A broken or fractured collarbone can significantly impact your daily life, causing severe pain and limiting your ability to work and perform everyday tasks. If you’ve suffered this injury through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Collarbone injury claims are among the most common personal injury cases in the UK, with successful claimants receiving between £2,000 to £10,000 or more depending on severity.
The collarbone, or clavicle, plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and upper body strength. When broken, it can cause:
- Intense pain and discomfort
- Restricted arm and shoulder movement
- Inability to perform work duties
- Prolonged recovery periods
Types of Fractures
Collarbone fractures typically fall into three categories:
- Mid-shaft fractures occurring in the middle section
- Lateral end fractures near the shoulder joint
- Medial end fractures close to the sternum
Recovery Timeline
Most uncomplicated collarbone fractures heal within 6-8 weeks with proper medical care. However, complex cases requiring surgical intervention may need 3-6 months for full recovery, during which time you may be unable to work or require significant lifestyle adjustments.
For more information, the NHS website has guidance on what to do if you suffer a broken collarbone.
Your Right to Compensation
To make a successful collarbone injury claim, you must demonstrate that another party’s negligence caused your injury. Common scenarios include:
Workplace Accidents
Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment. Work accident claims often arise from:
- Falls from height due to inadequate safety measures
- Accidents involving faulty equipment
- Injuries from improper manual handling training
Collarbone injuries at work may succeed with a compensation claim if the cause can be attributed to employer negligence. This could be a lack of training or a failure to provide the correct equipment, such as a ladder that is not long enough or a faulty step.
Road Traffic Incidents
Vehicle collisions frequently result in collarbone injuries, particularly for:
- Motorcyclists thrown from their bikes
- Cyclists involved in accidents
- Car passengers impacted by seatbelts
Public Place Injuries
Property owners and local authorities must maintain safe premises. Public accident claims can stem from:
- Slips on wet or uneven surfaces
- Falls due to poor maintenance
- Sports facility accidents
For those caused as a result of a slip on a wet floor in a supermarket, shop or other business, claims generally succeed if the slipping hazard was not marked with a hazard warning sign. Here it must be proved that the organisation responsible for the site had failed to carry out their statutory duty to ensure that the area was inspected regularly, kept safe and that any hazard to health was clearly marked.
Remember, starting your claim promptly ensures the best chance of success. Our specialist solicitors offer free initial consultations to assess your case and guide you through the no win no fee claims process.
Compensation Amounts
The amount you can receive for a collarbone injury varies based on severity and long-term impact. Understanding potential compensation values helps set realistic expectations for your claim. Current compensation guidelines provide clear frameworks for different injury severities.
| Injury Type | Compensation Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | £4,830 – £11,490 | Simple fractures with good recovery |
| Moderate | £5,200 – £12,300 | Displaced fracture with deformity |
| Serious | £12,300 – £19,000 | Permanent symptoms affecting shoulder, neck and arm |
| Severe | Up to £42,110 | Cases involving nerve damage and chronic issues |
Beyond the injury itself, your claim should include special damages for financial losses. These encompass lost wages during your recovery period, which can be substantial if you’re unable to work. Medical expenses form another significant component, including costs for painkillers, support braces, and private physiotherapy. Travel expenses to medical appointments are also recoverable, as are care and assistance costs if you’ve needed help during recovery.
Several elements influence your compensation amount. The severity of your fracture, recovery time, and long-term prognosis play primary roles. Additional factors include your age, occupation, and lifestyle impact. A young manual worker facing career limitations may receive higher compensation than someone nearing retirement age with a desk job.
Making Your Claim
Starting a successful collarbone injury claim requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The process begins with immediate action following your injury. Reporting the incident promptly to relevant authorities creates an official record of events. Seeking immediate medical attention not only ensures proper treatment but also establishes medical documentation for your claim.
Evidence Collection
Strong evidence forms the foundation of any successful claim. Medical records and diagnoses provide professional documentation of your injury’s extent and required treatment. The accident report offers an official account of the incident, while photographs of both the injury and accident scene provide visual evidence. Witness accounts can significantly strengthen your case, offering independent verification of the events. Financial documentation, including payslips and receipts, helps quantify your losses.
Time Considerations
The law allows three years from the date of injury to initiate your claim. However, early action typically leads to better outcomes. Fresh evidence is easier to gather, witnesses’ memories are clearer, and relevant documentation is readily available. Starting your claim promptly also means potentially faster access to compensation, supporting your recovery and financial stability during this challenging time.
Our experienced solicitors understand the complexities of collarbone injury claims and can guide you through each stage of the process, ensuring nothing is overlooked in building your case.
