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Whether you suffered a finger injury at work, on the road or in a public place, if somebody else was at fault, you may have a valid finger injury compensation claim

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Finger Injury Claims

Fingers are an essential body part used for almost all the activities we carry out throughout the day. A finger injury can be very painful and may limit your ability to work and take care of yourself, resulting in financial strain.

Common causes of finger injuries include slips, trips and falls, machinery accidents at work, and trauma during sporting activities. As long as your injury was at least partially due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

The most frequent injuries leading to a finger injury claim include cuts, lacerations, fractures, ligament tears and amputations. To pursue compensation, a personal injury solicitor can help you gather all the evidence you need to prove that the other party is liable for your accident.

If you want to claim finger injury compensation, you can request a free case assessment with a friendly legal adviser by calling 0800 470 0474. Alternatively, you can fill out our online claim form to receive a call back.

Find out if you can claim

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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

Common accidents that lead to finger injury claims

Fingers are constantly in use and exposed to many potential hazards, so it is easy to suffer a finger injury in many different situations. Some common examples of events from which a finger injury claim could arise include:

Workplace accidents, such as cuts from machinery or tools;
Overuse injuries, such as those caused by vibrating machinery, manual handling or repetitive strain injuries;
Sports injuries, such as fractures or dislocations from contact sports;
Household accidents, such as cuts from kitchen knives or wounds from defective appliances;
Car accidents, such as crush injuries, fractures or amputations from the trauma impact;
Bicycle and motorbike accidents, such as falling off the bike or collisions with another vehicle;
Construction accidents, such as cuts, broken fingers or amputations from heavy equipment and machinery;
Slip, trip, and fall accidents, such as fractures or dislocations from falling on outstretched hands;
Firearm accidents, such as amputations from mishandling firearms;
Theme park accidents, such as fractures or dislocations from faulty rides or attractions;
Violent crimes, such as an assault with a weapon or raising your hands to protect your face;
Medical negligence, such as delayed or incorrect treatment of diabetes or infections;
School and playground accidents resulting from lack of supervision or poor maintenance;
Defective products, such as electrical equipment, furniture or gym equipment;
Animal incidents, such as dog bites or falling off a horse.

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other accidents could also lead to finger injury compensation. What matters is that your injury was due to another party’s negligence, and you have the necessary evidence to sustain your claim.

Types of finger injuries

Fingers are vulnerable to injuries because they have many small bones, tendons, and ligaments, which can be easily damaged. Each finger is made of three bones called phalanges connected by joints that make movement possible.

The fingers have no muscles but have a high concentration of nerve endings, making them very sensitive to pain. Thus, it is essential to protect them and be careful when performing any activity that may put them at risk, as any finger injury can be painful and debilitating.

Usually, injuries caused by the negligence of another person can lead to a finger injury claim, as long as you have suffered significant damages. Some types of finger injuries for which you could claim compensation include:

Fractures

Fractures can occur if a finger is hit or crushed by an object or after a fall or traumatic impact causes a break in the bone. The symptoms of a broken finger include pain, numbness, stiffness and swelling. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture and usually involves wearing a splint for several weeks. In some cases, surgery may be required to aid the healing process.

Dislocations

Dislocations happen when a finger is bent or twisted in an unnatural way, often in accidents such as slips, trips and falls or sports injuries. Symptoms include pain, swelling, deformity and inability to move the finger. You should not try to pop the finger back into the joint yourself as it could cause permanent damage to underlying structures such as nerves and blood vessels.

Amputations

Amputations happen when a finger is completely severed, often as a result of a crush or machinery injury, such as in construction or industrial accidents. Finger amputations can also result from medical negligence if a condition is misdiagnosed or the correct treatment for an injury is delayed. This is the most severe type of finger injury and can significantly affect your ability to carry out daily tasks.

Lacerations

Cuts or scrapes on the fingers can happen if they come into contact with sharp objects or the pavement during a fall or other types of accidents. Minor cuts usually heal within a week or two with no complications, but severe lacerations may require stitches and lead to scarring and nerve damage.

