How much compensation for a broken arm?

Suffering a broken arm can have a significant impact on your everyday life and affect your ability to work, drive, do housework and other daily activities. It can result in physical pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress and financial losses.

Many accidents could lead to an arm fracture, such as slips, trips and falls, accidents at work, falling from a height, car accidents and physical assaults. If another party was at least partially responsible for the events that led to your injury, you might be able to start a broken arm claim for compensation.

A personal injury lawyer can let you know whether you are eligible to claim and how much compensation for a broken arm you could receive. For a free case assessment, call 0800 678 1410 today or request a call back.

What is a broken arm injury?

The arm is a functional unit of the upper body, extending from the shoulder to the hand. It is made of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, which work together to facilitate movement and perform various tasks. The arm has two main sections: the upper arm and the forearm.

There are three main bones in each arm: the humerus, ulna and radius. If any of these are fractured in an accident, it could lead to a personal injury claim. How much compensation for a broken arm you might be entitled to will depend on the severity and location of the fracture. There are several types of broken arm injuries, including:

• A fractured humerus refers to a break in the upper arm bone. It can occur in the proximal (near the shoulder), shaft (middle), or distal (near the elbow) regions of the bone.
• A radial fracture involves a break in the radius bone, which is one of the two forearm bones. The break can be in the proximal, shaft, or distal regions of the arm.
• Ulnar fracture refers to a break in the ulna bone, the other forearm bone. Like a radial fracture, it can happen in the proximal, distal or shaft regions.
• Monteggia fracture is a specific type of forearm fracture involving a break in the ulna bone along with a dislocation of the radial head.
• Galeazzi fracture involves a break in the radius bone and a dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint.
• Colles’ fracture is a common fracture to the wrist where the radius bone fractures in the vicinity of the wrist joint, causing the wrist to bend backwards.
• Smith’s fracture, also known as a reverse Colles’ fracture, occurs when the radius bone breaks near the wrist joint, causing the wrist to bend forward.

If another person or entity (such as a company) was responsible for your injury, you might be entitled to start a broken arm claim. You could receive compensation for your pain, suffering and any financial losses you incurred after your accident.

Symptoms and treatment of a broken arm injury

The symptoms of a broken arm can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury and include:

• Intense pain at the site of the fracture;
• Swelling and bruising of the affected area due to internal bleeding and tissue damage;
• A visible deformity or misalignment of the arm may be apparent if the bone has shifted or displaced;
• Difficulty moving the arm or a loss of normal range of motion;
• If nerves are affected, you may experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the arm or hand.

If you have suffered a broken arm injury, your healthcare provider might recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Immobilisation – Your arm may be placed in a splint, cast, or brace to keep the broken bones in proper alignment and promote healing.
• Reduction – In some cases, the doctor may need to manipulate the broken bones back into their correct position through a process called reduction.
• Surgery – If the fracture is severe or involves multiple breaks, surgery may be necessary to align and stabilise the bones using pins, screws, plates, or rods.
• Pain management – Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort during healing.
• Rehabilitation – Once the initial healing has occurred, physical therapy or occupational therapy may be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the arm.

If you suspect a broken arm, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention to receive the appropriate treatment and prevent further injury and complications.

Can I start a broken arm claim?

If you were injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you are within your rights to seek broken arm compensation. The easiest way to find out whether you have a valid claim is through a free consultation with an experienced legal adviser, during which they will verify whether:

• Another party or entity owed you a duty of care
• They breached their duty by committing a negligent act
• Their actions have caused an accident to occur
• You suffered a broken arm injury as a result within the last three years

Your solicitor will use different legislation to establish that a duty of care existed, such as the Road Traffic Act 1988 or the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. If all the above criteria apply to your circumstances, you will be eligible to pursue compensation for a broken arm.

To find out if you have a valid claim for a broken arm, call 0800 678 1410 today to speak to a friendly legal adviser. If you have grounds to start legal proceedings, they will offer you a 100% no win no fee service, so you will not be left out of pocket if your case fails.

Why should I seek compensation for a broken arm?

