Hand & Wrist Injury Compensation Amounts
Hand and wrist injuries are among the most commonly claimed personal injuries in UK law. They arise from road accidents, falls onto outstretched arms, workplace machinery, manual handling, and direct impact injuries. The Judicial College Guidelines (18th edition) set out detailed brackets for hand and wrist claims that recognise how central these body parts are to daily life and work — and how even moderate injuries can have major functional consequences.
In this guide
- Wrist Injury Categories
- Hand Injury Categories
- Specific Categories Worth Knowing
- Factors That Move a Case Up or Down the Bracket
- Special Damages in Hand and Wrist Claims
- Common Questions About Hand and Wrist Compensation
- Related Guides
- Our Partner's Fees Explained
- Check If You Could Claim Compensation For Your Injury
This guide explains the JC brackets for hand and wrist injuries, what affects valuation, and the special damages typically claimed alongside.
Wrist Injury Categories
The Judicial College Guidelines divide wrist injuries into four severity bands:
Severe wrist injury — typically £52,000 to £64,000
Loss of function in the wrist — typically following an arthrodesis (joint fusion) or similar major procedure with permanent significant functional loss.
Serious wrist injury — typically £29,000 to £46,000
Less severe than the (i) bracket but still resulting in significant permanent disability and some useful movement remaining.
Moderate wrist injury — typically £14,000 to £29,000
Injuries that result in significant disability but with some recovery permitted, with continuing pain and stiffness.
Minor wrist injury
Subdivided by recovery period:
- Soft-tissue injuries recovering within 12 months — typically up to £4,000
- Soft-tissue injuries with full recovery within 12 weeks — typically up to £1,500
Hand Injury Categories
Hand injuries are categorised differently because of the importance of individual digits and grip function. Major brackets:
Total or effective loss of both hands — typically £163,000 to £232,000
The most catastrophic hand injury category. Often overlaps with amputation claims.
Serious damage to both hands — typically £64,000 to £97,000
Permanent cosmetic disability and significant loss of function. Both hands affected — significantly more disabling than damage to one.
Total or effective loss of one hand — typically £108,000 to £123,000
Loss of all or most fingers and thumb of one hand, leaving a substantially useless limb.
Amputation of index, middle, and/or ring fingers — typically £67,000 to £100,000
Where the hand is left essentially useless, with grip much reduced.
Serious hand injury — typically £33,000 to £71,000
Hand reduced to about 50 per cent capacity. Several fingers may have been amputated and rejoined, with severe loss of grip and dexterity.
Severe fractures to fingers — typically up to £42,000
Possible partial amputations, deformity, impaired grip, and reduced mechanical function.
Total loss of an index finger — typically £15,000 to £23,000
A reasonably uncomplicated amputation.
Partial loss of index finger — typically £14,000 to £21,000
Including partial amputations after surgical rejoining attempts.
Total loss of a thumb — typically £40,000 to £62,000
The thumb is treated as the most important digit because of its role in gripping. Loss attracts substantially more compensation than other digits.
Serious injury to the thumb — typically £14,000 to £21,000
Including ulnar nerve damage at the wrist that affects thumb function.
Less serious thumb injuries — typically £5,000 to £14,000
Including breaks of the bony part of the thumb where recovery is incomplete.
Trivial thumb injuries — typically up to £4,500
Minor injuries with full recovery within months.
Moderate hand injury — typically £6,500 to £15,000
Crush injuries, penetrating wounds, soft-tissue type and deep lacerations.
Minor hand injuries — typically up to £6,500
Range of soft-tissue injuries, lacerations, and bruising with full recovery.
Specific Categories Worth Knowing
Vibration White Finger (HAVS)
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools at work. Common in construction, mining, and engineering trades. Separate compensation bracket applies — typically £3,400 to £35,000 depending on severity. See our VWF compensation claims guide.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, often caused by repetitive workplace activity. Typically £2,500 to £10,000 for cases recovering after release surgery; higher for permanent disability. May appear alongside other repetitive strain claims — see our RSI claims guide.
Tendon Injuries
Particularly flexor tendon injuries from cuts to the hand. Even repaired flexor tendon injuries often leave permanent stiffness and reduced range of motion. Valued within the relevant hand bracket depending on outcome.
