Can You Claim Compensation for a Fragility Fracture?

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Who can Claim and How for a Fragility Fracture

If you have fallen in a public place, at work, in a hospital or care home, can you claim compensation for a fragility fracture?  Fragility fractures are an increasingly common type of injury, particularly among older adults. The answer depends on how the injury occurred, who may be at fault, and whether negligence played a role.

You may be able to claim compensation for a fragility fracture if the injury was caused by negligence – for example, a fall in a public place, workplace, hospital, or care home. Fragility fractures often affect older people due to weakened bones, and compensation can cover medical treatment, care costs, and financial losses.

If you or a loved on has suffered from a fragility fracture after a fall which happened due to someone else’s negligence, we can help. We partner with experienced solicitors and offer an initial, no-obligation consultation to assess your claim for free.

Examples of Fragility Fractures

A fragility fracture is a type of bone break which occurs after falling from standing height or less, often as a result of weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis. Unlike high-impact fractures caused by car accidents or sports injuries, fragility fractures occur from low-energy incidents.

The most common fragility fractures include:

• Hip fractures – often caused by falls in the home, in care settings or public places.
• Wrist fractures – typically from reaching out to break a fall.
• Vertebral fractures – compression fractures in the spine that may happen without a major fall.
• Shoulder and pelvic fractures – particularly in older adults with reduced bone density.

These injuries are serious and can significantly affect mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Who Faces the Highest Risk?

Fragility fractures can affect anyone, but older adults face the highest risk. Age-related bone loss, balance problems, and underlying health conditions make them more vulnerable.

High-risk groups include:

• Adults over 65 – commonly the most affected group.
• Women after menopause – who lose bone density faster.
• People with osteoporosis or osteopenia.
• Individuals with poor nutrition, limited mobility, or chronic illnesses.

The National Osteoporosis Society reports that more than 500,000 fragility fractures occur in the UK annually, highlighting their impact on the ageing population.

How and Where Fragility Fractures Happen

Fragility fractures often result from everyday activities. Common scenarios where negligence may have occurred leading to a claim for compensation:

1. In Public Places

• Pedestrians trip on uneven pavements or potholes.
• Shoppers slip on wet floors that lack warning signs.
• Falls happen in public buildings or transport hubs when facilities are poorly maintained.

2. In the Workplace

• Older employees or those with reduced bone density may fall in unsafe work environments.
• Employers fail to provide non-slip flooring, good lighting, or other safety measures. This failure can be directly linked to the injury.

3. In Hospitals and Care Homes

• Staff negligence in a hospital or care setting may cause preventable falls.
• Care homes fail to provide walking aids or conduct risk assessments, increasing fracture risk.

How Fragility Fractures Affect Older Adults

Older adults not only face higher fracture risks, but also experience more severe consequences:

• Loss of independence: Hip fractures often require surgery and long rehabilitation, and many older adults struggle to regain independence.
• Health complications: Falls increase the risk of infections, blood clots, and loss of mobility.
• Emotional impact: People frequently experience anxiety, depression, and fear of future falls.

These challenges often make financial support from compensation essential for care, home adaptations, and rehabilitation.

Can You Claim Compensation for a Fragility Fracture?

You may claim compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your fracture. The circumstances must prove that another party failed in their duty of care.

Situations Where You May Claim for Negligence:

1. Slips and Trips in Public Places
   • Supermarkets must clean spills and display warning signs. If they fail and you fracture your wrist, you may claim compensation.
2. Negligence in Care Homes or Hospitals
   • Staff must perform risk assessments and provide mobility aids. Failing to do so can make the facility liable.
3. Workplace Accidents
   • Employers must follow health and safety rules. Unsafe flooring, poor lighting, or lack of protective measures may support a claim.
4. Local Authority Failures
   • Councils must maintain pavements and roads. Tripping on poorly maintained surfaces may entitle you to compensation.

What Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation can typically cover:

• General damages: For pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
• Special damages: For financial losses, including:
  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation
  • Care and support services
  • Travel costs for medical appointments
  • Home adaptations for reduced mobility
  • Loss of earnings (if applicable)

The amount awarded depends on the fracture’s severity, long-term effects, and how it impacts daily life. Your solicitor can advise an estimate regarding your particular claim.

How to Make a Fragility Fracture Compensation Claim

Follow these steps to claim:

• Seek Medical Attention – which will serve as important evidence.
• Report the Incident – let the relevant authority know. This may be the shopping centre, council, workplace or care setting.
• Collect Evidence – such as photographs of the location, obtain witness statements where possible and keep records of all your medical expenses and financial losses.

File your claim within three years of the accident, or from when you became aware of your injury.

Why You Should Seek Legal Advice

Claims for fragility fractures can get complicated, especially when age or pre-existing conditions are involved. Insurers may argue that age-related bone loss, rather than negligence, caused the fracture. Your personal injury solicitor can:

• Prove liability
• Collect medical and expert evidence
• Maximise your compensation

Contact Our Team Today

You can claim compensation if negligence causes your fragility fracture. These injuries most commonly affect older adults, but anyone can claim if someone else caused the accident.

We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, which means no upfront costs for you to worry about.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact Jefferies Claims on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly team.