Groin Injury Claims

A groin injury is a relatively common injury sustained by people of all ages. These injuries are often due to overexertion of muscles in the groin and abdomen, causing damage to muscles, ligaments, blood vessels and nerves.

As well as overexertion in physical activities such as sports, groin injuries can also be caused by sudden movements, repetitive motions and accidents. This includes slips and trips, road accidents, medical negligence and accidents at work.

The severity of such an injury can vary greatly, from mild pain to severe discomfort, and treatment can range from rest and painkillers to surgery. However, any injuries in this part of the body can significantly impact mobility, functionality and ability to carry out daily activities.

If you have suffered from a groin injury that was not your fault, you may be eligible to make a groin injury claim. An experienced solicitor would be pleased to discuss your case and determine who was liable for your injury and how much compensation you can expect to be awarded.

To arrange a free consultation, call today on 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to receive a call back. If you have a valid claim and want to proceed, your injury lawyer will offer you a no win no fee* service. This gives you the opportunity to claim the compensation you deserve without any upfront costs and nothing to pay until your case has been settled.

Am I eligible to make a groin injury claim?

If you have suffered a groin injury and believe the cause can be attributed to someone else’s negligence, you will likely be entitled to make a groin injury compensation claim. To determine your eligibility, a personal injury solicitor will ask you a few questions, such as:

• Was the injury caused by the negligence of another person or company (such as an employer, business owner or the NHS)?
• Did that party owe you a duty of care?
• Did the groin injury occur within the last three years?
• Did you receive medical treatment for the injury?
• Is there evidence to support your claim?

If you can answer yes to these questions, you are likely eligible to make a claim. However, a free consultation over the phone with a knowledgeable solicitor is the easiest way to determine your legal rights and options. If they believe you have a fair chance to receive compensation, they will offer you legal representation on a no win no fee basis.

No win no fee means your solicitor will take on your case without charging you an upfront fee. Instead, they are only paid if and after you receive compensation for your injuries and financial losses. If your groin injury claim fails, you do not have to pay the solicitor anything.

If you have a valid claim, your solicitor will also help you gather all the proof you need to start legal proceedings and secure compensation. Some of the evidence they might use to do this includes:

• Photographs or a video of the accident scene
• CCTV or dash cam footage, if available
• A signed copy of an accident report that confirms the date and location of your injury
• Pictures of any visible injuries
• Statements from any witnesses to your accident
• Medical records detailing the extent of the harm you suffered, treatments received and recovery prospects
• Your notes about the circumstances of your injury and how it has affected your life
• Evidence of financial losses and expenses, including any receipts, invoices and pay slips

If you have suffered a groin injury, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is essential to find out if you can start a groin injury compensation claim. To arrange a free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to arrange a call back.

What constitutes a groin injury?

A groin injury refers to damage or harm to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in this area. These injuries can be due to various factors, such as sudden movements, excessive physical activity, sports-related activities, and falls. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, tenderness, and decreased mobility.

Most groin injuries occur as a result of a stretched muscle, typically the adductor, which plays an essential role in controlling the movement of the legs and hips. The excessive stretching of the muscle fibres can cause the tissues in the groin area to tear or rupture, causing severe pain and discomfort. Some groin injuries occur suddenly after acute trauma, while others develop gradually over time due to repeated straining or overuse of these muscles.

The most common groin injuries include:

• Adductor strain or pull is a common injury caused by excessive stretching or contraction of the adductor muscles.
• A groin tear is a more severe injury where the muscle fibres rupture, partially or completely, causing intense pain and swelling.
• Groin avulsion is a rare injury that occurs when the adductor muscle separates from the bone.

Pain from groin injuries often extends through the thigh and pelvis and sometimes into the abdomen. In cases where the pain is felt in the abdomen and stomach, there is a potential that the groin injury has resulted in a hernia which may also cause visible bulges on the skin.

Some groin injuries are treated with pain relief and rest, whereas more severe cases might require surgery. The severity of your injury and symptoms will impact the amount of groin injury compensation that you are entitled to claim.

Common causes of groin injuries

Groin injuries can occur from various activities and are typically due to excessive strain on the muscles in this area of the body. Injury solicitors are experienced in handling groin injury claims following all types of accidents. Some of the most common causes of this type of trauma include:

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips, and falls can cause a groin injury if a person falls and twists or lands awkwardly in a way that puts excessive strain on the muscles in the groin area. The severity of the injury will depend on factors such as the height of the fall and the position of the body upon impact. In some cases, a fall can result in a minor strain, while in others, it may cause a more severe tear or rupture in the muscle.

