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If you have been injured through no fault of your own, an injury solicitor can help you make a no win no fee personal injury claim
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Collarbone Injury Claims

Whether you suffered a collarbone injury in a workplace accident, a road accident, or following a slip, trip and fall, it can significantly impact your ability to work or engage in daily activities and sports.

If you got injured without being at fault, a collarbone injury claim might help you receive compensation for the pain and suffering you endured and any financial losses you incurred.

A solicitor will consider the specifics of your accident and help establish liability. To find out if you have a valid claim, enter your details into our online claim form or call 0800 032 3660 to speak to a legal adviser.

Do I have a valid collarbone injury claim?

As a general rule, you can claim collarbone injury compensation if:

  • you sustained a collarbone injury in the last three years
  • another party was responsible for your accident, and
  • they owed you a duty of care which they breached by acting negligently

The three-year limitation date, however, does not apply to every situation:

In child injuries, the three-year countdown begins when they turn 18. Before that, a litigation friend (such as a parent or guardian) can make a collarbone injury claim on their behalf at any time.

There is no limitation date when claiming for a victim that lacks the intellectual capacity to conduct legal proceedings themselves. They will have another three years to start a claim if they regain their mental ability.

If you suffered an injury abroad, the limitation date could be subject to the foreign country’s laws and may be as short as six months.

You will need evidence in the form of medical records, photographs or witness statements in order to prove that another party is liable for your collarbone injury. If you have trouble identifying who might be responsible for your accident, a solicitor will work on your behalf to help sort it out.

For a free consultation with a legal adviser, call 0800 032 3660. They can let you know if you may be eligible to make a claim and can answer any questions you may have.

What are the most common types of collarbone injuries?

The collarbone or clavicle is an S-shaped, long bone of approximately six inches (15 cm) that joins the shoulder bone to the sternum. The clavicle is the only long bone in the body that lies horizontally.

Clavicle injuries are common, especially in children and young adults. Collarbone fractures are among the most common bone injuries in children, accounting for 7% to 15% of paediatric fractures.

Blows to the shoulder, falling onto the shoulder or an outstretched hand or traumas like car accidents can lead to a collarbone injury. Babies might also get a collarbone fracture or injury during a difficult birth.

Types of collarbone injuries include:

Clavicle fractures.

Collarbone fractures are diagnosed through a physical examination and X-rays, and typical symptoms include:

  • pain that increases with shoulder movement
  • swelling and tenderness
  • bruising
  • stiffness or inability to move the arm
  • a crackling sound when trying to move the shoulder
  • bulging on or near the shoulder
  • numbness or pins and needles if an arm nerve was also injured

There are three types of clavicle fractures:

  • near the sternum (least common)
  • near the acromioclavicular (AC) joint
  • in the middle of the bone (most common)

Most collarbone fractures will heal without surgery, with medication, physical therapy and arm support. It is common to lose some shoulder and arm strength after a clavicle fracture, but usually, there are no limitations once the bone heals.

If the broken ends of the bones have significantly shifted out of place or the collarbone broke in multiple sites, you might require surgery. This may involve using screws and pins or plates to hold the bone fragments in their normal position.

Collarbone fractures usually heal within 6-8 weeks, and most people will be able to return to their normal activities within three to four months after the injury. Physical therapy programs are often required to help restore movement and strengthen the shoulder.

Dislocated collarbone.

A dislocation can occur at either end of the clavicle. Dislocation of the outer end of the collarbone, also known as a shoulder separation, is very common.

This happens when a fall or blow tears one of the ligaments that connect the collarbone to the shoulder blade. As a result, the collarbone might move out of position, causing pain and a bump under the skin.

Dislocation of the medial end of the collarbone, called sternoclavicular dislocation, is a rather uncommon injury. Many of these injuries become chronic and remain painful due to post-traumatic arthritis and joint instability.

What type of accidents could result in a collarbone injury claim?

If you suffered a collarbone injury without being at fault in any kind of accident, you might be entitled to claim collarbone injury compensation. Common accidents that may result in a clavicle injury include:

Accidents in public places

You can claim broken collarbone compensation after a slip, trip and fall in a business or a public domain. If the responsible party fails to take the necessary safety measures to prevent you from getting hurt, they might be liable for your injury.

A slip, trip and fall can be caused by wet surfaces, uneven steps or pavements, insufficient lighting or poor housekeeping. If you fall onto your shoulder or an outstretched hand, the impact could cause a collarbone fracture or dislocation.

