Arm Injury Compensation Amounts
Arm injuries range from a simple forearm fracture that heals fully within weeks to the permanent loss of the limb. UK courts value them using the Judicial College Guidelines, which set brackets according to the severity of the injury, the degree of permanent disability, and the impact on daily life and work. This guide sets out the main brackets, what moves a case up or down within them, and the special damages typically claimed alongside.
The Main Arm Injury Brackets
Loss of an Arm
The most severe category, covering amputation above or below the elbow, or an arm rendered permanently useless. Typically £108,000 to £356,000, with the value depending on:
- Whether the amputation is above or below the elbow
- Whether the dominant or non-dominant arm is affected
- The success of any prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation
- Phantom limb pain and psychological impact, which are common and compensable in their own right
Loss of both arms is a catastrophic injury valued well above this bracket — see our serious injury and amputation guide below for the framework used in these cases.
Severe Arm Injuries Short of Amputation
Typically £45,000 to £95,000. These cases involve serious fractures or soft tissue damage where the arm is retained but function is permanently and substantially impaired — significant restriction of movement, nerve damage causing weakness or altered sensation, or a combination of injuries requiring multiple operations.
Less Severe Arm Injuries
Typically £19,000 to £45,000. Covers fractures and soft tissue injuries with substantial recovery but some permanent legacy — ongoing stiffness, a degree of restricted movement, or mild but persistent weakness that affects certain activities.
Simple Forearm Fractures
Typically £7,500 to £19,000. A single fracture of the radius or ulna treated with a cast or straightforward surgical fixation, with good functional recovery and no lasting significant disability.
Common Causes of Arm Injury Claims
- Road traffic accidents — particularly motorcyclists and cyclists, and passengers bracing on impact
- Workplace accidents — falls, machinery entanglement, and manual handling injuries
- Falls and trips — particularly where a claimant puts an arm out to break a fall
- Dog bites and animal attacks — often affecting the forearm
- Defective products — power tools and machinery causing traumatic injury
Factors That Move a Case Up or Down the Bracket
- Dominant vs non-dominant arm — injury to the dominant arm typically attracts higher compensation because of the greater functional impact
- Occupation — manual trades, musicians, and other arm-dependent occupations see higher awards where the injury affects earning capacity
- Number and complexity of surgeries required
- Permanent restriction of movement or grip strength
- Age of the claimant — younger claimants face a longer period living with any permanent disability
- Psychological impact, particularly following amputation or visible deformity
Special Damages in Arm Injury Claims
- Lost earnings, both past and future, including any change of occupation forced by the injury
- Cost of prosthetics and their lifetime replacement, for amputation cases
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy, privately funded where NHS waiting times are excessive
- Home and vehicle adaptations for significant disability
- Care and assistance with daily tasks during recovery or permanently for severe cases
- Psychological treatment where the injury has caused anxiety, depression, or adjustment difficulties
Common Questions About Arm Injury Compensation
I broke my forearm and it has healed well. What is it worth?
A straightforward forearm fracture with good recovery and no lasting disability typically falls in the Simple Forearm Fractures bracket — £7,500 to £19,000. Where there is some residual stiffness or weakness, the case moves into the Less Severe bracket instead.
My arm injury affects my ability to work. Does that increase the value?
Yes, in two ways. General damages may move higher within the relevant bracket to reflect the functional impact, and special damages will separately cover any lost earnings or reduced earning capacity, which for manual occupations can be substantial.
How is loss of an arm valued compared to a severe but retained arm injury?
Amputation attracts significantly higher compensation — typically £108,000 to £356,000 — reflecting the permanent, irreversible nature of the loss, compared with £45,000 to £95,000 for a severe injury where the arm is retained but function is badly affected.
Will I need more than one operation, and does that affect compensation?
Many serious arm injuries require staged surgery — initial fixation followed by later procedures to address complications or improve function. Each additional procedure, along with the associated pain, recovery time, and any scarring, is reflected in a higher valuation within the applicable bracket.
How long does an arm injury claim take?
Straightforward fracture claims can settle within 6 to 12 months. Cases involving amputation or ongoing surgical treatment often take 18 months to 3 years, because the case cannot usually be valued accurately until treatment is complete and the long-term prognosis is clear.
Related Guides
Compensation by Injury Type | UK Payout Amounts
Wrist Injury Compensation Amounts
Hand Injury Compensation Amounts
Amputation and Loss of Limb Claims
How Much Compensation for Personal Injury?
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