Understanding No Win No Fee Claims
Making a collarbone injury claim through a no win no fee agreement removes the financial barriers to accessing justice. This arrangement, formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement, means you won’t face upfront legal costs or financial risk. Your solicitor’s fees are only payable upon successful conclusion of your claim, typically as a percentage of your compensation award.
The success fee is legally capped at 25% of your compensation, ensuring you retain the majority of your award. Should your claim prove unsuccessful, you won’t owe anything to your solicitor, making it a risk-free way to seek the compensation you deserve.
Success Rate Guarantee
Our solicitors carefully assess each case before accepting it on a no win no fee basis. This evaluation process ensures we only take on claims with reasonable prospects of success, protecting your interests and maximising your chances of receiving compensation. We maintain transparent communication throughout, keeping you informed of progress and developments in your case.
Your collarbone injury claim follows a structured process designed to achieve the best possible outcome. Initially, your solicitor conducts a detailed case assessment, gathering information about your accident and injury. This includes reviewing medical records, accident circumstances, and establishing the basis for negligence.
Investigation Phase
The investigation typically takes three to four months, during which your solicitor builds a comprehensive case. They’ll contact the responsible party’s insurers, presenting evidence of liability and opening settlement negotiations. Medical experts examine your injury, providing detailed reports on severity, prognosis, and long-term implications.
Settlement Negotiations
Once liability is established, your solicitor enters settlement negotiations. They’ll use their expertise to value your claim accurately, considering both general damages for pain and suffering and special damages for financial losses. Most claims settle without court proceedings, though we’re fully prepared to litigate if necessary to secure fair compensation.
Claim Duration
Straightforward collarbone injury claims typically resolve within 6-9 months. Complex cases involving disputed liability or serious injuries may take longer. Throughout the process, your solicitor manages all legal aspects, allowing you to focus on recovery while remaining informed of progress through regular updates.
Your solicitor’s expertise ensures all aspects of your claim are properly considered, from immediate injury impact to long-term consequences, maximising your compensation while minimising stress during the claims process.
A successful collarbone injury claim requires meticulous attention to detail and proper documentation. Your medical treatment history plays a crucial role in establishing the severity of your injury. Regular attendance at medical appointments and following treatment recommendations demonstrates commitment to recovery while creating a clear record of your injury’s impact.
Medical Evidence
Professional medical assessments form the cornerstone of your claim’s value. Your initial emergency treatment provides crucial baseline documentation, while follow-up appointments track recovery progress. Independent medical experts will examine you to provide detailed reports about your injury’s impact and prognosis, significantly influencing your compensation amount.
Financial Documentation
Maintaining comprehensive records of all injury-related expenses strengthens your claim for special damages. Track all costs, including prescription charges, travel expenses to medical appointments, and any necessary medical equipment or support aids. Employment records showing lost earnings or reduced working capacity provide concrete evidence of financial impact.
Taking Action Today
Starting your collarbone injury claim promptly maximises your chances of success. Our specialist solicitors offer immediate support and guidance through a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll assess your case details, explain your legal rights, and outline the most effective path to securing your compensation.
Expert Support
Our experienced team handles every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of collarbone injuries and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Our proven track record in handling similar claims ensures you receive expert representation throughout the process.
Next Steps
Contact our dedicated team today to begin your claim. We’ll guide you through the initial assessment, explain the no win no fee agreement, and start building your case immediately. With our support, you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities of securing your compensation.
Don’t delay in seeking the compensation you deserve. Our experienced solicitors are ready to help you start your claim and work towards the best possible outcome for your situation. Get in touch now for your free consultation and take the first step toward securing your rightful compensation.
You can start your claim online or , and one of our expert team will be in touch to offer help. Alternatively, call us on 01225 430285.
Frequently Asked Questions
Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment. If your injury resulted from workplace negligence, such as inadequate training or faulty equipment, you likely have valid grounds for a claim.
Property owners and local authorities must maintain safe premises. Claims can succeed when injuries result from their failure to meet this obligation, such as through poor maintenance or inadequate safety measures.
Straightforward cases typically resolve within 6-9 months. Complex claims involving disputed liability or serious injuries may take longer. Your solicitor will provide regular updates throughout the process.
Yes, an independent medical expert will examine you to provide an objective assessment of your injury. This report forms crucial evidence for your claim and helps determine appropriate compensation levels.
Our experienced solicitors gather comprehensive evidence to support your claim. While most cases settle through negotiation, we’re fully prepared to proceed to court if necessary to secure fair compensation.
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