Sporting activities

Groin injuries from sporting activities are relatively common and can occur in several ways, depending on the sport. For example, in sports such as football and basketball, sudden changes in direction or jumping can put excessive stress on the muscles in the groin area, leading to strains, tears, or even hernias. In addition, repetitive twisting or kicking movements can also contribute to developing groin injuries over time.

Lifting heavy objects

Lifting heavy objects can cause a groin injury if proper lifting techniques are not used and the muscles in the groin and lower back are put under significant stress. If a person lifts a heavy object using improper form, such as twisting the torso or using only their back muscles, the strain on the groin muscles can become excessive, leading to a muscle tear or strain. To avoid such lifting injuries, it is essential to use proper lifting techniques, such as bending at the knees and using the legs to lift.

Workplace accidents

Groin injuries from workplace accidents can occur when an individual performs physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy objects, twisting, or bending at awkward angles. This can put excessive strain on the muscles in the groin area, resulting in tears or strains. Slips, trips, falls, and unsafe working conditions or equipment can also cause groin injuries.

Some injuries may develop over time through repetitive staining and over-exertion of the muscles in the groin and abdomen. Employers must provide a safe working environment and ensure their employees are adequately trained to minimise the risk of injury when performing physically demanding tasks. Otherwise, the employer might be held liable for compensation in a groin injury claim.

Pulling excessive weights

Groin injuries from pulling excessive weights can occur when an individual exerts too much force on the muscles in the groin area while pulling a heavy object. This can lead to tears, strains, or ruptures, resulting in pain and disability. People who engage in heavy lifting or pulling activities, such as manual labourers or warehouse operatives, are at a higher risk of sustaining groin injuries from excessive weight pulling.

Physical assault

A physical assault can cause a groin injury in several ways. For example, if a person is kicked, punched, or struck in the groin area, it can cause the muscles and tissues in this area to tear or rupture. Additionally, if a person falls or is thrown to the ground during a physical altercation, they may suffer a groin injury from the impact trauma.

Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs)

The sudden and forceful impact of a collision in a road accident could also lead to a groin injury. This can cause the driver or passenger to be thrown forward, backwards or to the side, resulting in strains or tears of the muscles in the groin. The seat belt or airbag can also cause injury to the groin region by applying excessive pressure during the impact. In some cases, the person involved in the accident may also suffer a direct impact to the groin, resulting in an injury.

If it can be proven that you were injured due to the fault of another person or company, you should be eligible to make a groin injury claim for compensation. To learn more about your legal options, call 0800 470 0474 or arrange a call back for a free consultation today.

Common symptoms of groin injuries

Various symptoms can occur with a groin injury, as connecting muscles and tissue can lead to extended symptoms throughout the body. The extent and severity of these symptoms will be a crucial factor in determining the amount of compensation that is awarded in a successful groin injury claim. Some of the most typical symptoms include:

• Pain in the groin area, ranging from a dull ache to sharp and intense pain
• Pain in the thighs, pelvis and hips
• Pain bringing legs together or raising knees
• Pain when walking or standing
• Pain sitting down
• Swelling and inflammation, which can be visible and tender to the touch
• Bruising due to internal bleeding
• Stiffness, making it hard to move around
• The injured muscle may feel weak and unable to support the weight of the body
• Numbness or tingling sensations, which may be a sign of nerve damage
• Stomach pains, especially if a hernia has been caused
• Mobility restrictions
• Muscle spasms

Groin injuries are graded by severity from 1-3 as follows:

• A grade 1 groin injury results in minimal discomfort and disability with little effects on daily activities.
• A grade 2 injury causes moderate discomfort and affects mobility, such as running and jumping, with the possibility of swelling and bruising.
• A grade 3 injury is severe and impacts mobility, causing pain while walking and potential symptoms such as muscle spasms, swelling, and significant bruising.

With the support of medical records, your solicitor will aim to demonstrate the severity of your symptoms to secure the highest possible compensation award on your behalf.

Hernias following a groin injury

A hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles and can be due to excessive coughing, straining, or heavy lifting. In some cases, hernias can result from direct trauma to the abdomen or a pre-existing weakness in the abdominal muscles.

Some groin injuries can lead to hernias, which can be incredibly painful and debilitating. If you have developed a hernia following a groin injury, you should seek medical attention and keep a record of any damages you incurred, as these may be recoverable as part of a groin injury compensation claim.

Two main types of hernia are associated with groin injuries:

Femoral Hernias

Femoral hernias appear as a slight swelling near the upper thigh in the groin area, and they may not cause any symptoms until they become stuck, which is referred to as incarcerated in medical terms. If this occurs, the individual may experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and may require surgical intervention to treat the hernia.

Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias present symptoms, including swelling in the groin and pain when using surrounding muscles, such as when lifting or pulling. This type of hernia can cause significant discomfort and affect your ability to perform daily tasks. If an inguinal hernia is left untreated, it is likely to grow in size and become more painful and complicated to treat.