Soft tissue injuries

Sprains, strains or contusions in the fingers can happen due to the impact of a fall, accidents at work, during sporting activities and other accidents. Typical symptoms include pain, tenderness, mobility issues and swelling. Severe injuries involving a torn ligament or tendon may require surgery and take over two months to heal.

Nerve damage

Damage to the nerves in the fingers can happen due to crushing of the finger, puncture wounds and other types of severe injuries. Nerve damage can limit your ability to use your fingers and may cause tingling, burning sensations, numbness and paralysis.

Burns and scalds

The fingers are among the body parts most often affected by burns and scalds. These may be due to hot liquids, fire, electric shocks or hazardous substances, ranging from superficial wounds to severe damage that requires surgery or even amputations.

Vibration white finger

Vibration white finger is a condition that develops over time due to prolonged use of vibrating machinery such as drills, angle grinders or chainsaws. It can affect the blood vessels, nerves and finger joints and progressively lead to numbness, loss of grip strength and whitening of the affected fingers.

Repetitive strain injuries

Repetitive strain injuries of the fingers occur from repetitive motions, such as typing, playing musical instruments, or using tools. The repetitive motions cause small tears in the tendons, muscles, and nerves of the fingers, leading to pain, stiffness, weakness, and loss of function.

It is important to note that to claim finger injury compensation, the injury must have been caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or organisation. You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident and keep all medical records and documentation related to the injury.

Requirements to make a finger injury claim

The requirements to make a personal injury claim can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the injury. However, some general conditions that you typically need to fulfil to claim compensation include:

Proof of negligence

As mentioned above, to make a finger injury claim, you must be able to prove that the injury was due to the negligence of another person or entity. Your solicitor will help you establish a duty of care and refer to the relevant legislation to determine liability, such as:

Which legislation is relied upon will depend on the type of accident that caused your injury.

Medical documentation

Medical documentation is necessary to prove the nature and extent of your injury. This includes medical records, doctor’s reports, and any other medical evidence that shows the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from the injury. As part of your claim, your injury lawyer will usually arrange for you to have an independent medical examination.

Time limits

There is usually a three-year time limit within which you must start your finger injury claim. The time limit starts on the date of the accident causing your injuries or the date you received a diagnosis for finger conditions that develop over time. The time limit can vary significantly in certain situations, so you should seek early legal advice to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.

Supporting evidence

You can use supporting evidence such as witness statements, photographs, and police reports to establish the cause of the accident and the extent of the injury. You can read more about what supporting evidence you could try to secure after your accident in the section below.

Legal representation

If you want to claim finger injury compensation, hiring a personal injury solicitor is advisable rather than trying to go it alone. They can help you determine whether you have a valid claim and guide you through the claiming process, offering support and advice at every step. Furthermore, they will provide a no win no fee* service, so you have no financial risk in seeking legal representation.

The easiest way to determine whether you fulfil the requirements to make a finger injury claim is through a free consultation with a legal adviser. To arrange your free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details to receive a call back.

How to make a finger injury claim

You might want to claim compensation if you suffered a finger injury due to someone else’s negligence. Each finger injury claim is different, but it follows the same basic steps:

Discussing your circumstances during a free claim assessment

When you contact a legal adviser, they will ask you some questions about the particulars of your accident to determine if your case has merit. You can also ask them about any concerns you may have, such as how much compensation you could receive, how long the claim may take and what their success rate is.

Appoint your no win no fee solicitor

At the end of the assessment, if your finger injury claim is valid, you will be paired with a solicitor that is right for your particular case. They will then offer you a no win no fee agreement, so you do not have to pay any upfront fees for their services, and there is no risk to you if you lose the case.

Collect evidence to secure finger injury compensation

Your solicitor will help you gather all the proof you need to show that the other side is liable for your injuries. You can help support your claim by providing as many pieces of evidence as you can from the following:

Medical evidence of your injuries, such as your diagnosis and any treatments, medication and interventions you received;
A medical report from an independent healthcare provider stating your recovery prospects and long-term consequences of your finger injury;
Photographs of the accident scene and any visible injuries;
The names and contact details of other individuals involved in the accident and witnesses who might later give a statement to support your claim;
Police reports, if you were injured in a hit and run accident or a violent crime;
A copy of the accident report if you were injured at work or in a public place;
Your notes about how the events took place and how your injury has affected your day-to-day life;
Financial evidence of losses and expenses, such as receipts or pay slips.