Accidents at work

Falls from a height are the most common cause of a clavicle injury at the workplace. If employers fail to implement proper health and safety regulations, that can put employees at risk for accidents. Construction, factory and warehouse workers are amongst the categories at higher risk for a fall from a height. This can include falls from ladders and scaffolding accidents.

Road accidents

Severe trauma caused by a car accident or other vehicle collision can lead to collarbone injuries. You may claim broken collarbone compensation if another driver caused the accident, even in the case of a hit and run.

Sports injuries

Blows to the shoulder from contact sports like football and boxing or falls while skiing or biking can cause a collarbone injury. If you got a clavicle fracture or dislocation due to improper training, lack of equipment or a faulty product, you might be able to make a collarbone injury claim. You could also be injured due to faulty exercise equipment in a gym accident.

Birth injuries

During difficult childbirth, babies may get a collarbone fracture or injury. Such an injury is more likely if the baby is large, the birth canal is narrow, or the doctor must use forceps or other tools for delivery. If your baby was injured during birth because of medical negligence, you might be entitled to claim compensation.

Physical assault

Physical abuse can also result in injuries to the collarbone. If you suffered a collarbone injury after an assault, you could claim compensation, even if the attacker is unknown. Keep in mind that the limitation date for claims related to assault is usually two years.

If you suffered a collarbone injury in a situation similar to the ones above, a solicitor can help you start a collarbone injury claim. You can get a free consultation with a legal adviser by calling 0800 032 3660. Alternatively, enter your details, and you will receive a call back.

How to make a successful claim for a collarbone injury?

In every personal injury claim, strong evidence is key to success. This will help establish liability and build a strong case if the responsible party doesn’t accept liability.

Even if you think you have no proof, a solicitor can help gather relevant evidence. As soon as possible after your injury, you should:

  • Seek medical assistance. A medical record will state the extent of your injuries and the treatments and rehabilitation programs you might need. If you decide to make a claim, you can receive compensation for all you suffered.
  • Take photographs of the accident scene. If you suffered a collarbone injury after a slip or trip, make sure to capture what caused your fall.
  • Get contact details of everyone involved in the accident and any possible witnesses. If you suffered a collarbone injury in a road accident, get the license plate numbers and the driver’s insurance details.
  • File an accident report. If you have an accident at work or in a public place, you should report it to the supervisor and manager and make sure it gets recorded in an accident book. The report will confirm the date, time and location of your accident.
  • Receipts of expenses. Keep track of all the financial losses you incurred due to your injury if you want to claim compensation later in time.

If you feel you may have a valid collarbone injury claim, call 0800 032 3660 or leave your details to receive a free consultation with a legal adviser. They can guide you through the claiming process and answer any questions you may have.

How much compensation can I claim for a collarbone injury?

If you suffered a collarbone injury without being at fault, you could claim compensation for:

General damages:

  • pain, suffering and loss of amenity
  • emotional distress and psychological trauma

Special damages:

  • costs of care and hospitalisation
  • treatment and rehabilitation
  • travel expenses
  • lost earnings
  • any other financial losses you incurred because of the accident

The amount of compensation you can expect will depend on the extent of your injury and any ongoing symptoms. Below are some rough guidelines:

  • Around £6,920 for minor collarbone injuries with complete recovery within several weeks
  • £6,290 to £11,200 for moderate injuries causing pain and discomfort for up to a few years
  • £15,300 to £42,110 for severe collarbone injuries that might include nerve damage, chronic pain, weakness and a meaningful loss of flexibility

These amounts will be awarded for the injury itself. Compensation for special damages will depend on the specific financial losses you incurred.

Start a no win no fee collarbone compensation claim

If you have a valid case, you can make a collarbone injury claim on a no win no fee basis. If a solicitor decides you have a fair chance of success based on the circumstances of your accident, they will work on your case on a conditional fee agreement.

Before starting your claim, you and your solicitor will agree on a success fee, usually up to 25% of your compensation settlement. This will be deducted from the compensation total if you win the case.

At the beginning of the claim, your solicitor will take out an After the Event insurance policy that will cover legal fees and any other costs if your claim is ultimately unsuccessful. Therefore, you are taking no financial risks by making a no win no fee claim.

To find out if you can make a no win no fee collarbone injury claim, enter your details into our online claim form or call 0800 032 3660 to speak to a legal adviser.