If you developed a hernia after a groin injury that was not your fault, you might be entitled to compensation. Making a groin injury claim could help you recover damages for the pain and suffering you endured and any related financial expenses.

How much compensation will I receive for a groin injury?

The impact of a groin injury on a person can differ from case to case. The amount of compensation that is paid to you if you make a successful groin injury claim will depend on your specific circumstances. When negotiating your settlement award, your solicitor will strive to achieve compensation for the following considerations:

• General damages cover the pain and suffering caused by the injury
• Special damages compensate for any financial costs and losses linked to your injury

Depending on how your injury has affected you, the compensation could be awarded to cover the following:

• Physical pain
• Any effects on the quality of your life
• Any associated psychological distress
• The impact on your ability to perform usual daily activities
• Any effect on your income and working capacity
• Any impact on your ability to live independently, such as driving and shopping
• Cost of treatment and physical therapy
• Cost of transport associated with treatment or inability to drive

The following figures are a guide to how much groin injury compensation you might expect for general damages. Your final settlement could be a lot more when special damages, such as lost wages, are taken into account.

• £2,575 – £6,050 for an uncomplicated hernia with complete recovery and no further symptoms
• £6,100 – £8,000 for mild hernias with some risk of recurrence
• £1,980 – £19,000 for scarring due to surgical intervention for hernia repair
• £11,300 – £20,210 for continuing pain and limitation on work and physical activities
• £6,330 – £21,190 for hernia mesh complications

After discussing your case, a personal injury solicitor can give you more information about how much you could receive in a groin injury compensation claim.

How long do I have to start a groin injury claim?

In general, the time limit to start a groin injury claim is three years from the date of the accident that caused your injury. You may be barred from pursuing compensation for your injury if you do not initiate legal proceedings within the limitation date. This means you will no longer have the legal right to claim damages.

In rare cases, the court may allow an extension of the limitation date, but only when considered fair and reasonable. Therefore, it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible to determine your legal rights and options. This will also ensure that any important details remain fresh in your mind and that evidence and witnesses are available to support your claim.

There are some exceptions to the general three-year time limit for making a groin injury compensation claim:

• If the person who suffered the injury is under the age of 18, the three-year time limit does not start running until their 18th birthday. Before that, a litigation friend, which is usually a parent or family member, could make a child accident claim on their behalf at any time.
• If the person who suffered the injury has a mental incapacity, such as Autism, Dementia or a brain injury, the time limit is suspended and only starts if they regain capacity.
• In some cases, the injury may not be immediately apparent or might develop over time due to repetitive straining. In this case, the three-year time limit will not start running until the injury is discovered and diagnosed.
• If you suffered an injury due to a physical assault, you could be eligible to claim compensation through the CICA within two years of the incident.
• The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) imposes a seven-year time limit for military personnel injured on duty to claim groin injury compensation.

It is always best to speak to an injury solicitor as soon as possible after an injury to understand what time limit applies to your case.

Can I claim groin injury compensation on behalf of someone else?

In some cases, an individual who has been involved in an accident that was not their fault may be unable to file a groin injury claim themselves. This could be due to the severity of their injury, because they are under 18, lack mental capacity or are otherwise considered a vulnerable person.

In these circumstances, UK law allows a competent adult to represent them through the claim process. If you want to claim compensation on behalf of someone else, you would need to act as their litigation friend. The person taking on the role of litigation friend is typically related or close to the person injured. This could include:

• A parent or guardian
• A brother or sister
• A grandparent
• An aunt or uncle
• A friend
• A social worker
• A professional advisor

To become a litigation friend, you must be appointed by the court. The court will consider your suitability by assessing your relationship with the claimant and your understanding of the legal process. You cannot have any conflict of interest with the person you are representing and must always act in their best interest.

If your application is successful, you will be responsible for representing the claimant in their groin injury claim and making decisions on their behalf. Becoming a litigation friend is a serious and long-term responsibility which may involve duties such as:

• Communicating with the court and other parties involved in the case
• Consult with a personal injury solicitor and take legal advice
• Consider any compensation offers made by the other side
• Ensure that the best interests of the person they are representing are protected at all times
• Keeping the claimant informed about the progress of the case and any decisions that are made on their behalf
• Making sure that the groin injury compensation is used in the best interests of the claimant
• Attend court hearings and pay any fees requested by the court

The role of a litigation friend typically ends when the claim has been resolved, either through a settlement agreement or a court ruling.

To start a groin injury claim or learn more about becoming a litigation friend, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. Alternatively, you can enter your details into the contact form below to receive a no-obligation call back.