Broken nose compensation claims

If you’ve suffered a fractured nose injury in an accident and somebody else was at fault, you could have grounds to make a broken nose compensation claim.

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Broken Nose Compensation Claims

A broken nose is a common and painful injury that can lead to complications like nasal deviation, difficulty breathing or recurrent nosebleeds. They can be caused by various scenarios, such as sports injuries, falls, criminal assaults and road traffic accidents.

If your injury was due to someone else’s negligence, you could claim broken nose compensation from the responsible party. This could be your employer, a road user, a property owner or a governmental body such as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

To find out if you can start a personal injury compensation claim for a broken nose, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online claim form to request a call back. An experienced solicitor will offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options.

Find out if you can claim

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Table of Contents

Nose fracture types and symptoms

The nose is a prominent facial structure with several functions, such as breathing, smell and speech. A nose injury can cause severe pain and suffering and interfere with these functions, causing breathing difficulties and other complications. A nose fracture can involve the bones or cartilage of the nose and can be classified as follows based on type and severity:

Closed fracture – the skin of the nose remains intact
Open (compound) fracture – the broken bone pierces the skin
Displaced fracture – the bones of the nose are not in their normal alignment
Non-displaced fracture – the broken bones remain in their normal alignment
Comminuted fracture – the nose bones are broken into multiple pieces
Greenstick fracture – it is an incomplete fracture where the bone is bent but not completely broken
Depressed fracture – a portion of the nose is pushed inwards, causing a visible depression

The signs and symptoms of a broken nose can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury and may include:

Pain and tenderness, especially when touching the nose
Swelling around the nose due to inflammation
Bruising around the nose and eyes
A visible deformity or change in the shape of the nose
Nasal bleeding and difficulty breathing
Mucus discharge from the nose
A crackling or grating sensation when touching the nose
A feeling that one or both nasal passages are blocked

If you have experienced a nose injury accompanied by these symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may recommend X-rays or a CT scan to diagnose your injury and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatments and possible long-term consequences of a broken nose

The treatment of a broken nose injury will depend on the type and severity of the fracture and may include:

Ice and pain relievers for simple fractures that did not make your nose crooked or misshapen;
Draining of septal haematoma, a pool of blood that may collect in your septum if you suffered severe trauma;
Manual realignment, if the nasal bones have shifted out of their normal position;
Antibiotics to prevent infection;
Immobilisation using splints or nasal packs to stabilise the bones during the healing process;
If you have a severe fracture, you may need surgery to realign the bones into their position;
You may also need nasal reconstruction surgeries, such as septoplasty to reshape your septum or rhinoplasty to improve the appearance of the nose.

A broken nose will usually heal within several weeks to several months. However, there may be some complications, based on the type of injury you suffered, such as:

A change in the shape or symmetry of the nose
Long-term nasal obstruction and difficulty breathing
Chronic sinus issues, such as sinusitis
An altered or diminished sense of smell

If you make a claim, your solicitor will take into account how your injury has affected you to secure the maximum nose injury compensation amount on your behalf.

Can I claim broken nose compensation?

If you suffered a broken nose that you believe was due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury solicitor can let you know if you are entitled to claim compensation. They will offer you a free initial consultation to determine whether:

A third party owed you a legal duty of care
They breached this duty by acting negligently
You suffered a broken nose in an accident caused by their negligence

Based on your circumstances, your solicitor will refer to the relevant legislation to prove a breach of duty. That could be the Road Traffic Act 1988, the Occupiers Liability Act 1984 or any other law that applies to your case. Once liability is established, your solicitor will help you collate all the evidence you need to make a successful broken nose compensation claim.

What evidence will I need to support my broken nose compensation claim?

If you are eligible for broken nose compensation, your solicitor will need as much evidence as possible to make a successful personal injury claim. You can support your claim by using any of the following:

Visual evidence. This may include photographs or videos of the accident scene and the extent of your injury before anything is moved, repaired or replaced. These can give a clear representation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
CCTV footage. If available, you are entitled to ask for any footage from cameras at or near the accident site. Try to do so as soon as possible, as these recordings are typically deleted after a few weeks.
Accident reports. After breaking your nose at work or in a public place such as a shop or restaurant, you should report it to the responsible party. Such accidents must be legally documented in an accident report book, and you are entitled to ask for a signed copy of the entry.
Medical notes. It is essential to visit your GP, a minor injuries unit or the A&E after suffering a nose injury. Your solicitor can request a copy of your medical records to prove the type of nose fracture you suffered and its extent.
Witness statements. Accounts from witnesses who observed the accident can be essential to support your broken nose claim, especially if liability is denied. Ask for the names and contact details of anyone present at the accident scene.
Your notes. You can use a personal account of the accident and how it has affected your life to support your claim and secure the nose injury compensation you deserve.
Police reports. If you were injured due to a violent crime, such as a physical attack or assault with a weapon, you should report it to the police as soon as possible and get a crime reference number. That will help you seek compensation through the CICA.
Financial evidence. You must be able to prove all the economic losses and out-of-pocket expenses you want to include in your compensation award through receipts, invoices and other financial documents.

