Leg Injury Claims

Leg injuries can be incredibly debilitating and cause severe pain, sometimes with long-lasting effects. Such injuries can significantly affect your mobility, independence, earning potential, and overall quality of life. Therefore, anyone who sustains a leg injury through no fault of their own has a legal right to receive compensation under personal injury laws.

Common causes of leg injuries include trauma, such as car accidents and falls, overuse, work-related accidents and medical conditions. These can lead to many types of leg injuries, including sprains, fractures, dislocations and tendonitis. If another party was responsible for your accident, you might be able to make a leg injury claim.

The solicitors we work in partnership with have extensive experience in securing leg injury compensation and welcome the opportunity to discuss your case during a free consultation. To get started, call free on 0800 032 3660 or arrange a call back by entering your details into our injury claim form.

Am I eligible to make a leg injury claim?

During your free consultation, an experienced legal adviser will ask you a few questions to verify your chances of making a successful leg injury claim. They will check whether:

• The party you hold responsible owed you a duty of care
• They breached that duty through a negligent or intentional act
• You were involved in an accident as a result
• Your leg was injured because of that accident

When you suffer a leg injury, there is usually a limitation period of three years in which you can claim compensation. Therefore, you must seek legal advice as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline. This will also help your solicitor to gather evidence for your leg injury claim and ensure that no crucial proof is lost or destroyed.

You do not have to worry about proving a duty of care, as personal injury solicitors have expert knowledge of the laws that might apply to your case. For example, they might refer to the following legislation:

• The Road Traffic Act 1988 to establish a duty of care following a leg injury in a car crash;
• The Occupiers Liability Act 1984 to prove liability if you had an accident in a shop or restaurant;
• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to show that your employer failed to take reasonable measures to protect you from a leg injury.

It is important to remember that you might be eligible for leg injury compensation even if you were partially responsible for your accident. In case of contributory negligence, your damages will be reduced by a percentage relevant to your degree of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for your injury, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise you on the specific laws and regulations that might apply to your leg injury claim and help you determine the best course of action to recover the compensation you deserve.

How do I make a leg injury claim?

The first step in starting a leg injury claim is to contact a legal adviser by calling free on 0800 032 3660. They have expert knowledge and comprehensive experience in the field and will be able to give you the best advice possible regarding your case.

If they believe you have a valid claim for leg injury compensation, you will need to provide clear proof that someone else was responsible for your accident and the damages you incurred. Importantly, you should try to collect evidence to support your claim, which could include the following:

• Medical records. The first and most essential step after suffering a leg injury is to seek medical attention, either by calling an ambulance, going to the hospital or visiting your GP. A doctor can diagnose your injury and provide a medical report of your treatments and recovery prognosis, which can then be used as evidence in your claim.
• Accident reports. Filing an accident report after an injury is an important step in the process of seeking compensation. When filing the report, you should provide a detailed and accurate account of what happened. Include information such as the date, time, location, and circumstances of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses. A copy of the report can be used as evidence in your claim.
• Visual evidence. Any pictures or videos you took at the accident scene can be particularly useful in assigning liability. This is especially true if you managed to take them before the cause of your injury was replaced, repaired or removed. If the accident was recorded on CCTV or dash cams, you should also try to obtain a copy of the footage before it is deleted. Also, take photos of any visible injuries or damage to property.
• Witness details. If there were any witnesses to the accident, recording their names and contact information can be a great help. Your solicitor could later ask them to provide a written or recorded statement of what they saw, which could be a good way of corroborating your version of events.
• A diary of events. Keeping a journal or diary of your accident and injuries is also a good idea, documenting any changes or new symptoms that develop over time. This could be used to track any events you missed because of your leg injury, the dates you were unable to work, and the pain and suffering you have endured.
• Financial losses. Keep copies of any invoices or receipts related to the accident, including medical bills, costs of care and assistance, pay slips, and any other expenses linked to your accident.

Once your solicitor has all the relevant details for your leg injury claim, they will calculate the compensation award you are entitled to receive. They will also handle all of the legal and administrative aspects of your case, freeing you up to focus on your recovery.

After filing your claim, the other side has up to three months to investigate your case and provide a response. If they admit liability, their insurance company may make an initial offer to settle the case. Your personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the defendant to try and reach a fair settlement. If you cannot agree on a compensation award, your solicitor will help you take legal action and argue your claim before a judge.

What types of leg injuries can I claim for?