Your solicitor may also be able to secure CCTV footage of your accident if there is any.

Complete the necessary forms and submit your claim

You will need to complete the necessary forms and paperwork to start making a claim. When everything is ready, your solicitor will submit your claim to the relevant parties, such as the insurance company or the person responsible for the accident.

The other party has 21 days to acknowledge your claim and another three months to investigate your allegations. By the end of this period, they have to inform you whether or not they admit liability for your finger injury.

Negotiate your finger injury compensation award

Your solicitor will consider the severity of your injury and how it has affected your life to calculate how much compensation you should receive. They will negotiate with the other party’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement on your behalf.

If the other party does not agree to a fair settlement, your injury lawyer may advise you to issue court proceedings. This means you will argue your case before a judge who will make a decision based on the evidence presented by both parties.

The prospect of going to court may sound alarming, but try not to worry. Over 95% of personal injury claims are settled without the need to go to court. The ones that do end up in court are usually those that are particularly challenging, such as ones involving severe brain damage and other life-changing injuries.

Receiving your compensation award

If your claim is successful, you will usually receive your compensation award within several weeks after settling. Usually, you will get the compensation as a lump sum payment that is paid to you or a personal injury trust in your name.

For more information or advice about making a finger injury claim, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with an experienced legal adviser. You can also click here to arrange a call back instead.

Is there a time limit to start my claim?

Yes, there is a time limit to start a finger injury claim in the UK, known as the limitation period. This is usually three years from the accident date or the date that the injury was diagnosed.

If you do not start legal proceedings within the time limit, your claim will likely be barred, and you will be unable to pursue your claim. That means you will lose your right to seek finger injury compensation for your injuries and losses, even if you have a valid case.

It is essential to keep in mind that the limitation period can be complex, and there are some exceptions to the rule. For example:

For children, the time limit does not start until their 18th birthday. Before that point, a parent, guardian or another competent adult could pursue compensation on their behalf at any time.
There is no time limit for a litigation friend to make a finger injury claim on behalf of someone who lacks mental capacity. The claimant could be incapacitated due to a mental health condition, an intellectual disability or a brain injury. If they recover, they will have another three years to claim independently, provided a litigation friend has not already claimed on their behalf.
If your injury was due to a violent crime, you have two years to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA also requires that you report the incident to the authorities and have a police reference number.

Other exceptions to the rule might apply depending on your circumstances, such as if you suffered an injury abroad. Therefore, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that you make your claim within the limitation period. Your solicitor can help you determine the time limit for your specific case and guide you through the process of making a finger injury claim.

How much compensation is a finger injury claim worth?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a finger injury claim can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the injury, any loss of earnings, and ongoing medical expenses. The finger injury compensation can include the following:

General Damages

This is the compensation awarded for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury. Some examples of considerations for general damages include your:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional and psychological trauma
Loss of consortium
Inability to pursue a hobby
Loss of a unique career
Reduced quality and enjoyment of life

Special Damages

Special damages are awarded for the financial losses incurred as a result of the injury, such as:

Lost income and loss of earning capacity
Medical expenses, such as prescriptions and physical therapy
Travel expenses
The cost of help and assistance with daily tasks
Adaptations to your home or vehicle
Cost of prostheses and other medical aids

To calculate special damages, you should keep a detailed record of all expenses and losses, such as receipts, invoices, bank statements, and any other relevant documents. Your solicitor will ensure that all your damages are accurately calculated and included in your finger injury claim.

General damages are intended to compensate for the non-financial aspects of the injury. Their calculation can be complex, as it is difficult to put a monetary value on the pain and suffering that an individual has experienced. The list below gives you an idea of how much you could receive according to the severity of your finger injury:

Injury Type	Description	Compensation
Finger Injuries	Amputation of index finger and either the middle or ring finger, resulting in limited grip and use	£50,050 to £73,315
	Severe fractures to fingers resulting in deformity and possible partial amputation	Up to £29,700
	Complete loss of an index finger	In the region of £15,125
	Partial loss of an index finger	£9,845 to £15,125
	Fractured index finger leaving permanently impaired grip or pain	£7,370 to £9,900
	Complete loss of a middle finger	In the region of £12,650
	Serious ring or middle finger injuries resulting in permanent loss of grip	£12,100 to £13,200
	Loss of the end of the middle or ring finger	£3,190 to £6,325
	Amputation of the little finger	£6,985 to £9,900
	Partial loss of the little finger	£3,190 to £4,730
	Loss of the end of both the middle and index fingers	In the region of £20,185
	Fracture to one finger	Up to £3,850
Injury Type	Description	Compensation
Thumb Injuries	Loss of a thumb	£28,710 to £44,330
	Very serious thumb injury with permanent disability and loss of use	£15,840 to £28,325
	Serious thumb injuries resulting in permanent sensitivity or impaired grip	£10,175 to £13,530
	Moderate thumb injury such as tendon or nerve damage causing impaired function or sensation	£7,810 to £10,175
	Serious thumb dislocation	£3,190 to £5,500
	Minor thumb injury such as a fracture which recovers within six months	Up to £3,190
	Minor thumb injury with complete recovery within a few months	Up to £1,782
Injury Type	Description	Compensation
Vibration White Finger (VWF) and/or Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)	VWF and/or HAVS with significant symptoms to both hands of a younger person requiring a change of employment	£25,575 to £31,075
	VWF and/or HAVS with symptoms occurring throughout the year	£13,530 to £25,575
	VWF and/or HAVS with symptoms mainly in cold weather and limited impact on employment	£6,985 to £13,530

For a free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to receive a call back. After you discuss your circumstances, your solicitor can give you more information about how much your finger injury claim could be worth.

How long does it take to make a claim?

The time it takes to make a finger injury claim can vary substantially depending on your circumstances. The process can take from several months to several years to resolve. Some factors that can affect the length of time it takes to make a personal injury claim include:

The complexity of the case – If the case is complex, with multiple parties involved or if there are disputes over liability or damages, it can take longer to resolve.
Gathering evidence – Collecting and examining evidence, such as medical reports and witness statements, can take time.
Negotiating a settlement – Once a claim is submitted, it can take time to negotiate a settlement with the other party or their insurance company.
Litigation – If you cannot settle, the case may go to trial, which can take another several months or even years to resolve.
The court’s backlog – If the court has many cases awaiting hearing, it can take longer to receive a trial date and argue your claim before a judge.

It is important to keep in mind that these are general estimates, and the time it takes for a case to be resolved can vary greatly depending on its specific circumstances. It is best to consult with a personal injury solicitor, as they can provide a more accurate estimate of the time it will take to receive your finger injury compensation.

If you have a well-founded finger injury claim and there are no liability disputes, your solicitor might be able to arrange for you to receive interim payments. These payments are made to help you with immediate financial needs, such as medical expenses and loss of earnings, while you are waiting for the final settlement.

What happens if I lose my claim?

If you make a finger injury claim with the help of the personal injury solicitors we work with, there will be no consequences to you if your case is unsuccessful. If you have a valid claim, they will offer you a no win no fee agreement from the start, meaning that:

There are no upfront fees you have to pay to get legal representation, so you can still access justice if you have limited financial resources;
Your solicitor will handle all the legal work and offer you free support and advice through every step of your claim;
You will incur no out-of-pocket expenses if your claim is unsuccessful. This is made possible by:
- The conditional fee agreement between you and your solicitor states that they only receive a success fee from the compensation award if they win your case. The success fee cannot exceed 25% of the compensation award and will be agreed upon from the beginning.
- The After the Event (ATE) insurance policy your solicitor will take on your behalf. The ATE is a legal expenses insurance that covers your legal costs and expenses if your claim fails. It includes the defendant’s solicitor fees, court fees, medical and police reports and other disbursements that you would otherwise be liable for.

In every no win no fee claim, you only pay anything if you receive compensation for your injuries. That includes the success fee paid to your solicitor and the cost of the ATE insurance premium, while the defendant will have to cover most of your legal costs.

To find out if you qualify for a no win no fee service, speak to a legal adviser by calling free on 0800 470 0474 or arranging a call back. They can let you know if you are eligible for finger injury compensation and answer any questions you may have.