There are many accidents involving wrist injuries in the UK. Whilst the majority of these are caused by falling onto the hand after a trip or a slip, they can also be caused in road accidents and at work.

The wrist is a vulnerable joint. It is made up of eight carpal bones that connect to the radius and the ulna, the bones that make up the forearm. There is a system of muscles ligaments tendons and nerves that hold everything together. It is patently a very important area of the body and injury to the wrist can be very disabling.

What are the common injuries?

• Fractures
• Sprains
• Dislocations
• Torn ligaments
• Tendon damage
• Repetitive injuries

If you have suffered an injury to your wrist, then you may be entitled to claim compensation if you can show that the injury was caused by another’s negligence.

What are the most common types of accidents?

• At work. Your employer has to provide you with a safe working environment. If you trip or fall at work as a result of a failure on the part of your employer, then you may be able to claim compensation. Some wrist problems can be caused because of repetitive working practices, that is performing the same task over and over again and whilst these are not the easiest claims to pursue, compensation can follow.
• Accidents on pavements and roads. As mentioned above, many injuries are caused because of falls and many of those are as a result of inadequately maintained pavements and roads. An action may lie against the council in those circumstances.
• Accidents on public or private property. You may for example be visiting a supermarket and slip, causing injury to your wrist. All owners of property where there might be visitors have to take steps to ensure their safety. Private owners owe similar duties to their visitors.

What compensation can you expect in the event of a successful claim?

The more severe injuries where there is a complete loss of function in the wrist can lead to awards up to £38250.

For the less severe straightforward fracture there could be compensation in the region of £4750.

Where there is a recovery within a few months this figure will be around £3000 but can be up to £6500 where there is a complete recovery but the recovery period is more extensive.

All of the above are estimates and any award of compensation will depend on the individual circumstances.

If you have suffered injury to your wrist in an accident that you believe has been caused by someone else, then you should seek the services of a specialist solicitor