A broken arm injury can have a significant impact on various aspects of your life. Some of the ways it can affect you include:

• Physical Limitations – A broken arm can restrict your ability to perform everyday tasks that require using your arms, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and writing. It may also limit your ability to engage in physical activities and sports.
• Pain and discomfort – Breaking your arm can be accompanied by significant pain and discomfort. Even after the fracture starts to heal, you may experience residual pain, stiffness, or sensitivity in the affected limb.
• Independence and mobility – Depending on the severity of the injury, you may require assistance from others to accomplish certain daily activities. That can affect your autonomy and mobility, especially if you cannot drive or perform tasks that involve both hands.
• Work and employment – If your occupation requires using your arms or involves physical labour, a broken arm injury can impact your ability to work. Depending on the nature of your job, you may need to take time off or temporarily modify your duties until you have recovered.
• Emotional and psychological effects – Dealing with an arm fracture can be emotionally challenging. It may lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, or even anxiety, particularly if you are unable to participate in activities you enjoy or if the recovery process takes longer than expected or has long-term effects.
• Financial considerations – Your injury may result in medical expenses, including doctor visits, imaging tests, medications, and possibly, surgery. If you need time off work during recovery, it may also lead to a loss of earnings.

If someone else caused you injury through a negligent or intentional act, you deserve to be compensated for how this has affected your life. A personal injury solicitor can assess your case during a free consultation over the phone and let you know how much compensation you could receive for your broken arm.

What evidence is required to claim for a broken arm?

To start a broken arm claim, you will need evidence to prove how the accident happened, who caused it, the severity of your injury and how it has affected your life. The following types of evidence can help strengthen your case:

• Medical reports, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests that confirm the diagnosis of a broken arm and document the extent of your injury;
• Photographs of your arm injury, including visible signs of fractures, bruises, swelling, or any external wounds;
• Photos of the accident scene and what caused your injury before anything is moved or repaired;
• Accident report forms if you suffered a broken arm at work or in a public place like a shop or supermarket;
• Camera footage if the accident was recorded by CCTV or a dash cam;
• Contact details of witnesses to your accident who might later provide an accounting of the events;
• Expert opinions from medical professionals or other specialists;
• Records of medical expenses, prescription costs, travel expenses related to treatment, and any other financial losses incurred due to the broken arm injury.

Your solicitor will review any evidence you have collected and can help you gather any other valuable proof which might help you secure broken arm compensation.

Common causes leading to a broken arm claim

Various accidents and circumstances can lead to a broken arm claim. Some of the most common causes include:

• Slips, trips and falls – A slip or trip on a hazardous surface, such as a wet floor, uneven ground, or icy pavement, can cause you to fall and land on your arm, resulting in a broken bone.
• Accidents at work – Injuries can occur in workplaces, especially in industries involving manual labour or those with potential hazards. Examples include falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, or accidents involving machinery or equipment.
• Road traffic accidents – The impact of a car collision, motorcycle accident or any other type of road incident can exert significant force on the body, leading to fractures or breaks in the arms, particularly if you instinctively brace yourself during the impact.
• Sports-related injuries – Participating in high-impact sports or activities can increase the risk of arm injuries. Contact sports, such as football or rugby, or activities like skateboarding or cycling, may lead to fractures or breaks if you experience a fall, collision, or direct impact.
• Assaults or physical altercations – Intentional acts of violence, altercations, or assaults can result in broken arms if you are struck or subjected to forceful actions. If the assaulter is unknown or does not have the means to pay your compensation, you can seek damages through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

This list is not exhaustive, and many other situations may cause you to suffer a broken arm injury. As long as another party was at least partially at fault for your accident, you might be eligible to claim broken arm compensation for your pain and suffering.

What does the compensation for a broken arm cover?

