Fingers, Hands

Summary

  • Thumb / Finger Injuries – £1,000 – £30,000
  • Thumb / Finger Amputation – £3,000 – £75,000
  • Hand Injuries – £770 – £70,000
  • Thumb / Finger Amputation – £80,000 – £168,000

Fingers

Trivial thumb injuries (£1,000) will be painful for a short period of time but a full recovery should be made in a few weeks.  Minor injuries to the thumb (£3,000) for example a fracture, is where a full recovery is expected within six months but some stiffness and discomfort may remain afterwards. Severe dislocation of the thumb (£8,000 – £10,000) can take anything from 4-6 weeks to heal, however this is usually longer for more severe cases.  This can cause stiffness and a feeling of discomfort when lifting or gripping. Moderate thumb injuries (£8,000 – £10,000) such as damage to the tendons or nerves can result in loss of use and sensation. These injuries may also cause some cosmetic deformity. Serious injury to the thumb (£10,000 – £14,000) includes amputation of the tip, nerve damage or a fracture which may require surgery to insert wires. This can then lead to ultra-sensitivity, loss of dexterity and weakened grip. Very serious thumb injuries (£16,000 – £29,000) are where the thumb has been amputated or severed at the base but re-attached so that this helps cosmetically, but is unusable. Loss of the thumb (£29,000 – £45,000) will cause loss of dexterity and weakened grip making it difficult to perform simple tasks. Fracture of one finger (£3,000) a recovery is expected and the amount of compensation awarded depends upon the amount of time this takes. Amputation of the index and middle fingers (£20,000) will result in scarring, restricted movement and weakened grip and handling.  Amputation of the ring and little fingers (£18,000). Loss of part of the little finger (£3,000 – £4,000) will make the remaining tip sensitive. Amputation of the little finger (£7,000 – £10,000). Loss of the ring or middle finger (£3,000 – £6,000) causes impaired function and cosmetic disfigurement. Serious injury to the ring or middle finger (£12,000 – £13,000) are generally fractures or injuries to the tendon which will have a permanent effect, such as stiffness and loss of grip. Total loss of the middle finger (£13,000) will cause difficulty picking up objects and weakens grip.  Fracture of the index finger (£7,000 – £10,000) where the injury can heal but there are ongoing symptoms such as a reduced grip and some pain. There is also an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future. Partial loss of index finger (£10,000 – £15,000) results in weakened grip or dexterity and will also cause cosmetic disfigurement.  Total loss of the index finger (£15,000). Severe fractures to fingers (£30,000) may lead onto partial amputations, which will cause deformity and affect function sensation.

Hands

Minor injuries (£770 – £3,000) includes soft tissue damage, lacerations and crush injuries, from which a recovery is made within a few months. Moderate injuries (£4,000 – £11,000) include penetrating wounds, crush injuries, deep lacerations and soft tissue damage. These injuries are permanent but symptoms are non-intrusive. In more severe cases surgery may have proved unsuccessful causing a permanent disability. Less serious injuries (£12,000 – £24,000) such as a severe crush injury, significantly impacts hand function. Serious hand injuries (£24,000 – £51,000) include cases where several fingers have been amputated and re-attached leaving the hand looking clawed and unsightly. In some cases this can also include amputation of some fingers as well as part of the palm reducing grip and causing cosmetic disfigurement. Amputation of the index and middle and or ring fingers (£51,000 – £75,000) will severely affect grip, leaving the hand virtually useless. Loss of one hand (£80,000 – £91,000) is considered almost as severe as the loss of the whole arm. Compensation will be awarded when all fingers and most of the palm have been amputated following a crush accident, more so if the lost hand was the dominant one. Serious damage to both hands (£46,000 – £70,000) will result in significant loss of function and cosmetic disability. Total of effective loss of both hands (£117,000 – £168,000) will leave them more than useless. More compensation will be awarded where the use of a prosthesis will not be possible.

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

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