The solicitors we work with have handled numerous leg injury claims for both adults and children who have suffered different types and degrees of trauma in various situations. Leg injuries can severely affect a person’s life and independence, and recovery can take considerable time or even result in permanent harm. Some of the most common types of leg injuries include:

Strains and sprains

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon that is usually caused by overstretching or tearing. A sprain is an injury to a ligament due to a sudden twist or fall that forces a joint out of its normal position. These are among the most common and less severe types of leg injuries and can be due to a variety of factors, including:

• Overuse: Engaging in repetitive motions, such as running, jumping or workplace tasks, can cause wear and tear of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the leg, leading to injury over time.
• Trauma: A sudden impact or force, such as a fall or a direct blow, can cause a sprain, strain, or soft tissue injury to the leg.
• Improper technique: Incorrect form during physical activities or manual handling can put excessive stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the leg and result in injury.

These types of soft tissue injuries can range from mild to severe and can result in pain, swelling, and loss of mobility. The most common leg sprains and strains affect the ankle, knee, calf, hamstring and Achilles tendon.

Broken leg

A broken leg is a debilitating and painful injury that can be caused by numerous incidents, including sports injuries, road traffic accidents, falls from heights, and even violent crimes. The treatment for a broken leg may be lengthy, depending on the position and extent of the fracture. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to facilitate the healing process. There are several common types of leg fractures:

• Compound Fractures

These are fractures where the bone breaks and penetrates the skin, leaving an open wound. Compound fractures are usually severe and require immediate medical attention.

• Comminuted fractures

This type of fracture is when a bone is shattered into multiple pieces. These can be difficult to treat and may require surgery and an extended recovery. In the most severe cases, amputation may be necessary.

Compound and comminuted fractures most commonly occur in road accidents, particularly involving motorbikes, falls from height and heavy trips on pavements and other hard surfaces.

• Stress fractures

Stress fractures refer to tiny cracks in the bone that result from repeated force being applied to an area over a prolonged period. Although these injuries are relatively minor, they can be extremely painful and debilitating. Stress fractures most often occur following workplace injuries or through sporting incidents and excessive training.

• Displaced fractures

A displaced fracture is a broken bone where two or more parts of the bone are no longer aligned properly. Treatment for this type of injury requires a surgeon to reposition the bone before securing the leg with a cast. This can significantly impact mobility and a victim’s ability to work and carry out daily tasks.

Burn injuries

Burn injuries to the leg can range from mild to severe and can be due to various causes, such as fire, hot liquids, chemicals, electricity, and radiation. Some common symptoms of leg burn injuries include redness, swelling, pain, blisters, and difficulty walking or standing. The severity of the injury and the type of burn can affect the extent of damage to the skin and underlying tissues, as well as the length of recovery time.

Mild burns may heal within a few days to a few weeks with treatments such as cooling the skin, over-the-counter pain relievers and wound dressings. Severe burns may require more extensive treatment, such as skin grafts, wound debridement, and reconstructive surgery and may cause permanent scarring and mobility issues.

Leg amputations

Leg amputation refers to the surgical removal of a leg, either partially or completely, due to an injury or illness. This procedure can be required due to severe leg trauma from an accident or a medical condition such as peripheral artery disease or diabetes. In some cases, leg amputation may be a necessary and life-saving procedure.

The recovery from a leg amputation can be long and challenging, requiring physical therapy, rehabilitation, and the use of prosthetics. The psychological impact of losing a limb can also be significant and may require ongoing support from mental health professionals.

If you have suffered a leg injury and believe it was due to the negligence of another party, you should speak with a solicitor as early as possible. They will offer a free consultation to discuss your options for pursuing leg injury compensation.

You can arrange your free case assessment by calling 0800 032 3660 or using our claim form to arrange a call back.

Treatment for leg injuries

The type of treatment required for your leg injury is crucial in determining the amount of leg injury compensation you should receive. Depending on the severity of the damage, treatment may range from rest and pain management to more invasive procedures like surgery and even amputation.

When assessing the treatment you required and may continue to need, your solicitor will also consider how this has affected your daily life, independence and ability to work. Even in cases where rest is the primary treatment, this can still significantly impact your autonomy and earning capacity until the injury has healed.

The most common treatments seen in leg injuries include:

• Resting and immobilising the affected area with a splint or cast can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to reduce swelling and pain. In severe cases, prescription pain medications may be necessary.
• Physical therapy can help to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected leg.
• Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by a physical therapist to help improve flexibility and strength in the affected leg.
• In some cases, surgery may be required to repair a broken bone or to address a more severe injury.

Your solicitor will therefore aim to recover compensation for your pain and suffering and any treatment costs to date and for any future care or medication that is likely. To start your leg injury claim, call free on 0800 032 3660 or request a call back to speak to a trained legal adviser.

How much compensation will I receive for a leg injury?

