Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How wrist and hand injuries are valued
The hand and wrist are intricate and heavily used, so even a modest-looking injury can have a significant impact on grip, dexterity and the ability to work. In England and Wales, wrist and hand injuries are valued under the Judicial College Guidelines, with the bracket driven by how much permanent loss of function — particularly grip strength and fine movement — the injury leaves.
Minor wrist injuries
A wrist sprain, an uncomplicated fracture that heals well, or soft-tissue damage that recovers with full function sits at the lower end — indicatively £3,800–£12,800. The figure reflects the pain, the period in a cast or splint, and the temporary loss of use rather than any lasting problem.
Wrist injuries with lasting effects
Where a wrist injury leaves some permanent stiffness, reduced grip, occasional pain or an increased risk of arthritis — for example a scaphoid fracture that heals slowly, or a fracture requiring surgical fixation — the award is typically £12,800–£29,400. The degree of residual restriction and whether the dominant hand is affected drive the figure within this bracket.
Severe wrist and hand injuries
Serious injuries causing significant permanent loss of function — a wrist that is largely stiff, complex fractures with deformity, nerve damage affecting the hand, or a partial loss of grip that limits work — fall in the higher bracket, from roughly £29,400 to £79,000. Injuries involving amputation of fingers or the loss of hand function are valued higher still. Selecting "Severe" applies the upper figures.
What affects a wrist injury payout
- Loss of function — reduced grip, restricted movement and loss of fine dexterity are the key drivers.
- Dominant hand — an injury to your dominant wrist or hand is valued more highly.
- Surgery and complications — fixation, non-union of a scaphoid fracture, or nerve damage.
- Effect on work and hobbies — particularly manual trades, typing or instrument-playing.
Special damages for wrist injuries
You can recover financial losses such as lost earnings during recovery, physiotherapy and treatment costs, the cost of aids and adaptations, and — where grip or dexterity is permanently reduced — future loss of earnings. Enter these in the calculator and they are added to the injury figure.
Wrist injury claims in practice
Many wrist claims settle once the fracture has healed and the degree of any permanent restriction is clear. Injuries involving surgery, scaphoid non-union or nerve damage take longer and are usually handled by a solicitor, often on a no-win-no-fee basis. This page is an estimate only and not legal advice.
Wrist injury compensation — frequently asked questions
How much compensation for a wrist injury in the UK?
A minor wrist injury or sprain that recovers is valued at roughly £3,800–£12,800, a wrist injury with some lasting effect at about £12,800–£29,400, and a severe wrist injury causing significant permanent loss of function from around £29,400 to £79,000 under the Judicial College Guidelines. Your lost earnings and treatment costs are added as special damages.
How much is a broken wrist claim worth?
A broken wrist that heals well with full function usually sits at the lower end (about £3,800–£12,800 in the UK), while a fracture requiring surgery, or one that leaves stiffness, reduced grip or a risk of arthritis, is typically valued higher in the £12,800–£29,400 range or above, plus your financial losses.
How much is a wrist or hand injury settlement in the US?
US wrist and hand injury settlements range from about $10,000 for minor cases to $90,000 or more where surgery is required or permanent loss of function results. Injuries causing amputation or significant disability settle higher. The figure depends on your state, the medical evidence, your documented losses and the at-fault party's insurance limits.
Does it matter if it's my dominant hand?
Yes. An injury to your dominant wrist or hand generally attracts a higher award than the same injury to the non-dominant side, because the impact on everyday tasks, work and independence is greater. This is reflected both in the general-damages bracket and in any loss-of-earnings calculation.
Is this wrist 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. Wrist injury values turn on the degree of permanent loss of function, whether the dominant hand is affected, liability and your proven losses. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney.