Broken Pelvis Compensation Claims

The pelvis is essential for supporting your body weight and protecting many vital organs, nerves and blood vessels. A fracture injury to the pelvis can be excruciating and lead to long-term pain and mobility issues. Furthermore, it will likely affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities, leading to emotional distress and financial losses.

It is a very stable structure, so pelvis fractures are most commonly caused by high-impact trauma, such as from road traffic accidents or falls from a significant height. If your pelvic injury was due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury solicitor can help you make a claim for compensation.

For a free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 or use our online form to request a call back. A friendly legal adviser will let you know if you are eligible for broken pelvis compensation and answer any questions you may have about the claims process.

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Table of Contents

• What is a broken pelvis injury?
• Types of pelvic fractures
• Diagnosis and treatment of a fractured pelvis
• Broken pelvis outlook
• Can I make a broken pelvis compensation claim?
• What evidence do I need to support my claim?
• What types of accidents can result in a broken pelvis claim?
• Can I claim compensation for a fractured pelvis at work?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make a personal injury claim on behalf of a loved one?
• What is the time limit to start a broken pelvis injury claim?
• How much compensation can I claim for a broken pelvis?
• Will I get a No Win No Fee service?

What is a broken pelvis injury?

The pelvis is a bony structure located at the base of the spine, between the abdomen and the legs. It serves as a strong foundation for the spine and supports the weight of the upper body. It also serves as an attachment point for various muscles, ligaments, and tendons involved in the movement and stability of the lower limbs.

The bones that make up the pelvis include the sacrum, the tailbone (coccyx) and the hip bones (pubis, ischium and ilium). A break or crack in any of these bones is considered a pelvic fracture. This injury can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Sharp and intense pain in the groin, hip, abdomen or lower back
• Pain that worsens with movement or bearing weight
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the lower limbs, which may indicate nerve damage
• A visible deformity or asymmetry of the pelvic bones
• Swelling or bruising in the hip area
• Difficulty going to the bathroom
• Tenderness or sensitivity to touch over the pelvic bones

If you have had an accident and are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is essential to seek prompt medical attention. A pelvic fracture is a severe injury that needs appropriate treatment to prevent complications and facilitate healing.

Types of pelvic fractures

There are many types of pelvis fractures, depending on the severity and pattern of the break. They are mainly classified into stable and unstable fractures based on whether the broken bones move apart from each other (unstable) or remain aligned in their natural position. Both stable and unstable pelvic fractures can also be divided into:

• Open – occurs when the broken bones pierce through the skin, which can lead to infections
• Closed – The ends of the fractured bones remain within the body and do not penetrate the skin
• Partial – the break does not entirely separate the bone into two or more pieces
• Complete – one or more pelvic bones are entirely broken or separated into two or more pieces

You can also develop stress fractures in the pelvic bones. These are tiny cracks or hairline breaks that progress over time due to repetitive stress or overuse. They are commonly seen in athletes such as gymnasts, long-distance runners, construction workers, factory workers, and military personnel. Stress fractures may cause chronic pelvic pain and discomfort and can increase the risk of more severe fractures if left untreated.

Diagnosis and treatment of a fractured pelvis

To diagnose your injury, your doctor will carefully examine your pelvis and order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent and severity of the fracture. They may use the following imaging tests:

• X-rays, usually from a number of different angles, will show which part of the pelvis is fractured and how much the bones have moved out of place.
• CT scans offer more detailed, three-dimensional images than X-rays and help determine the specific pattern of the fracture and associated injuries.
• MRI scans are used to evaluate any related soft tissue injuries, such as muscle or ligament tears. An MRI can also help see stress fractures that can’t be identified through other tests.

Treatment for a broken pelvis will depend on the type and severity of the fracture, which bones are displaced and your overall health. These may include:

• As much rest as possible so you do not put extra stress on the fracture
• Walking aids like crutches or a wheelchair
• Medication to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots
• Using pelvic binders or slings to stabilise the pelvis and reduce the risk of further injury
• Surgical intervention, where a surgeon will use metal screws, plates, or rods are used to hold the fractured bones together until they heal
• Physical therapy to restore mobility, strength, and function to the affected area

Broken pelvis outlook

Most people who suffer a pelvis fracture will make a full recovery within 8 to 12 weeks. However, some injuries may take longer to heal, and severe fractures can lead to complications and long-term consequences, such as:

• Infections and improper healing of the bones
• Blood clots in the legs or pelvis and pulmonary embolism
• Damage to the nerves or blood vessels
• Chronic pain and mobility issues
• Damage to internal organs
• Sexual dysfunction
• Functional limitations, such as difficulty sitting for prolonged periods, standing up or taking part in sports and recreational activities
• Developing pressure sores in bedridden patients
• Stress, anxiety and other emotional impacts

When calculating your fractured pelvis compensation award, your solicitor will include all the ways in which the injury caused you pain and suffering, including any future limitations.

Can I make a broken pelvis compensation claim?

If you suffered a pelvis fracture in an accident that was not your fault, you could make a personal injury compensation claim. To determine if you are eligible to claim, your solicitor will check whether:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• They breached their duty through negligence or wrongdoing
• You suffered a pelvis injury due to their actions

A duty of care will be established based on relevant legislation. Personal injury solicitors are experts in this area and will know what laws may apply to your case. For example, they will refer to the Heath and Safety at Work Act 1974 if you were injured while doing your job or to the Road Traffic Act 1988 if you were involved in a car accident.

