There are many different types of elbow injury, including dislocations and fractures, often as a result of trips and falls on public roads and pavements or at work or as a result of sporting injury. Falling onto the outstretched hand can cause a fracture to the elbow.

These injuries can be very painful and require surgery. Fractures can lead to stiffness and pain for a long time and can also affect blood vessels and nerves. There can be long term implications including disability and if these injuries have been caused as the result of negligence on the part of another, then there may be a right to compensation.

The after affects of an injury to the elbow, can be dramatic. A manual worker relies on their elbows to enable them to lift and manoeuvre, an office worker might be using a computer and be very aware of the pain that an elbow injury can cause.

What sorts of accidents can lead to elbow injury?

• Trips and slips on the road, at work or in a public building. Where there has been inadequate maintenance or lack of use of wet warning signs for example
• Falls from height at work, construction workers, forestry workers, painters and decorators are particularly at risk as is anyone working from a ladder.
• Workers using heavy or vibrating machinery or people doing repetitive work that can lead to RSI (repetitive strain injury) or chronic elbow pain.
• Road traffic accidents are another common cause of elbow injury.

Types of injury to the elbow

The elbow is a hinged joint made up of three bones, the humerus that is the upper arm and the ulna and radius making up the forearm.

• The most serious injury is a fracture or break and if left, the after effects can be stiffness and loss of mobility.
• Dislocations can often be worse than a break in reality. It will result in severe pain and will require the elbow joint being put back into place in hospital and require pain killers and probably sedation whilst that is done.
• General bruising and swelling as the result of a fall or heavy impact, including bending and twisting of the joint
• Bursitis or tennis elbow, which involves inflammation of the bursa a small liquid filled sac that is a cushion for the joint and eases movement. Often caused by repetitive movement and can lead to compensation claims if it can be shown to be the fault of an employer

What sort of compensation can you expect?

The following are only estimates. Compensation will depend on the circumstances of the accident, whether you are able to prove negligence and your own individual injury and personal circumstances.

• The most severe injury to the elbow can attract compensation up to £35000
• A less severe injury where there is impairment but not involving major surgery or disability up to £20500
• Moderate or minor injury, where there have been simple fractures, tennis elbow, lacerations etc where there is no permanent damage or restriction up to £8000

In all cases where you believe that you have suffered injury due to someone else’s fault, you should seek specialist advice.