Factors That Move a Case Up or Down the Bracket
- Dominant hand involvement — dominant-hand injuries attract higher figures because of the greater functional impact
- Cosmetic appearance — particularly relevant for finger amputations and visible scarring
- Age of the claimant — younger claimants attract higher figures for the longer projected disability
- Occupation — claimants in jobs requiring fine dexterity (surgeons, musicians, jewellers) attract higher figures because the impact is greater
- Impact on hobbies — particularly for musicians, artists, and craftspeople
- Need for ongoing surgery or revision procedures
- Risk of future osteoarthritis — well-documented in many hand injury cases
Special Damages in Hand and Wrist Claims
Lost Earnings
Particularly significant for trades requiring manual dexterity — typists, surgeons, mechanics, musicians, jewellers. For claimants unable to return to their previous work, future loss of earnings can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Treatment Costs
- Surgery — particularly tendon repair, fracture fixation, nerve repair, and joint fusion
- Hand therapy and rehabilitation
- Prosthetics for amputees (often requiring lifetime replacement)
- Pain management
- Splinting and supports
Aids and Adaptations
- Adapted kitchen utensils, tools, and equipment
- Voice-recognition software for typing tasks
- Specialist computer keyboards and mice
- Vehicle adaptations (automatic transmission, modified controls)
- Adapted clothing fastenings
Common Questions About Hand and Wrist Compensation
I broke my wrist falling on ice. How much could I claim?
It depends on the severity of the fracture and the recovery. A simple distal radius fracture with full recovery within 6-12 months typically falls in the Minor bracket — £1,500 to £4,000. A complex intra-articular fracture requiring surgery and leaving residual stiffness can move into Moderate (£14,000+). Cases with permanent disability or arthrodesis can reach Serious or Severe bracket figures. The fall claim itself depends on who was responsible — see our snow and ice accident claims guide.
I lost the tip of my finger in a workplace accident. What is it worth?
Partial fingertip loss typically attracts £4,000 to £15,000 depending on the digit (index finger and thumb tips attract higher figures), the length of bone lost, and the cosmetic and functional outcome. Multiple fingertip injuries add up. Special damages for time off work and any private treatment add to the total.
I have permanent tingling and numbness in my hand after a road accident. What does that get valued at?
Nerve injury cases depend on which nerve is affected and the functional impact. Median nerve damage (carpal tunnel-type symptoms) is typically £2,500 to £10,000+ for moderate cases. Ulnar nerve damage at the elbow or wrist (affecting the little and ring fingers) is similarly valued. Permanent significant nerve damage with loss of function can attract substantially higher figures within the Serious or Severe hand bracket.
I am a musician and broke my finger. Does my occupation increase the value?
Yes, often substantially. Loss of fine dexterity is a recognised loss of amenity head, and for professional musicians, surgeons, and others whose careers depend on precise hand function, the impact is greater. Special damages for career impact can also be very significant. Expert evidence is usually needed to quantify the impact properly.
How long does a hand or wrist injury claim take?
Simple cases typically settle within 9 to 18 months. Cases involving surgery, nerve damage, or amputation can take 18 months to 3 years. For young claimants with possible lifetime revision needs, the case is often kept open longer or settled on a Provisional Damages basis. See our how long does a claim take guide.
I damaged my hand at work but I was partly using the tool incorrectly. Does that defeat my claim?
No — but compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence. The questions are: was the tool itself unsafe, was the training adequate, were supervisors responsible for ensuring correct use, and was the system of work safe? Many workplace hand injury cases involve some user error but still succeed because the employer’s duties under PUWER 1998 and the wider health and safety framework were not met. See our machinery accident claims guide.
Related Guides
Compensation by Injury Type | UK Payout Amounts
Arm Injury Compensation Amounts
Shoulder Injury Compensation Amounts
Vibration White Finger (HAVS) Compensation
RSI & Repetitive Strain Claims
Amputation & Loss of Limb Claims
How Much Compensation for Personal Injury?
Check If You Could Claim Compensation For Your Injury
If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Start a free claim check in minutes — no upfront cost. No win, no fee if your claim is accepted.