The next step is gathering evidence to build a strong case and starting negotiations with the other side if they admit liability. Otherwise, your solicitor will be ready to take your case to court and get you the broken pelvis compensation you deserve.

What evidence do I need to support my claim?

You will need various types of proof to support a broken pelvis compensation claim. Your solicitor will help you gather everything you need, which may include:

• Photographs of the accident scene and the cause of your injury
• Pictures of any visible signs of trauma, such as bruising or deformity
• CCTV or dash cam footage of the incident, if available
• A copy of an accident report form if your fracture was due to an accident at work or in a public place
• Medical information, such as doctor’s notes, copies of diagnosis tests, and the treatments you received
• A report from a medical specialist about the long-term effects of your injury, its impact on your life and future care needs
• Witness statements from other people who saw how the accident took place or how it has affected your life
• Your notes about how the events occurred and the pain, suffering and loss of amenities the injury caused you
• Record of financial losses related to your injury, such as lost wages due to time off work, medical bills, rehabilitation, care costs and travel expenses

What types of accidents can result in a broken pelvis claim?

Many types of accidents could lead to a fractured pelvis claim, including:

• Road traffic accidents. The significant forces involved in a road traffic collision can lead to pelvic fractures in pedestrians, cyclists and car occupants alike.
• Falling from a height. The force of the impact when landing on the ground or another surface can cause the pelvic bones to break. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you could make a broken pelvis injury claim.
• Being hit by an object. The blunt force trauma from being struck by heavy machinery, falling tools on construction sites or other items can lead to a fractured pelvis.
• Accidents at work. Workplace accidents are a common cause of broken pelvis claims and can be due to a lack of protective equipment, impact with machinery, falls or heavy lifting.
• Sports incidents. Direct blows, tackles, or falls during sporting activities can result in severe pelvic injuries, including fractures. You may have a claim for compensation if you suffered due to the negligence of a coach, player or another third party.
• Criminal assaults. A physical assault that involves kicks or blows with an object to the pelvic area can result in broken bones. In such cases, a claim can be pursued through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) after reporting the incident to the police.

Other circumstances could lead to a broken pelvis claim, so do not hesitate to seek legal advice if you believe you were injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Can I claim compensation for a fractured pelvis at work?

If your employer breached their duty of care towards you, you can start an accident at work claim without worrying that this will affect your job. Under unfair dismissal laws, your employer cannot sack you or treat you any differently for seeking compensation. If they retaliate in any way, a solicitor will help you make a further claim at an employment tribunal.

Examples of employer negligence that could lead to fractured pelvis compensation include:

• Failure to provide adequate safety equipment, such as harnesses or fall protection gear
• Failure to maintain equipment, repair damaged flooring or walkways, or address other safety hazards in the workplace
• Failure to provide adequate training on how to perform job duties safely, how to use the equipment or how to operate heavy machinery
• Failure to conduct regular risk assessments or safety inspections
• Failing to provide appropriate warning signs in areas at risk of accidents or disregarding guidelines for working at heights

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we have clarified some common questions about making a fractured pelvis claim. If you want more information or a free case assessment, do not hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back to speak to a friendly personal injury solicitor.

Can I make a personal injury claim on behalf of a loved one?

If your loved one, such as a child or partner, suffered a pelvis fracture and cannot start legal proceedings, you can make a personal injury claim on their behalf. For this, you must apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend. This approach is used when the injured party is a child under 18 or an adult who lacks mental capacity due to a brain injury, Down syndrome, Dementia or another condition.

Once appointed, the claim will proceed as usual, and your solicitor will gather evidence and file the claim with the defendant. You will not have to deal directly with the other side, but you must make decisions about the case while keeping your loved one’s best interests in mind.

What is the time limit to start a broken pelvis injury claim?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you typically have three years to start a broken pelvis injury claim after your accident. After this three-year period, your case will be statute-barred and no longer valid. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:

• With child accident claims, the three years begin on their 18th birthday. Before this time, a parent can claim compensation for them, regardless of the date of injury.
• There is no time limit if the injured person is an adult who lacks mental capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• You have two years to claim through the CICA if your injury was due to an assault or another violent crime.

How much compensation can I claim for a broken pelvis?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a broken pelvis claim will depend on your specific losses. Your solicitor will include two types of damages in your settlement:

• General damages – awarded for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress and the effect on your hobbies, social life and family
• Special damages – awarded for related financial losses, such as lost wages, care costs, private treatments and travel expenses to medical appointments

According to our compensation calculator, you could receive between £3,150 and £114,810 if you make a successful claim for a broken pelvis, depending on the severity of your injury.

Will I get a No Win No Fee service?

If you have a fair chance of receiving fractured pelvis compensation, your solicitor will offer you a no win no fee* service. This way, there is no financial risk to you if the claim fails, and you do not have to pay any upfront costs. Your solicitor will only get a success fee from your compensation if they win the case.

Also, you will have ATE insurance included in your agreement, which covers all the litigation costs if you lose the claim, including the defendant’s. With no win no fee, you will never be out of pocket, no matter the outcome of your case.

Starting a broken pelvis compensation claim may seem daunting, but a personal injury solicitor will offer you support and advice every step of the way. For a free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back by clicking here.