Workplace accidents resulting in fractures can be life-altering events. The pain, financial strain, and potential long-term effects can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their future. However, there’s hope. Understanding your rights and the claims process can be the first step towards recovery and fair compensation.
Types of Fractures and Their Impact
Fractures come in various forms, each with its own set of challenges and recovery timelines:
Complete Fractures: The bone breaks entirely into two or more pieces.
Incomplete Fractures: The bone cracks but doesn’t break all the way through.
Compound Fractures: The bone breaks through the skin, increasing risk of infection.
Simple Fractures: The bone breaks without piercing the skin.
The severity of a fracture depends on its location and the extent of damage to surrounding tissues. Accident at work claims involve a range of such injuries, from minor broken ankles and wrists to serious pelvis and spinal fractures.
Why Claim Compensation For a Fracture?
Bone fractures often leave people in a considerable amount of pain, unable to move freely or sleep comfortably. Furthermore, they may be unable to work and earn their regular salary.
Most fractures will heal after some weeks in a cast and a period of rest, while more severe compound, multiple or spiral fractures can require surgery to insert screws and pins. In the case of fractures to the spine, neck or pelvic region the severity of the injury could result in paralysis and psychological trauma.
Claiming personal injury compensation will help ease some of the problems you face. As well as winning a financial settlement, claiming with Direct2Compensation can also help you in other ways:
- Making a claim is your legal right, and fairly compensates you for injuries that were not your fault.
- A successful claim can help pay for private medical treatment and rehabilitation therapies to speed your recovery.
- It can cover costs now and in the future.
If your claim does not succeed it does not cost you anything. A successful claim will lead to a compensation settlement being made to you by your employer’s insurer.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
A successful claim can provide access to specialist rehabilitation therapies, such as physiotherapy, to aid your recovery. These treatments can be arranged and paid for by the third party dealing with your claim, potentially speeding up your return to work and normal life.
Eligibility Criteria for Making a Claim
To have a valid fracture at work claim, you must demonstrate:
- Your employer’s negligence led to your injury
- The incident occurred within the last 3 years
- You were an employee (including temporary workers) at the time of the accident
Common examples of employer negligence include:
- Failure to provide proper manual handling training
- Lack of appropriate personal protective equipment
- Inadequate workplace safety measures
- Poorly maintained or faulty equipment
Remember, fractures can occur in any workplace, from construction sites to office environments.
The No Win No Fee Approach
Most fracture at work claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement. This means:
- You don’t pay upfront legal fees
- If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t owe any legal fees
- If you win, a small percentage of your compensation covers legal costs
This approach makes legal representation accessible to all, regardless of financial situation.
Process Overview: Making a Fracture at Work Claim
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your case with a solicitor to assess its validity.
- Gathering Evidence: Collect medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
- Notifying the Employer: Your solicitor will inform your employer of the claim.
- Medical Assessment: An independent medical expert will evaluate your injuries.
- Negotiation: Your solicitor will negotiate with your employer’s insurers.
- Settlement or Court: Most cases settle out of court, but if necessary, your claim may go to trial.
Compensation Amounts for Fractures at Work
Compensation varies based on the fracture’s severity and its impact on your life. Here’s a general guide to potential compensation amounts:
| Part Of Body | Severity | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nose | Simple fracture | £1,300 to £1,925 |
| Nose | Displaced fracture | £1,925 to £2,400 |
| Nose | Serious fracture, permanent damage | £8,100 to £17,575 |
| Finger | Simple fracture | Up to £3,600 |
| Index Finger | Permanent symptoms £6,925 to £9,300 | £6,900 to £50,000 |
| Multiple Fingers | Severe fractures, possible amputation | Up to £27,925 |
| Forearm | Simple fracture | £5,000 to £14,600 |
| Forearm | Serious fracture, lasting effects | £14,600 to £29,800 |
| Forearm | Severe fracture, permanent effects | £29,800 to £45,500 |
| Wrist | Simple fracture | £2,675 to £3,600 |
| Wrist | Serious fracture, permanent effects | £9,575 to £18,625 |
| Hip/pelvis | Fracture needing surgery | £29,800 to £39,900 |
| Hip/pelvis | Serious fracture, lasting effects | £47,050 to £59,600 |
| Hip/pelvis | Severe fracture, permanent effects | £59,600 to £99,500 |
| Ankle | Simple fracture | Up to £10,450 |
| Ankle | Serious fracture, lasting effects | £10,450 to £20,200 |
| Ankle | Severe fracture, permanent effects | £23,800 to £38,050 |
| Ankle | Simple fracture | Up to £10,450 |
| Ankle | Serious fracture, lasting effects | £10,450 to £20,200 |
| Ankle | Severe fracture, permanent effects | £23,800 to £38,050 |
| Upper leg (femur) | Simple fracture | £6,925 to £10,700 |
| Lower leg (tibia or fibula) | Simple fracture | Up to £9,000 |
| Leg | Some permanent effects | £13,650 to £21,100 |
| Knee | Serious to severe | £39,625 to £53,000 |
Note that these figures don’t include additional compensation for lost earnings, expenses, or ongoing treatment costs.
Tips for a Successful Claim
- Report the Accident: Ensure the incident is recorded in your workplace accident book.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get prompt medical care and keep all records.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries if possible.
- Identify Witnesses: Collect contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
- Keep a Diary: Document your recovery process and how the injury affects your daily life.
- Consult a Specialist: Work with a solicitor experienced in workplace injury claims.
How Direct2Compensation Can Help
Direct2Compensation are experts in managing compensation claims, we know your rights and can therefore tell you if you are likely to succeed. We can advise you on important issues and give you a good understanding about how the no win no fee claims process works.
It is important to ensure there is a record of your injury in an accident book or elsewhere. If you haven’t done this already, don’t worry, we can help you to do so.
Direct2Compensation work with some of the best accident at work solicitors in the UK. With our easy to understand claims process and ability to handle your claim quickly, simply and transparently, there are many reasons that make us the right choice.
To find out more about your compensation rights or to start your injury claim today, call us on 01225 430285 or if you prefer, . In just a few minutes on the telephone with you, we’ll obtain the initial information needed for our solicitors to commence a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to make a claim.
Yes, all employees, including temporary workers, are entitled to make a claim.
It’s illegal for an employer to dismiss you for making a legitimate claim.
You may still be able to claim through their previous insurers.
Simple claims may settle in months, while complex cases can take over a year.
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