring to the relevant legislation. For example, this could be:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, if you suffered a broken finger in the workplace
• The Road Traffic Act 1988, if you were injured due to a traffic accident
• The Occupiers Liability Act 1984, if you injured your finger in an accident in a public place such as a shop or restaurant
• The Consumer Rights Act 2015, if your injury was caused by a faulty product

Once a breach of duty is established, your solicitor will help you gather everything you need to start a broken finger compensation claim. They will also carry out negotiations with the defendant to ensure you receive the best level of compensation you are entitled to.

What type of evidence will I need to support a personal injury claim?

Your solicitor will need as much evidence as possible to help you claim compensation for a broken finger. This should show how the accident occurred, the injuries caused by it, and how they affected your life. Examples of evidence you could use to start a personal injury claim include:

• Photographs of what caused your finger fracture before the accident scene is cleared;
• Pictures of any visible trauma, such as bruising or an open wound;
• If available, videos or CCTV footage of how the accident occurred;
• Medical notes can help prove your injuries, the treatments you received and your recovery prospects;
• Most businesses must keep an accident logbook to record any incidents on their premises. If you suffered a finger injury at work or in a public place, you should report it and ask for a signed copy of the logbook entry to support your claim;
• Witness statements from anyone who saw how the accident occurred can help prove liability;
• Your notes about how the accident took place and how your injuries have affected your life;
• You should also keep invoices, receipts and other financial documents that prove what expenses you incurred due to your accident.

Common accidents that can lead to a broken finger compensation claim

There are many different accidents that could result in a broken finger claim, including:

• Slips, trips and falls. During a slip or trip, you may instinctively extend your hands to break your fall, which can result in finger fractures. Such accidents can be due to slippery floors, uneven surfaces, objects left in walkways and other hazards.
• Workplace accidents. Workplace accidents also pose a risk of finger injuries. These can get caught in moving parts, crushed by machinery, or struck by falling objects, leading to fractures. If your employer breached their duty of care towards you, you can claim compensation for a broken finger at work.
• Sports injuries. Many sports, including football, basketball and gymnastics, carry a risk of finger fractures. While many injuries are nobody’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation if your accident was due to causes such as faulty equipment, inadequate training or poor ground conditions.
• Road traffic accidents. The impact during road traffic collisions can lead to finger injuries. Your hands may hit the steering wheel, ground or other objects, resulting in broken bones. If another road user was at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
• Criminal assaults. Physical altercations involving blows to the hands can result in fractures to the fingers. Innocent victims of violent crimes can claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) after reporting the incident to the police.
• Defective products. Poorly designed or malfunctioning products may also lead to personal injury compensation for a broken finger. In such cases, you do not need to prove negligence and a breach of duty. You must only show that the defendant is responsible for the faulty product and that it was defective and caused your injury.
• Repetitive strain. Continuous strain on the fingers, such as frequent typing or gripping, can lead to stress fractures. These are small cracks in the bone that can cause persistent pain, swelling and discomfort.
• Playground accidents. On playgrounds, children may fall from equipment or get their fingers caught in moving parts, resulting in fracture injuries.

Can I claim compensation for a broken finger at work?

Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their employees in the workplace. They must take all reasonable measures to prevent or reduce the risk of injuries, or they may be liable for broken finger at work compensation. Some of their responsibilities include:

• Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards that could cause a broken finger injury;
• Implement and communicate clear safety policies and procedures;
• Ensure that all equipment and machinery is well-maintained and safe for the job;
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) that is in good condition and regularly updated, such as gloves;
• Ensure employees receive adequate training and have the necessary knowledge and skills to complete their tasks safely;
• Maintain good housekeeping to prevent accidents such as slips, trips and falls.

These and other health and safety measures are essential to keep employees safe from workplace injuries. If you were injured due to a breach of duty, you have the right to make a work accident claim. This is your legal right, and you cannot be sacked or disciplined in any way for claiming compensation. If that happens, you can make a further claim at an employment tribunal under unfair dismissal laws.

Frequently asked questions

Here we have answered some common questions people have about making a broken finger compensation claim. If you need further legal advice, do not hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back. An experienced solicitor will offer you a free case assessment and address any inquiries you may have.

Can I make a broken finger claim on behalf of my child?

As a parent or legal guardian, you may be entitled to claim broken finger compensation for your child. To claim on their behalf, you must submit an application to the court to be appointed as their litigation friend. You will be named as their legal representative if:

• You can make fair and competent decisions about the case
• You have no conflict of interest with the child

In certain situations, you may not be allowed to represent them, such as if they were injured in a car accident that was your own fault. If the court names you as their litigation friend, you must act in the child’s best interest, help gather evidence to support the claim and have several other duties that your solicitor will explain to you.

How much compensation can I claim for broken fingers?

The broken finger compensation amount you could claim will depend on your specific situation. Every compensation payout includes two types of damages related to your accident:

• General damages are subjective, personal losses that are not easily quantifiable. These may include physical pain, mental suffering and loss of amenities like the ability to play a musical instrument or engage in sports activities.
• Special damages are quantifiable financial losses you incurred as a direct result of the injury. They may include prescriptions, private treatments, loss of earnings and care costs during recovery.

According to our compensation calculator and the recommendations from the Judicial College, you could receive up to £36,740 for a successful broken finger claim.

What is the time limit to make a personal injury claim?

The time limit to start a claim for compensation is set at three years after your accident by the Limitation Act 1980. Once three years have passed, your case becomes statute-barred and will no longer be considered valid. There are a few exceptions to this rule:

• With child injury claims, the three years start to run on the child’s 18th birthday. They would have until turning 21 to start a claim if nobody claimed on their behalf.
• There is no time limit if the claimant lacks mental capacity due to a condition such as Alzheimer’s or a mental health disorder.
• In case of stress fractures that develop over time, the three years begin from the date your injury was diagnosed.
• If you suffered a finger injury due to a criminal assault, you have two years to claim through the CICA.

Can I claim injury compensation on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you are eligible to claim compensation for a broken finger, your solicitor will offer you a conditional fee agreement. This is more commonly known as no win no fee*, and means that you do not have to pay them anything upfront for legal representation. They only receive a success fee from your compensation award upon winning your case. If you lose, you do not have to pay them anything.

Furthermore, you will also have After the Event (ATE) insurance against litigation costs and disbursements such as court fees, expert witness fees and medical reports. If your claim is unsuccessful, the ATE will cover all these expenses, ensuring that you won’t lose a penny.

To find out if you might be eligible to claim broken finger injury compensation, call 0800 470 0474 today for free legal advice. You can also use our online claim form to arrange a no-obligation call back from an experienced solicitor.

Last edited on 12th Feb 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.