Common accidents leading to a broken nose claim

Many accidents could result in a nose fracture and a subsequent negligence claim. Some of the most common are:

Road traffic accidents. Road traffic accidents, whether involving cars, motorcycles, or pedestrians, can lead to broken noses. Impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, airbags, and collisions with other vehicles or the ground can cause facial injuries, including fractures.
Criminal assaults. Blows to the head or face during physical altercations can result in various types of nose fractures. Blameless victims of violent crimes can claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Sports accidents. Almost all sporting activities, including football, boxing, basketball and gymnastics, pose a risk of injuries to the nose. Although most of these are nobody’s fault, you could claim compensation if you sustained a broken nose due to faulty equipment, poor ground conditions or bad advice from a coach.
Slips, trips and falls. Uneven surfaces, wet floors, or poorly maintained can lead to slips and trips that may cause broken nose injuries. Local councils and private business owners must keep all public premises safe for visitors, or they may be liable for compensation in case of an accident.
Accidents at work. Workplace accidents like falls from heights, being struck by objects, or incidents involving machinery can cause facial injuries, including broken noses. Employers have a duty to maintain a safe working environment to prevent such accidents.

Regardless of your circumstances, you could be entitled to compensation if your accident occurred due to someone else’s negligence.

Can I sue my employer for a nose fracture injury at work?

Your employer has a legal duty of care to provide you with a safe and healthy working environment. This duty is outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and is further supported by various other regulations. They should take the following steps to protect your health and safety:

Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards that could lead to accidents and injuries, such as nose fractures;
Ensure that the premises are free from hazards and that workstations are designed to minimise the risk of injuries;
Provide adequate training and instructions regarding the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery;
If there is a risk of nose fractures or facial injuries in the workplace, provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety helmets, goggles, or face shields;
Carry out regular inspections of the workplace and maintenance of machinery.

If your employer breached their duty of care towards you and you had an accident within the last three years, you are legally entitled to make a work accident claim. They cannot sack you, discipline you or treat you any differently as a result. If they do so, you can take further action at an employment tribunal under unfair dismissal laws.

Frequently asked questions

We have answered some common questions below that claimants often have about making a nose injury claim. You can contact a personal injury solicitor for more information by calling free on 0800 470 0474 or using our accident claim form to request a call back.

How long do I have to claim for a broken nose after my accident?

If you’ve suffered a broken nose due to someone else’s negligence, you have three years to make a compensation claim under the Limitation Act 1980. If you do not start the claims process within this time limit, your case will be statute-barred and no longer valid. There are a few exceptions to this rule:

If a child suffered a broken nose in a no-fault accident, the three-year time limit only begins on their 18th birthday, regardless of when the injury occurred.
There is no time limit for a litigation friend to claim compensation on behalf of a claimant who cannot start legal proceedings due to a lack of mental capacity.
There is a two-year time limit to make a criminal injury claim through the CICA if you suffered a nose fracture due to an assault or other violent crime.

How much compensation for a broken nose could I receive?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a broken nose will depend on your circumstances. Your solicitor will include two types of damages in your claim:

Special damages cover the specific financial losses you incurred as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, prescriptions, lost wages and travel expenses. These are based on evidence like receipts, invoices and payslips.
General damages cover the subjective losses you incurred as a result of your injury, such as pain, suffering, loss of amenities, scarring and disfigurement. These are awarded based on the guidelines from the Judicial College. You can refer to our compensation calculator to find out how much compensation you may be able to claim.

Can I make a nose injury claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you are entitled to claim compensation for a broken nose, your solicitor will offer you a no win no fee* agreement. Under this arrangement, you do not have to pay them anything upfront for legal representation. Furthermore, your lawyer will only get a success fee from your compensation if they win your case. Otherwise, you do not pay them a single penny.

If you make a no win no fee personal injury claim, you also have After the Event (ATE) insurance, which will cover all the legal costs and disbursements incurred during litigation if your case fails. These include court fees, medical and police reports, barrister fees and the defendant’s expenses.

To find out if you can start a nose injury compensation claim, get in touch with a legal adviser today by calling free on 0800 470 0474. You can also use our online claim form to request a call back.