Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How elbow injuries are valued
Elbow injuries are valued mainly on the lasting restriction of movement and function they cause — whether you can fully straighten and bend the arm, lift and carry, and whether surgery was needed. In England and Wales, the figure comes from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). In the calculator above, choose "Wrist or hand injury" (the nearest upper-limb category) and set severity to match, then read the figures here for the elbow specifically.
Minor elbow injuries
Simple elbow injuries — a strain, a minor fracture, tennis or golfer's elbow caused by an accident, or a soft-tissue injury — that recover with no lasting impairment sit at the lower end, indicatively £3,500–£12,600. The figure rises the longer symptoms persist.
Moderate elbow injuries
Elbow injuries causing a lasting but not severely disabling impairment of function — some loss of movement, persistent pain, or a fracture that heals with residual stiffness — are typically valued at £15,600–£32,000. Most elbow claims that leave a degree of permanent restriction fall here.
Severe elbow injuries
A severely disabling elbow injury — one requiring major surgery, leaving significant loss of function, or involving nerve damage around the joint — falls at the top, roughly £39,000–£55,000. Selecting "Severe" in the calculator applies these upper figures.
What affects an elbow injury payout
- Range of movement — a lasting inability to fully straighten or bend the arm raises the award.
- Dominant arm — an injury to your dominant arm affects daily life and work more.
- Surgery and nerve damage — major surgery or damage to the ulnar nerve increases both general and special damages.
- Effect on work — manual and overhead workers may have significant future-loss claims.
Special damages for elbow injuries
On top of the injury figure you can usually recover special damages — lost earnings, surgery and physiotherapy, any aids needed during recovery, and future losses where the injury permanently limits a manual or overhead job. Enter your losses in the calculator and they are added on top.
Elbow injury claims in practice
Elbow injuries are common in workplace and slip-and-fall accidents, where people instinctively put out an arm to break a fall. Smaller claims may go through the Official Injury Claim portal; more serious injuries usually involve a solicitor on a no-win-no-fee basis. This page gives an estimate only and is not legal advice.
Elbow injury compensation calculator — frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I get for an elbow injury in the UK?
A minor elbow injury that recovers is valued at roughly £3,500–£12,600, a moderate injury causing lasting impairment of function at about £15,600–£32,000, and a severely disabling elbow injury from around £39,000 to £55,000 under the Judicial College Guidelines. Lost earnings and treatment are added as special damages.
How much is a broken elbow worth?
A broken elbow that heals well with no lasting restriction typically falls at the lower end, around £3,500–£12,600 in the UK. A fracture that heals with persistent stiffness or some loss of movement sits in the moderate band, £15,600–£32,000, and one needing major surgery or leaving severe disability higher.
Can I claim for tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?
If the condition was caused or materially worsened by an accident or by your work (for example repetitive tasks without proper equipment or breaks), it can support a claim. An accident-related elbow soft-tissue injury that recovers usually falls at the lower end of the bracket; the figure depends on how long symptoms last and any lasting restriction.
How much is an elbow injury settlement in the US?
US elbow-injury settlements range from about $8,000 for a minor injury to $90,000 or more for a serious fracture or nerve injury with lasting impairment. The figure depends on your state, the strength of medical evidence, the at-fault party's insurance and any lost income.
Is this elbow injury calculator accurate?
It gives a realistic guide based on Judicial College bracket figures and typical US settlement ranges, but it is not a guarantee. Elbow-injury values turn on lasting range of movement, the dominant arm, surgery and your proven losses. Choose 'Wrist or hand injury' in the tool and set severity to match. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney.