Fractures produce objective, verifiable injuries, they appear on X-ray and cannot be disputed. This makes fracture claims more straightforward to value than soft-tissue injuries. Values depend on which bone is broken, whether surgery is required, and whether permanent impairment results.
TL;DR.
Simple fracture (full recovery): $10K to $30K (US), £3,300 to £12,000 (UK). Surgical fracture (ORIF): $40K to $100K (US), £12,000 to £40,000 (UK). Complex/permanent: $100K to $300K+ (US). Fractures consistently outvalue soft-tissue claims because they are objective, require longer treatment, and often produce permanent consequences.
UK values by bone (JCG 16th edition)
| Bone / region | Simple (full recovery) | Moderate (some residual) | Severe (permanent impairment) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrist (Colles') | £3,300 to £7,430 | £7,430 to £13,280 | £24,500 to £56,180 |
| Forearm | £6,610 to £18,020 | £18,020 to £36,770 | £36,770 to £56,180 |
| Ankle | £7,680 to £13,740 | £13,740 to £26,590 | £26,590 to £50,060 |
| Tibia / fibula | £8,550 to £13,370 | £13,370 to £26,900 | £26,900 to £42,460 |
| Femur | £8,890 to £13,440 | £13,440 to £25,750 | £25,750 to £39,440 |
| Pelvis | £3,950 to £12,590 | £12,590 to £26,590 | £26,590 to £42,460 |
| Ribs | £3,710 to £5,220 | £5,220 to £12,590 | £12,590 to £19,300 |
US values
| Fracture type | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple (cast, full recovery) | $10,000 to $30,000 | Conservative treatment; 2× multiplier |
| Surgical (ORIF, plating) | $40,000 to $100,000 | Hardware insertion; 2 to 3.5× multiplier |
| Comminuted / compound | $75,000 to $200,000 | Multiple fragments; risk of complications |
| Non-union / malunion | $100,000 to $300,000+ | Failed healing; revision surgery; chronic pain |
Ireland values (PIAG)
| Wrist fracture severity | Personal Injuries Guidelines range |
|---|---|
| Minor (cast, no permanent damage) | €500 to €18,000 |
| Moderate (some permanent disability) | €20,000 to €40,000 |
| Serious or severe (lasting loss of function) | €40,000 to €80,000 |
What moves the value within the band
- Surgery required. ORIF, external fixation, or arthroplasty escalates the value
- Permanent hardware. Plates, screws, rods that remain permanently
- Delayed/non-union. Failure to heal requiring bone graft or revision
- Nerve damage. Neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Loss of range of motion. Documented reduction in joint function
- Scarring. Surgical scars; visible disfigurement
- Impact on employment. Cannot return to pre-injury occupation
Frequently asked questions
How much is a broken bone claim worth?
It depends on which bone, whether surgery was required, and the jurisdiction. A simple wrist fracture with full recovery: $10,000 to $25,000 (US), £3,300 to £7,410 (UK). A compound tibia fracture requiring surgery: $40,000 to $100,000 (US), £13,370 to £26,900 (UK). Pelvic fracture with permanent impairment: $100,000 to $300,000+ (US).
Does a fracture claim settle for more than soft tissue?
Almost always, yes. Fractures are objective, they appear on X-ray, are verifiable, and cannot be disputed. This removes the credibility challenges that reduce soft-tissue claim values. Fractures also typically involve longer treatment, more invasive procedures, and higher medical costs.
What increases the value of a fracture claim?
Surgery (ORIF, plating, external fixation), permanent hardware, delayed union or non-union, chronic pain, loss of range of motion, scarring, nerve damage, and impact on employment. A fracture that heals perfectly is worth less than one with permanent consequences.
Sources
- Judicial College Guidelines, 16th edition, orthopaedic injuries
- Personal Injuries Guidelines (Ireland, 2021)
Editorial note. This guide provides indicative ranges. Every case turns on its own facts. It is not legal advice. See our full disclaimer.
📌Cite this article: “Fracture Claim Values Across 15 Jurisdictions.” MyClaimWorth.com, May 2026. Accessed 2026. https://myclaimworth.com/articles/fracture-claim-values-all-jurisdictions