The Top 10 Most Broken Bones

How To File A Personal Injury Claim After An Accident

Broken bones are a common injury that can result from a wide range of accidents. So here are the Top 10 Most Broken Bones. Whether it’s a fall at work, a road traffic accident or a sporting accident, broken bones can result in significant pain.

In addition to causing pain and discomfort, a broken bone may disrupt your life financially as you may have to take time off work, as well as medical costs piling up. However, if you sustained your broken bone injury through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

You have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you became aware of the injury to file a claim, so the earlier you start, the better. We work with personal injury lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and who can assess whether your case is valid.

The 10 Most Broken Bones and Their Causes

1. Clavicle (Collarbone)

The clavicle is known as one of the most frequently broken bones in the body. It often takes the top spot as the most broken bone. It connects the breastbone to the shoulder and is often damaged due to:

• Falls onto the shoulder
• Sports injuries (especially in contact sports)
• Road traffic accidents

This type of fracture can be extremely painful and typically restricts arm movement.

2. Arm (Humerus)

Upper arm fractures are common, especially in older adults or in high-impact accidents. Common causes may include:

• Slips and falls, especially on outstretched arms as you fall
• Vehicle collisions
• Industrial or construction accidents

These fractures may require surgical intervention depending on the severity.

3. Wrist (Radius/Ulna)

The wrist is particularly vulnerable to fractures because people instinctively use their hands to break a fall. The wrist may break when:

• Slipping on wet or uneven surfaces
• Cycling or skating accidents
• Workplace mishaps involving machinery or ladders

4. Ankle

Broken ankles are common in both sports and daily activities. Causes may include:

• Tripping or slipping
• A misstep on uneven ground
• Road traffic or pedestrian accidents

A broken ankle may mean weeks or months in a cast, or even surgery in more complex cases.

5. Hip (Femoral Neck)

Hip fractures are more prevalent among the elderly, especially those with osteoporosis. However, they may also happen to younger people due to:

• Falls from height
• Road traffic accidents
• Worksite injuries

A broken hip may often require surgery and long recovery periods.

6. Ribs

Rib fractures are usually the result of blunt trauma. They can be painful and may lead to complications like punctured lungs. This injury may occur during:

• Car accidents (especially when the chest hits the steering wheel)
• Physical assault
• Sporting injuries (rugby, boxing)

7. Forearm (Radius and Ulna)

These bones are often broken simultaneously, especially in falls. Typical causes:

• Skateboarding or cycling falls
• Industrial accidents
• Accidental collisions

8. Hand and Fingers

These small bones may be easily broken during:

• Workplace accidents (machinery or heavy items)
• Falls
• Contact sports

Fractures in the hand can be especially problematic as they affect dexterity and grip.

9. Foot and Toes

Broken foot bones are common due to:

• Heavy objects falling on the foot
• Missteps or twisted ankles
• Motor vehicle accidents

These injuries can impair walking and require crutches or orthopaedic boots.

10. Spine (Vertebrae)

Spinal fractures are a more serious injury and are considered a medical emergency. They may result from:

• High-impact car crashes
• Falls from significant heights
• Industrial accidents

These may involve prolonged rehabilitation or permanent disability.

What Type of Accidents Commonly Cause Bone Fractures?

Fractures and broken bones occur in many types of accidents. Here are the most common categories:

1. Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs)

Whether you’re a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, road collisions are a major cause of broken bones. These are often caused by the high-impact forces involved.

2. Workplace Accidents

Falls from height, being struck by moving objects, or caught in machinery can all result in fractures. Construction sites and warehouses are particulary high-risk environments.

3. Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

These are some of the most frequent causes of fractures, especially among the elderly. Wet floors, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained staircases are typical culprits.

4. Sports and Recreational Activities

High-contact sports (like football and rugby), and high-risk activities (for example,  skiing and skateboarding) may often lead to fractures, especially of the limbs and collarbone.

5. Assaults and Physical Altercations

Injuries from violent acts, including broken noses, ribs, or arms, may also be the basis for personal injury claims. This is particularly if they happen in a public or work environment.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim After Breaking a Bone

If your broken bone resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. This could help recover compensation for:

• Medical costs
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Travel expenses
• Long-term rehabilitation or care

 When Can You Make a Claim?

You may be eligible if:

• The accident occurred within the last three years.
• The injury was caused by another party’s negligence or breach of duty.
• You have medical evidence, such as diagnosis, X-rays, etc.) of the injury.

You also have to be able to show that your injury is directly linked to negligence by another party. For example, if you slipped in a supermarket where a spillage was not cleaned up, or if a driver ran a red light and caused a crash that broke your leg, you may have grounds for a claim.

How to File a Personal Injury Claim

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Always visit a hospital or GP as soon as possible, even if the injury appears to be minor. Medical documentation is key evidence for your claim.

2. Gather Evidence

The following evidence can help to strengthen your case:

• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness contact details
• CCTV footage (if available)
• Medical reports
• Receipts for medical or travel expenses

3. Report the Incident

Depending on where the injury occurred:

• Workplace injuries should be logged in the accident book.
• Road accidents should be reported to the police.
• Accidents in public places may need to be reported to the local council or to who is responsible for the area.

File Within the Time Limit

In most cases, you must file a claim within three years. In cases involving children or those lacking mental capacity, different rules may apply.

You should consult with a personal injury solicitor as early as possible after the accident when the evidence is still fresh. They will assess whether your claim could be successful, as well as helping you to gather evidence and negotiating for the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Could You Receive?

Compensation is typically divided into two parts:

1. General Damages

For the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (impact on your life). The amount depends on the type and severity of the fracture.

2. Special Damages

These cover your financial losses which may include:

• Lost earnings
• Medical expenses
• Transport costs
• Physiotherapy and rehab
• Costs of care and home adaptations

Contact Us

We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, so there’s no upfront cost or financial risk for you. At Jefferies Claims, we’ll guide you through every step of your claim.

📞 Call us: 0333 358 3034
📧 Email us: info@jefferiesclaims.co.uk
📝 Online: Complete our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly team.