Orthopaedic Injury Claims

Have you suffered a serious orthopaedic injury as a result of an accident which wasn’t your fault? Get the compensation you deserve

Updated July 2026

An orthopaedic injury can disrupt every part of your life, from your mobility, your ability to work, your independence and your long‑term health and orthopaedic injury claims are there to help you get back on the road to recovery. Essentially, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim for compensation if your injury is a result of someone else’s negligence. For example, you’re involved in a traffic collision after the other driver failed to stop when they should have, or you suffered a severe fracture after a fall at work due to unsafe working conditions. Compensation for such an injury considers not only pain and suffering, but also any financial losses, such as lost wages or future rehabilitation costs.

What Are Orthopaedic Injuries?

Orthopaedic injuries can affect the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and musculoskeletal system. They range from straightforward fractures to complex injuries requiring surgery, long‑term rehabilitation or even a permanent lifestyle change.

Here are some common examples:

• Fractures: broken bones in the arm, wrist, ankle, hip, ribs or spine.
• Dislocations: shoulders, knees, fingers or hips forced out of position.
• Soft‑tissue injuries: ligament tears, tendon ruptures, muscle damage.
• Joint injuries: meniscus tears, rotator cuff injuries, labral tears.
• Complex orthopaedic trauma: multiple fractures, crush injuries, injuries requiring fixation or reconstruction.
• Post‑surgical orthopaedic complications: infections, nerve damage, failed fixation, malunion or non‑union.

What Counts as Negligence in Orthopaedic Injury Claims?

Negligence occurs when someone breaches their duty of care and causes you avoidable harm. In England and Wales, you must be able to prove four elements:

• Duty of care: the defendant owed you a legal responsibility to act safely.
• Breach of duty: they failed to meet reasonable safety standards.
• Causation:  their actions directly caused your orthopaedic injury.
• Loss: you suffered physical, financial or psychological harm.

Real‑World Examples of Negligence Leading to Orthopaedic Injuries

• A driver fails to stop at a junction and causes a collision resulting in multiple fractures.
• An employer provides faulty equipment, leading to a crush injury or broken limb.
• A supermarket fails to clean a spill, causing a slip that results in a fractured wrist or ankle.
• A landlord ignores structural hazards, causing a fall on unsafe stairs.
• A sports facility fails to maintain equipment, causing joint dislocation or ligament rupture.
• A medical professional mismanages an orthopaedic injury, causing malunion or worsening damage.

Each of these scenarios involves a clear breach of duty that directly results in an orthopaedic injury.

When Can You Claim Compensation for an Orthopaedic Injury?

You can claim compensation if:

• Someone else’s negligence caused your injury.
• The injury occurred in England or Wales.
• You are within the three‑year limitation period (exceptions apply for children and those lacking mental capacity).
• You suffered measurable harm.

Typical Situations Where You May Claim Compensation

• Road traffic accidents: fractures, dislocations or soft‑tissue injuries.
• Workplace accidents: falls from height, crush injuries, manual handling injuries.
• Public place accidents: slips, trips and falls.
• Sports injuries caused by negligence: unsafe facilities or poor supervision.
• Medical negligence: misdiagnosis, delayed treatment or surgical errors.

Compensation may typically cover pain, suffering, rehabilitation costs, lost earnings, care needs, mobility aids and future losses – check our Compensation Calculator

Evidence Needed for an Orthopaedic Injury Claim

Being able to obtain good evidence increases your chances of success and helps your solicitor value your claim accurately.

Key evidence generally includes:

• Medical records: diagnosis, X‑rays, scans, treatment notes and surgical reports.
• Accident reports: workplace logs, incident forms or public accident books.
• Witness statements: accounts from those who saw the accident.
• Photographs: injuries, hazards, defective equipment or unsafe conditions.
• CCTV or dashcam footage: visual proof of how the accident occurred in real time.
• Expert medical reports:  independent assessments used to value your claim.
• Financial evidence:  payslips, receipts, invoices and care costs.

FAQs: Orthopaedic Injury Claims for Compensation in England & Wales

What is an orthopaedic injury?

An orthopaedic injury affects the bones, joints, ligaments or tendons and often requires medical treatment, rehabilitation or surgery.

When can you claim for an orthopaedic injury?

You can claim compensation if someone’s negligence caused your injury and it occurred in England or Wales within the three‑year limitation period.

What evidence supports an orthopaedic injury claim?

Medical records, X‑rays, accident reports, witness statements, photographs, CCTV footage and proof of financial losses strengthen your claim.

What compensation can I receive for an orthopaedic injury?

Compensation covers pain, suffering, rehabilitation, lost earnings, care needs, mobility aids and future losses.

Do orthopaedic injury claims go to court?

Most claims settle through negotiation. Court is only needed if liability is disputed or settlement cannot be reached.

How long does an orthopaedic injury claim take?

Straightforward claims may settle within 6–12 months. Complex injuries or disputed liability may take longer.

Is No Win No Fee available for orthopaedic injury claims?

Yes. We partner with highly experienced personal injury lawyers who offer No Win, No Fee agreements which means uou pay nothing upfront and nothing if the claim is unsuccessful. They also offer an initial, free consultation to assess whether you have a valid claim.

Contact Our Team for Help Now

If you’ve suffered an orthopaedic injury, our team can guide you through the claims process. So, call us on 0333 358 3034 or visit our Contact Us Page to get started.

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

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

This guide is general in nature and not a substitute for personalised legal or medical advice.