We can claim compensation for employees who have injured arms at work. We can also claim if you have hurt your arm in a shop or public place. Catherine Smith has experience in claiming compensation for arm pain. She introduces our service in this video.

Read more about arm injuries below, or use our free legal advice service opposite to ask us can I claim compensation if I have injured my arm in a supermarket?

Arm Injury Compensation Claims

Arm injuries are common occurrences due to two major factors. Firstly the arms are centrally important to most human functions, such as holding, lifting and carrying. As such they are in almost constant use both in day to day life and in the workplace. Secondly the arm is incredibly complex, consisting of 30 bones bound together by a network of nerves, muscles and blood vessels. This means that the arms are subject to a host of possible injuries. These range from simple sprains, burns, cuts and bruises, through to dislocations, multiple or compound fractures and crush injuries. Arm injuries therefore vary enormously in their severity and long-term implications, as loss of use in one or both arms can have fundamentally life-altering consequences.

Compensation For An Arm Injury From A Supermarket Or Public Premises

Commercials premises such as shops, supermarkets, restaurants and hotels owe a duty of care to their visitors under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957. They must take all reasonable measures to reduce the risk of accidents on their premises and injuries to their visitors to the lowest possible level. Where they negligently fail in this respect, they may be liable to pay compensation to an injured person. Typical accidents include slips, trips and falls, on wet floors and uneven surfaces for example. In supermarkets, dairy products may be spilt and not cleared up sufficiently quickly, or product packaging materials may be discarded in aisles creating a tripping hazard. Store car parks and entrances can become particularly dangerous for visitors in freezing conditions. Commercial premises must store adequate supplies of salt or grit with this in mind, and must use it promptly, and in sufficient quantities when conditions become treacherous. Broken bones are common when a person falls heavily, or at an awkward angle. Where the blame for the injury lies with the occupier, owner, or a member of their staff, compensation may be claimed under the terms of their compulsory public liability insurance policy. Claims also have the added benefit of driving up standards, and preventing similar accidents occurring in the future.

Find Out More About: Supermarket Accidents

Arm Injuries From Work

The most common form of arm injury sustained in the workplace is a simple (uncomplicated) fracture following a slip, trip or fall. This usually affects the forearm or lower arm as a person will naturally seek to cushion a fall by extending the arms, therefore sustaining the impact in this part of the arm. Manual handling is another regular cause of arm injuries. When workers hold, lift and carry heavy objects, constant pressure is exerted on the arms. Where an object is excessively heavy, or a worker adopts an awkward lifting posture, injuries to arms and shoulders are the likely result. Some of the worst arm injuries occur in industries involving work with heavy machinery. Arms may become caught and trapped in machinery such as printing presses or metal rollers for example. In extreme cases such crush injuries may require full or partial amputation of one or both arms. Heavy objects falling from height may also strike the arms, on construction sites for example, as people use the arms the shield themselves from the impact. A variety of repetitive strain injuries may also arise from the overuse of arm muscles or from bad posture. These conditions normally involve permanent, degenerative nerve damage and the possibility of long-term disability.

Find Out More About: Claiming Compensation For A Broken Arm

Prevention Of Arm Injuries At Work

Employers have various statutory duties of care to workers aimed at minimizing the risk of arm injuries. Firstly appropriate personal protective equipment should be provided. Machinery, tools and equipment must be adequately maintained and undergo regular safety checks. Workers should be properly trained in the use of all machinery and educated in health and safety procedures. Finally the workplace must be kept free from obstacles and obstructions which may present a dangers to workers. This can be as simple as ensuring that floors are not left wet and slippery after cleaning. Essentially an employer must take all reasonable steps to manage potential hazards in the working environment. Failure to do so may leave them liable to an injury or accident compensation claim for third party negligence.

How Much Compensation For An Arm Injury?

Arm injury compensation for the loss of both limbs will be up to £191,500, though such cases are extremely rare. Where one arm is amputated at the shoulder, compensation will be not less than £87,500. Compensation for above the elbow amputations will depend in associated difficulties with prosthesis, and will range from £70,000 to £83,500. Below the elbow amputations will lead to awards of between £61,500 and £70,000. Compensation for severe arm injuries will range between £61,500 and £83,500, reflecting the fact that the injured person is little better off than had the arm been lost. Arm injuries that result is significant, permanent disability will lead to compensation awards between £25,000 and £38,250. For a less severe injury there will have been disabilities, but a substantial degree of recovery will have taken place or will be expected. Arm injury compensation in these cases will range from £12,250 to £25,000. A simple fracture of the forearm with a full recovery would justify an award of around £4,000. Where a modest degree of deformity has occurred, or disability persists awards may rise to £12,250. It is important to remember that these compensation award estimates reflect compensation for the actual injury itself, and do not include other factors for which an injured person may be compensated, including loss of earnings and the cost of medical treatment.

Bartletts Solicitors are specialists in the field of arm injury compensation claims. We work on a no win no fee basis meaning if you win your case you keep 100% of damages awarded, and if you lose you do not pay a penny.