Broken Wrist Compensation Claims

A broken wrist injury can be caused by many different accidents, such as slips, trips and falls, car collisions, accidents at work, criminal assaults and sports accidents. These injuries can cause significant pain and distress and affect your ability to work and do daily tasks for at least several weeks. This can also lead to stress, anxiety and financial losses.

If another party was at fault for your wrist injury, you could be entitled to claim broken wrist compensation. Personal injury claims cover the pain and suffering caused by the fracture and any related out-of-pocket expenses, such as lost wages, medical bills, physical therapy costs, and transportation to and from medical appointments.

To find out if you can claim compensation for a broken wrist, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back. An experienced solicitor will be able to offer you a free case assessment with no obligation to proceed. If you have a valid claim and want to go ahead, you will be provided with a risk-free, no win no fee* service.

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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

• Types and symptoms of wrist fractures
• What is the treatment and outlook for a broken wrist?
• Am I eligible to claim broken wrist compensation?
• What evidence do I need to support my broken wrist compensation claim?
• Accidents that may result in a broken wrist claim
• Can I claim compensation for a broken wrist at work?
• Frequently asked questions
• Can I make a wrist injury claim on behalf of my child?
• What is the time limit to start a personal injury claim?
• What is the likely compensation amount for a broken wrist?
• Will a personal injury solicitor offer me a No Win No Fee service?

Types and symptoms of wrist fractures

The wrist is a complex joint that connects the hand to the forearm. It is made of multiple bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to provide a wide range of motion and support for various activities. The primary bones of the wrist include the radius and ulna (forearm bones) and a group of eight carpal bones. A break in any of these bones is a wrist fracture.

Wrist fractures are common and usually happen when you fall on an outstretched hand. There are various types of wrist fractures based on the type and location of the broken bone:

• Colles’ fractures are the most common type of wrist fracture and occur at the distal end of the radius bone, which is the most prominent one in the forearm. In this case, the fractured fragment of the bone is displaced ventrally;
• Scaphoid fractures affect the small bone on the thumb side of the wrist and are the second-most common type of broken wrist injury;
• Smith’s fractures also affect the distal end of the radius bone, but in this case, the fractured fragment has dorsal displacement;
• Barton fractures can be excruciatingly painful and occur when a distal radius fracture is accompanied by a dislocation in the radiocarpal joint, usually due to extreme force or trauma;
• Ulnar styloid fractures affect the visible bulge at the end of the ulna bone at the outside of the wrist.

Like any other broken bones, wrist fractures can also be classified as simple, compound, open, closed, displaced or non-displaced. The signs and symptoms of a fractured wrist injury include:

• Intense, sharp or throbbing pain in the wrist area that aggravates with gripping, squeezing or movement
• Swelling and tenderness
• Bruising or discolouration due to bleeding under the skin
• A visible deformity or misalignment, such as a bent wrist
• Limited range of movement
• Weakness and difficulty gripping objects with the affected hand
• Numbness or tingling, which may suggest nerve damage

Your doctor will do a physical exam and obtain X-rays or a CT scan to see the broken wrist and diagnose the injury. It is essential to seek medical care as soon as possible to get the correct treatment and avoid further damage.

What is the treatment and outlook for a broken wrist?

The treatment you receive will depend on the location and severity of the fractured wrist, as well as your age and overall health. This may include:

• Immobilising the wrist with a cast or splint to align the bones and support it during the healing process;
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicine;
• Manipulating the bones into position so they can heal correctly;
• Antibiotics, if you suffered an open fracture and there is a risk of infection;
• You may need surgery if your wrist is broken into multiple pieces, has pierced the skin, or you have also suffered soft tissue injuries. Your surgeon may use pins, screws, rods or plates to stabilise the broken fragments.

In many cases, a broken wrist will heal completely with appropriate treatment and physical therapy. Recovery can take as long as six months if the injury is severe. However, complications can occur, such as:

• Osteoarthritis of the radiocarpal joint;
• Reduced range of motion and grip strength;
• Permanent stiffness and chronic pain;
• Numbness and circulatory problems due to nerve and blood vessel damage;
• Psychological effects, such as stress and anxiety;
• Malunion occurs when the bones heal in a misaligned or improper position.

The type of wrist injury you suffered and its long-term effects will determine how much you could receive if you make a successful broken wrist compensation claim.

Am I eligible to claim broken wrist compensation?

If you had an accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible to make a broken wrist injury claim. The easiest way to find out if you are entitled to compensation is through a free consultation with a specialist personal injury solicitor. They will determine within minutes if your case has merit by verifying whether:

• The defendant owed you a legal duty of care
• They breached their duty by acting negligently
• You suffered an injured wrist due to their negligent actions

Based on your circumstances, your solicitor will refer to the relevant legislation to prove a duty of care, which could be:

• The Road Traffic Act 1988, if you suffered an injury to your wrist in a road accident;
• The Occupiers Liability Act 1984, if you injured your wrist following an accident in a public place like a shop or restaurant;
• The Consumer Rights Act 2015, if a faulty product caused the injury to your wrist.

You could be entitled to compensation even if you were partially at fault for your accident. If you hold less than 50% of the blame, you may receive a reduced compensation payout reflecting your contributory negligence.

What evidence do I need to support my broken wrist compensation claim?

You will need as much evidence as possible to make a successful broken wrist compensation claim, such as:

• Medical records, including doctor’s notes and X-rays that show the type and severity of the injury you suffered, what treatments you received and your recovery prospects;
• Photographs or videos of the accident scene, which should show what caused your injury before anything is moved or replaced;
• Pictures of any visible signs of trauma and your recovery process;
• If available, your solicitor could also help secure CCTV or dashcam footage of the accident to support your claim for compensation;
• If liability is not clear or is denied, your lawyer may use statements from witnesses who saw what happened to strengthen your case;
• If you were injured in a public place or at work, you should report it to the responsible party and ensure they enter it in the accident logbook. You could use a copy of the report to prove when and where you suffered a broken wrist;
• Financial evidence like receipts and invoices is also essential to show all the losses and expenses you want to include in your personal injury compensation claim.

Accidents that may result in a broken wrist claim

There are various causes of wrist injuries, and some of the most common ones include:

• Road traffic accidents. The impact during collisions or sudden stops can cause wrist fractures for road users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Accidents at work. Workplace accidents, like falls from heights, being struck by objects, or machinery malfunctions, can also lead to wrist injuries and broken bones.
• Slips, trips and falls. These are some of the most common accidents that lead to a wrist injury claim and are typically due to wet floors, uneven surfaces or objects left in walkways.
• Sports injuries. Almost all sports activities carry the risk of injuries, such as broken wrists. Impact, awkward landings, or collisions during sports events could lead to a personal injury claim if these were due to negligence, such as poor equipment or ground conditions.
• Criminal assaults. Physical altercations that involve kicks or hits with a weapon to the hands and wrists can lead to fractures. Blameless victims of violence or assault could claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
• Defective products. Defective products, such as faulty machinery, tools, or sports gear, can contribute to accidents resulting in broken wrists. In such cases, you could make a product liability claim.
• Repetitive strain injuries. Repetitive strain injuries, often associated with specific occupations or activities, can contribute to stress fractures over time.
• Playground and school injuries. If your child fell in an accident and suffered a broken wrist due to inadequate supervision or faulty equipment, you could claim compensation on their behalf.

If a third party was at least partially responsible for your injury, you could start a broken wrist compensation claim regardless of the type of accident you were involved in.

Can I claim compensation for a broken wrist at work?

Your employer has many responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They must take all reasonable measures to keep you safe from injuries such as a broken wrist, including:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify hazards that could cause accidents;
• Implement safety policies and safe systems of work to minimise or eliminate risks of injury;
• Keep the workplace and all equipment and machinery well-maintained and in good working condition;
• Give you the appropriate training needed to carry out your tasks safely;
• Provide and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary;
• Maintain clean and dry floors, provide proper lighting and install handrails to prevent slips, trips and falls in the workplace.

If you were injured because your employer breached their duties, you could claim compensation for a broken wrist at work. This is your legal right, and you should not be worried about any consequences. If your employer sacks or disciplines you in any way, you could take further action at an employment tribunal under unfair dismissal laws.

It is also important to remember that all employers have a legal obligation to hold Employers’ Liability Insurance. If your claim for broken wrist compensation is successful, your compensation will be covered by this insurance policy.

Frequently asked questions

We have answered some of the most common questions we receive about making a broken wrist claim below. For further information or to discuss your case with a friendly legal adviser, please call 0800 470 0474 today. Alternatively, you can request a call back by entering your details into our online form.

Can I make a wrist injury claim on behalf of my child?

If your child suffered a wrist injury due to someone else’s negligence, you should be entitled to make a compensation claim on their behalf. This will involve applying to the court to be appointed as their litigation friend. But don’t worry, as your solicitor will help you fill in and file all the necessary documents.

Your role as a litigation friend will be to act in your child’s best interests and conduct legal proceedings fairly and competently. You must also pay any fees requested by the court and make decisions about the case. If you manage to secure wrist injury compensation, a judge must agree to the settlement during an Infant Approval Hearing. Again, this is a straightforward and informal procedure, so it is nothing to worry about. The role of the Infant Approval Hearing is to ensure that the compensation being awarded is fair and meets the child’s needs.

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

Under the Limitation Act 1980, the time limit to make a personal injury claim is three years after the date of your accident. If you miss this deadline, your case will be statute-barred and no longer be considered valid. There are some exceptions that may apply to your situation. For example:

• The three years will begin from when your fracture was diagnosed if it developed over time due to repetitive strain injuries.
• For children, the three-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday, so they will have until 21 to start a wrist injury claim.
• If the injured party lacks mental capacity due to a brain injury, PTSD or another condition, the time limit is put on hold.
• If you were the victim of a criminal assault, you have two years to make a wrist injury compensation claim through the CICA.

What is the likely compensation amount for a broken wrist?

The amount of compensation you could claim for a broken wrist will depend on various factors. These include the type and extent of the injury, the circumstances of your accident and how it has affected your life. Your broken wrist injury claim will cover two types of damages:

• General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenities. These may include physical and mental pain, long-term disability, inability to engage in a hobby or reduced quality of life. According to our compensation calculator, you could receive between £3,530 and £59,860 for general damages, depending on the severity of your injury.
• Special damages are awarded for financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. These are calculated based on documents like medical bills, payslips and invoices.

Will a personal injury solicitor offer me a No Win No Fee service?

If you’re eligible to claim compensation for a broken wrist, your personal injury solicitor will offer you a 100% no win no fee service. Under this agreement, you do not have to pay them anything upfront or if your case fails. Your injury lawyer only gets a success fee of up to 25% of your settlement if they win your claim.

The After the Event (ATE) insurance policy is an essential part of this service. The ATE will cover all litigation costs, including the defendant’s expenses and solicitors if your claim is unsuccessful. This helps to ensure you are never left out of pocket if you don’t win your compensation claim.

To find out if you have a valid claim and how much compensation you could receive for your wrist fracture, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation or request a call back. A friendly and experienced legal advisor will be happy to help.