How much compensation for a broken leg?
Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
Broken leg compensation brackets
In England & Wales, leg fractures are valued using the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), the standard reference solicitors and courts use to value the injury itself (general damages). The figure depends on which bones are broken, whether the fracture is simple or comminuted, the surgery required, and the lasting effect on mobility.
| Severity of leg injury | Indicative bracket (£) |
|---|---|
| Simple tibia/fibula fracture, full recovery | 9,100 – 14,100 |
| Moderate — multiple or complicated fracture, some lasting effect | 21,100 – 33,000 |
| Serious — lasting mobility problems, deformity or instability | 33,000 – 47,800 |
| Severe — extensive fractures, degloving, near-loss of limb | 47,800 – 156,000+ |
Indicative figures only, rounded. Severe leg injuries can approach the value of an amputation where the limb is saved but barely functional.
What affects a broken leg payout
Two people with a "broken leg" can receive very different awards, because general damages track the real-world impact, not just the diagnosis. The main factors are:
- Which bones and how many — a single clean fracture is worth far less than multiple or comminuted (shattered) fractures.
- Surgery — the need for plates, screws, an external fixator or repeated operations raises the bracket.
- Lasting effects — a limp, shortening of the leg, arthritis, instability or chronic pain pushes the figure up.
- Effect on work and life — an injury that ends a physically demanding job, or stops you from sport and activities, increases both the injury award and the future-loss claim.
Special damages: the financial side
On top of the injury figure (general damages), you can recover your special damages — the money the accident has actually cost you:
- Lost earnings while you could not work — often significant for a leg injury that keeps you off your feet for weeks or months.
- Treatment costs — physiotherapy, any private treatment, prescriptions and mobility aids (crutches, a wheelchair, a moon boot).
- Care and help at home during recovery, even where provided free by family (a care and assistance claim).
- Travel to medical appointments.
- Future losses — ongoing treatment or a permanent reduction in earning capacity for the most serious injuries.
Our loss of earnings guide explains how lost income is calculated, and the broken bone calculator adds your losses to the injury figure.
How to claim for a broken leg
Most broken-leg claims follow a road accident, a slip or trip, a workplace accident or a fall from height. The steps are:
- Get medical treatment — your records are the foundation of the claim.
- Establish who was at fault — the other driver, an employer, or an occupier who failed to keep premises safe.
- Instruct a solicitor, usually on a no-win-no-fee basis, who will obtain a medical report and value the claim.
- Mind the time limit — generally three years from the accident (see claim time limits).
Solicitors in England & Wales are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA); you can check a firm on the SRA register before instructing it. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation will I get for a broken leg in the UK?
A simple leg fracture that heals well is typically worth around £9,100–£14,100 in general damages, a moderate or multiple fracture about £21,100–£33,000, and severe leg injuries from roughly £33,000 to £156,000 or more, under the Judicial College Guidelines. Your lost earnings and other costs are added on top as special damages.
Is a broken femur worth more than a broken tibia?
Often, yes. The femur (thigh bone) is the largest bone in the body and usually requires more significant force, surgery and recovery, so a femur fracture tends to sit higher in the bracket than a simple tibia or fibula fracture. The decisive factor, though, is the lasting effect on mobility and the surgery needed, rather than the bone alone.
How long does a broken leg claim take?
A straightforward broken-leg claim where liability is admitted often settles within about 6 to 12 months, once you have recovered enough for a reliable prognosis. More serious leg injuries with surgery or lasting effects take longer, because the medical picture must stabilise before the claim can be valued accurately. See our guide on how long a personal-injury claim takes.
Can I claim for a broken leg if it happened at work?
Yes. If your employer breached its health-and-safety duties — for example an unsafe floor, a fall from height, or a lack of training or equipment — you can claim. Employers must carry employers' liability insurance, and you cannot be fairly dismissed for making a genuine claim. See our guide on claiming against your employer.
Do I get extra compensation for lost wages with a broken leg?
Yes. Lost earnings are recovered separately as special damages, in addition to the injury award. A broken leg often keeps you off work for weeks or months, so this can be a substantial part of the total. You can also claim future loss of earnings where the injury permanently reduces your ability to work.