The amount of compensation you receive in a leg injury claim will be based on the extent of your pain, discomfort, and the negative impact your leg injury has had on your life. Your personal injury lawyer will aim to secure the highest possible compensation for you, taking into account all the losses and damages you have suffered. They will consider the following:

• The type and extent of the injury you have suffered
• Your short and long-term medical expenses
• The emotional and psychological distress caused by the injury
• Any time you had to take off work and the resulting loss of income, both past and future
• The impact on your personal life and your family
• Your inability to drive, which may result in you needing to pay for taxis or bus fares
• Your inability to perform everyday routine tasks, such as taking children to school, participating in usual sporting activities, etc.

These factors are grouped into two main types of damages that will be included in a successful leg injury claim:

• Special damages are financial losses and expenses directly related to the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages and the cost of hiring help with domestic tasks.
• General damages is the compensation awarded for non-financial losses, such as physical pain and emotional distress.

Special damages are typically calculated based on invoices, receipts, pay slips, and other documentation of financial losses and expenses. The calculation of general damages, on the other hand, is typically based on the recommendations made yearly by the Judicial College and previous case settlements. Below are some examples of general damages for a leg injury, depending on severity:

• Up to £2,450 for mild soft tissue injuries such as bruising, cuts and lacerations with full recovery within a few months
• Up to £11,840 for simple fractures to the tibia or fibula
• £9,110 to £14,080 for a simple femur fracture with no long-term complications
• £27,760 to £39,200 for a severe crushing injury or multiple leg fractures
• £5,850 to £30,700 for an Achilles tendon injury, depending on the severity
• Up to £76,700 for a severe knee injury with ongoing symptoms
• £21,000 to £108,500 for severe leg injuries causing permanent problems but not requiring amputation
• £104,830 to £137,470 for the amputation of a single leg above the knee
• £240,790 to £282,010 for the loss of both legs

Your solicitor will be committed to securing the highest amount of leg injury compensation possible for your case. This will not only provide a sense of justice for the discomfort and disruption caused by your accident but can also help you get your life back on track.

Common accidents that result in leg injuries

Leg injuries are, unfortunately, a fairly common occurrence. Leg injury compensation can be awarded following a wide range of different accident types, including the following:

• Bicycle accidents

Bicycle accidents can result in various leg injuries, ranging from minor bruises and abrasions to more severe injuries, such as strains, fractures, and amputations. These may occur due to impact trauma with a car or another vehicle, overuse from repetitive motions involved in cycling or crashing into obstacles.

It is important to take proper safety precautions while cycling, such as wearing protective gear, using hand signals, and following traffic laws, to reduce the risk of leg injuries.

• Motorbike accidents

Leg injuries from motorbike accidents can occur when the rider falls from the motorcycle or collides with another vehicle or object. Some common leg injuries sustained in such accidents include road rash, fractures, burns and soft tissue injuries.

If another road user caused your accident by acting negligently, you might be able to start a leg injury claim for compensation. You may also have a valid claim if the local authorities failed to maintain the road properly and you had a motorbike accident due to a pothole.

• Car accidents

There are several ways a car accident could cause a leg injury, including:

• Direct impact: A direct impact from a collision with the car door or dashboard can cause a leg injury, more commonly in high-speed accidents.
• Debris: Debris, such as broken glass or metal, can cause cuts, punctures, or other types of injuries to the legs during a car accident.
• Hitting the road or pavement: If a person is thrown from a car during an accident, they can hit the road or pavement, causing severe injuries to the legs.
• Entrapment: A person’s legs can become trapped in a damaged car, leading to painful injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or crush injuries.

These are just a few examples of how a car accident could cause a leg injury. The severity of the damage will depend on various factors, such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of collision, and the person’s position in the car at the time of the accident.

• Slips and trips

Slips, trips, and falls can happen almost everywhere and are the number one cause of non-fatal injuries to employees in the UK. A slip or trip accident can cause a leg injury in several ways:

• If you fall as a result of a slip or trip, you may hit your leg on a hard surface, causing bruises, cuts, or broken bones.
• If you fall awkwardly, you may twist your leg or damage the muscles or ligaments, leading to a sprain or strain.
• If you slip or trip and fall from a height, you may suffer a fracture in your leg.

The most common causes of slips and trips are preventable, including hazards such as wet floors, potholes, uneven flooring, or objects left in walkways. If the local council, your employer or a business owner has failed to take all reasonable measures to prevent an accident, you might be entitled to leg injury compensation.

• Accidents at work

Leg injuries are common in all types of workplaces and are often the result of slipping or tripping, falls from a height, vehicle crashes such as a forklift overturning, or machinery entanglements. The severity of these injuries can vary from cuts and bruises to sprains, broken bones, torn ligaments and amputations. Many UK laws impose a duty of care on employers to safeguard the health and safety of employees, including:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005

Under these and other similar legislation, employers must take all reasonable measures to prevent an injury to employees, such as providing adequate training, safety equipment and machinery that is fit for the job and well-maintained. Failure to uphold legal duties could make an employer liable for leg injury compensation.

• Medical negligence

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the appropriate standard of care, causing harm or injury to a patient. In the case of a leg injury, medical negligence may occur due to errors during surgical procedures, misdiagnosis, improper treatment, or failure to diagnose a condition that leads to further damage.

For example, a surgeon may cause nerve damage during surgery, or a doctor may misdiagnose a serious condition, such as a blood clot, leading to a leg injury. If you believe that your leg injury was due to medical negligence, you should speak to an experienced injury lawyer.

• Military accidents

Working in the military can be a very dangerous job. As Ministry of Defence (MoD) employees, military personnel are entitled to safe working conditions and reasonable precautions against injuries, even if injuries in direct combat are sometimes unavoidable.

According to the MoD, approximately half of the injuries sustained by UK Armed Forces trauma patients are to the extremities, with the largest number affecting the knee and lower leg. The most common injuries include fractures, open wounds and shrapnel wounds.

Besides a leg injury claim under civil law, military personnel could also claim compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). The AFCS is a no-fault scheme that compensates for any leg injury, regardless of liability issues.

• Sports accidents

Sports are among the most common causes of leg injuries, such as sprains, strains, fractures, and contusions. Leg injuries from sports can occur due to overuse or acute trauma.

Overuse injuries, such as shin splints and stress fractures, can occur from repetitive motions and putting excessive strain on the legs. Traumatic injuries, such as ligament tears, dislocations, and fractures, can be due to contact with other players, falling or sudden impacts.

Depending on the circumstances of your injury, many different parties could be held liable to pay you compensation, including a sports venue owner, a coach or instructor, the manufacturer of sports equipment or even another player.

If you feel that your accident was due to someone else’s negligence, call 0800 032 3660 or request a call back for a free consultation with a legal adviser. They will ask you a few questions about your situation to determine if you have a valid leg injury claim.

Is there a time limit to claim for a leg injury?

Generally, claims relating to personal injuries in the UK usually have to be started within three years from the accident date. In some cases, where the leg injury is not immediately apparent or has developed over time due to overuse, the three-year period will begin to run from the date of knowledge.

This is the date when you received a diagnosis of your injury and realised it was connected to an accident or negligent act. If legal proceedings are not initiated within the limitation period, your claim will become statute-barred. Under section 33 of the Limitations Act 1980, the court has the discretion to extend the three-year time limit to make a leg injury claim when this is considered fair and reasonable to do so.

In addition to the court’s discretion to extend the time limit, there are some exceptions to the standard three-year claim limitation date. For example:

• If a child is under the age of 18 and has suffered a leg injury, a parent or guardian can claim compensation on their behalf up until the child turns 18. Afterwards, the claimant has until their 21st birthday to start a claim by themselves.
• Claims to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) resulting from a violent crime have a time limit of two years after the incident occurred.
• Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, you can start a claim for a leg injury caused by a defective product within ten years of the product’s launch date.
• Military personnel injured due to their service could claim through the AFCS within seven years.
• The time limit is suspended if the claimant lacks the mental capacity to handle their case. The three-year period only starts to run if the injured person recovers and nobody has claimed leg injury compensation on their behalf.
• If an accident occurred at sea, the general rule is that the limitation period to claim is two years from the date you were injured.

In a leg injury claim, acting quickly and instructing a specialist personal injury solicitor as soon as possible is advised. Three years may sound like a long time, but it can pass quickly. Furthermore, the sooner a claim is made, the more straightforward it could be to remember details about the accident, get hold of evidence and talk to witnesses.

What are the benefits of using InjuryClaims.co.uk?

We work in partnership with solicitors with extensive experience in managing various leg injury claims. They offer clients a host of additional benefits, including those listed below:

• A free initial consultation where they will assess your case, answer any questions and provide a likely outcome before initiating your claim
• Warm, friendly and knowledgeable staff
• A no win no fee service, giving you constant peace of mind throughout your case
• No upfront costs to pay if you decide to claim leg injury compensation and no solicitor fees to claim if your case is unsuccessful
• A commitment to securing the highest compensation award possible
• A team of experienced personal injury lawyers available throughout the UK

To get started with a free consultation, simply request a call back using the contact form below or call free on 0800 032 3660.