Broken Bones & Fractures Compensation Claims

What Are Bone Fractures?

Bone Fractures Explained

A fracture is a break, crack, or shattering of a bone. Fractures can vary in severity and complexity depending on the force and type of trauma. The main types include:

• Closed or Simple Fracture – A clean break where the skin remains intact.
• Compound or Open Fracture – The bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and complications.
• Comminuted Fracture – The bone shatters into three or more pieces.
• Greenstick Fracture – Common in children, where the bone bends and cracks but doesn’t break fully.
• Spiral Fracture – A twisting force causes a helical break.
• Hairline or Stress Fracture – Small cracks caused by repetitive strain or overuse.

Common Causes of Bone Fractures

Fractures and dislocations may result from a variety of accident types, including:

• Accidents at work – Slips, trips, or falls, manual handling injuries, or accidents with machinery.
• Road traffic accidents – Whether you are a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian.
• Public liability incidents – Such as falling on an uneven pavement or in a poorly maintained public place.
• Criminal assault – Where a physical attack causes a broken bone.
• Sporting accidents – Especially if caused by inadequate supervision or faulty equipment.

Can I Make a Claim?

To make a successful claim, you must prove:

• Duty of care – The responsible party owed you a legal duty.
• Breach of duty – That duty was breached through negligence or omission.
• Causation – The breach directly led to your fracture or dislocation.
  We can help you to identify if these criteria are met in your case. If so, your claim has a strong foundation and a good chance of succeeding. It is worth nothing that claims can also be made on behalf of children or others who may lack mental capacity. Claims for criminal injuries may also be possible via the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Compound Fractures – More Serious, More Complex

Compound fractures are classified as serious injuries because the bone breaks the skin, increasing the likelihood of infection and permanent damage. These injuries often require:

• Emergency surgery
• Metal plates, rods or screws
• Physiotherapy or occupational therapy
• Significant time off work
  Compound fractures will see claimants left with scars, reduced mobility, or long-term pain. Compensation amounts for compound fractures can exceed £200,000 in severe cases.

Fractures at Work

Injuries at work are common in sectors such as construction, warehousing, healthcare, and retail. Employers are legally required to:

• Maintain safe working conditions
• Provide suitable equipment and training
• Conduct regular risk assessments
  

Failure to meet these obligations may mean they are liable for your injury.
If you are injured in an accident at work, it’s important to:

• Ensure the accident is logged in the work accident book or recorded in writing
• Seek medical treatment at the earliest opportunity
• Obtain witness contact details, if available
• Take photos of the scene, if possible
  Even if you are unsure whether you have a claim, our expert advisors can help assess your situation.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After a Bone Fracture

Immediate Care

Following a diagnosis – usually confirmed by an X-ray or CT scan – you may need:

• Immobilisation using a cast, splint, or brace
• Surgery to insert metal plates, screws, or rods (particularly for compound or comminuted fractures)
• Pain relief medication and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Tetanus injections or antibiotics in the case of open wounds

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Once your bone begins to heal, you may be referred to a physiotherapist. This stage is vital for regaining strength, flexibility, and full function. Treatment could include:

• Guided exercises to rebuild muscle and joint movement
• Hydrotherapy or low-impact aquatic exercises
• Massage or ultrasound therapy
• Occupational therapy, especially if your job or hobbies are affected

Emotional and Psychological Recovery

Injuries of this nature can also affect the mental wellbeing of the injured party and this is something that can easily be overlooked. However, psychological impacts of an accident can form part of a personal injury claim too. Common experiences include:

• Loss of confidence in everyday tasks
• Fear of re-injury or accidents
• Frustration from reduced independence or work capacity

Mental health support or counselling is a valid and often necessary part of the recovery journey – and something your solicitor can include in your claim.

If you are struggling to cope with the psychological impact of your accident and how the injuries are impacting your life, see your GP to ensure that your medical records can support this aspect of your claim.

Learn more about accessing rehabilitation as part of your personal injury claim.

Long-Term Impact and Future Planning

Many people face long-term consequences from bone injuries. These may include:

• Chronic pain – Even after healing, pain may persist due to nerve damage or misalignment.
• Arthritis – Fractures that extend into joints can increase your risk of developing arthritis.
• Reduced mobility or stiffness – Especially common after shoulder, hip, or knee injuries.
• Reduced career prospects – If your job is physically demanding, you may need to change careers or reduce your hours.
• Visible scarring or deformity – Particularly with compound fractures or surgical interventions.
  

These factors don’t just affect your life – they influence how much compensation you are entitled to. Our specialist Solicitors will ensure that your claim will take into account:

• The impact of the injuries on your daily routine and ability to enjoy life
• Ongoing needs for further medical care or support
• Adaptations to your home or vehicle
• Training or retraining for a new role

The Legal Process: What to Expect When You Make a Claim

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Initial Contact – You’ll speak to an advisor at Direct2Compensation who will assess whether your claim is likely to succeed and answer any initial questions you may have.
2. No Win No Fee Agreement – If your claim is valid, you’ll enter into a No Win No Fee agreement with a personal injury solicitor who specialises in fracture injuries.
3. Information Gathering – Your solicitor will collect key evidence for you, such as medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and more.
4. Medical Assessment – You may be referred to an independent medical expert to provide a detailed report on the nature and impact of your injuries.
5. Valuing Your Claim – The Solicitor prepares a formal letter of claim and submits the claim to the defendants.
6. Negotiation – Most claims are settled during negotiation with the defendant’s insurer. You may receive an initial offer, which your solicitor will review and advise on. The solicitor will have calculated the appropriate level general and special damages for your claim.
7. Court Proceedings (if needed) – If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your solicitor may issue court proceedings. This is rare – fewer than 5% of cases go to trial.
8. Settlement – Once agreed, the compensation is paid to you as per the No Win No Fee service.
   Your solicitor will keep you updated at every step and we’re here to help and answer any questions you may have at any stage along the way.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Claim

Many people inadvertently weaken their claims by making avoidable errors. Here are some common mistakes – and how to avoid them:

• Delaying medical treatment – Always seek medical attention at the earliest opportunity. Waiting may cast doubt on the severity or cause of your injury.
• Failing to report the accident – Whether at work, on the road, or in a public place – try to ensure the incident is recorded in writing.
• Posting about your accident on social media – Insurance companies may use social media posts to dispute your claim or discredit you.
• Not keeping receipts or records – Without proof of expenses or losses, your solicitor may not be able to recover costs you have incurred.
• Accepting early settlement offers – These are often low and may not reflect your full entitlement. Always consult your solicitor before accepting any offer. A qualified specialist solicitor will know an appropriate value for your particular claim and circumstances.

Understanding Compensation Structure

Compensation amounts for broken bones reflects both injury severity and long-term impact:

Severity	Compensation Range	Impact Level
Very Severe	£200,000+	Multiple serious fractures with financial losses
Severe Leg	£96,250 – £135,920	Extensive injuries requiring grafting
Severe Hip/Pelvis	£78,400 – £130,930	Extensive fractures with complications
Severe Ankle	£50,060 – £69,700	Complex breaks requiring surgery
Simple Fractures	£2,210 – £15,000	Complete recovery expected

Special Damages

Recovery of losses and out-of-pocket expenses, including:

• Loss of earnings (including future lost income)
• Medical and rehabilitation costs
• Travel and transport
• Specialist equipment or adaptations (e.g., wheelchair, stairlift)
• Paid or family care

Your solicitor will help gather the evidence needed to maximise this part of your claim.

Case Study Examples

Workplace Fall from Height

Mr. C, a warehouse electrician, fell from height whilst being asked to fix an electrical fault on a high wall.  Rather than use a scaffold tower, the employer tried to cut corners and instead made him stand on the top shelf.

Despite complaining that this wasn’t safe, he was pressured into completing the work as the employer was concerned about the production being slowed down.  Unfortunately, the shelving collapsed as he was standing on it and he fell, suffering a complex lower leg fracture and dislocated elbow. In this case, the employer was in clear breach of health and safety law and safe working practices.

With our help, Mr. C received a substantial compensation settlement covering the fact that he was left unable to drive for a long while, left unable to continue with his amateur football side, lost a considerable amount of income and also covering the costs of his physiotherapy and future medical costs.

Cycling Collision

Mr. P was cycling and stationary at a junction when a driver failed to stop and collided with him from behind.  Mr. P was thrown from his bike and fell heavily, sustaining a fractured wrist and dislocated thumb.

The compensation settlement in this matter included general damages for the pain and suffering caused by the injuries and special damages including lost wages as he could not continue to work as a chef for a period whilst recovering.  He was also able to recover the cost of replacing his new bicycle and bike accessories including his helmet.

Why Choose Direct2Compensation?

With a five-star reputation, specialist knowledge, and transparent communication, Direct2Compensation offers:

• Immediate, free legal guidance
• Direct access to expert solicitors and no call centre!
• A supportive, ethical approach
• Regular updates and jargon-free advice

We understand the impact a bone injury can have – and we’re committed to helping you get back on your feet, financially and physically.

Ready to Speak to Someone?

If you’ve suffered a broken bone or dislocation and believe someone else was at fault, speak to us today.

• Call 01225 430285
• Start Your Claim Online

We’ll explain your rights, give you a clear understanding of the claims process, and match you with one of our fantastic specialist solicitors who can start your claim with no financial risk to you.

Frequently Asked Questions