Compensation for a broken arm injury typically covers various aspects related to the injury and its impact on your life. It may include:

• General Damages – This refers to compensation for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the broken arm. It takes into account the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily activities, any long-term effects, as well as its emotional and psychological effects.
• Medical Expenses – Broken arm compensation may cover the costs of medical treatment, including hospital stays, diagnostic tests, physio, surgeries, and medications.
• Loss of Earnings – If your injury has resulted in time off work or a reduced ability to work, you can receive compensation for the loss of income during that period.
• Rehabilitation and therapy – If you require ongoing rehabilitation or therapy to recover from the broken arm injury, the compensation may cover these expenses, such as physiotherapy sessions or assistive devices.
• Travel Expenses – You may be compensated for reasonable travel expenses related to medical appointments, treatments, or therapy sessions.
• Care and Assistance – If you need additional help or support with daily activities during your recovery, compensation may cover the costs of care provided by family members, friends, or professional caregivers.

It is essential to consult with a legal professional specialising in personal injury claims to accurately assess the potential compensation available in your specific case.

How much compensation for a broken arm could I receive?

If someone else caused your injury and you are thinking about making a claim, you might be wondering how much compensation for a broken arm you could receive. As every case is unique, this will depend on your specific circumstances and how the fracture has affected your life.

The compensation for general damages will be awarded based on the guidelines published by the Judicial College and previous similar cases. According to our broken arm compensation calculator, you could receive the following:

• £5,630 to £16,380 for simple forearm fractures with good recovery
• £15,300 to £31,200 for severe or multiple fractures to the forearm that need a recovery period above two years
• £76,650 to £104,370 for very severe forearm fractures causing permanent disability
• Up to £10,750 for an arm fracture that requires surgery, with consistent but minor symptoms
• Up to £8,160 for a wrist fracture with complete recovery in less than two years
• £10,040 to £19,530 for a more severe wrist injury leading to chronic pain and stiffness
• £12,480 to £25,510 for a fractured elbow causing long-lasting problems
• £31,250 to £43,710 for elbow fractures leading to permanent disability
• £12,770 to 19,200 for a broken humerus resulting in restriction of movement in the shoulder
• £19,200 to £48,030 for a severe humerus fracture resulting in long-term disability

The compensation for all your financial losses and expenses, known as special damages, is calculated based on the available evidence, such as receipts, invoices and pay slips.

Is there a time limit to claim broken arm compensation?

In the UK, the general time limit to start a personal injury claim, including for a broken arm, is three years from the date of the accident or the date when the injury was discovered. This is known as the limitation period.

In certain situations, different time limits may apply. For example:

• If the injured person is a child, the time limit does not apply, and a suitable adult could claim on their behalf at any time. After turning 18, they will have three years to claim by themselves.
• The time limit is waived indefinitely if the claimant lacks the mental capacity to conduct legal proceedings due to a disability. A litigation friend could represent them in a legal case anytime while they are incapacitated.
• If you suffered a broken arm due to a violent crime, you have two years to claim compensation through the CICA. Before starting a CICA claim, you must report the incident to the police.

Failing to file a claim within the applicable time limit may result in losing your right to seek broken arm compensation. Therefore, it is crucial to act promptly and seek legal guidance to ensure your claim is filed within the time limit. That will also make it easier to gather evidence for your case and will ensure that any essential details are still fresh in your mind.

Start a No Win No Fee broken arm claim

If you have suffered a broken arm injury and believe that someone else’s negligence or actions were responsible for your accident, you may be eligible to make a no win no fee claim. Also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), it allows you to seek compensation for a broken arm without any upfront costs or financial risks.

Under a no win no fee agreement, you will not have to pay any legal costs and expenses associated with pursuing a claim, such as court fees, expert witness fees, medical reports and opponent’s costs, in case the claim is unsuccessful. This protection is offered by the After the Event (ATE) insurance policy that your solicitor will take out before starting legal proceedings.

By making a no win no fee broken arm claim, you only have to pay anything if your case is successful. Otherwise, you will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses. If you win compensation, you will keep your award minus a few deductions:

• A success fee of a maximum of 25% of your settlement, paid to your solicitor for the risk they took by signing a CFA
• The cost of the ATE insurance premium

To start a claim or find out how much compensation for a broken arm you might be entitled to, you can speak to a legal adviser by calling free on 0800 678 1410. Alternatively, you can enter your details into our online claim form to receive a call back.