No Win, No FeeWhile broken or cracked ribs are often seen as minor injuries, they can cause intense pain that makes everyday tasks difficult. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be compensated for your suffering by filing a rib injury claim against the responsible party.
Whether you’ve suffered rib injuries in a road traffic accident, at work, or in a public place, we offer free consultations and no-obligation legal advice. If your case has merit, we can appoint a personal injury solicitor from our panel to represent you on a No Win, No Fee basis. They’ll handle everything from start to finish.
You can call us on 0800 652 1345 if you’ve any questions or carry on reading to learn more about rib injury claims.
Am I Entitled to Compensation for a Rib Injury?
You may be entitled to rib injury compensation if:
- You suffered a rib injury in the last three years; and
- The injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or failure to keep you reasonably safe.
In many everyday situations, other people or organisations have a legal responsibility to protect your safety, this is known as a duty of care. This duty exists in places like:
- The workplace
- Public places like shops, gyms, and parks
- Roads as a pedestrian, driver, cyclist or passenger
If this duty is breached and you suffer a rib injury as a result, you may have grounds to claim compensation.
What Types of Rib Injuries Can I Claim For?
You don’t need to suffer a fractured rib to have a valid claim. Common rib injuries that could qualify include:
- Cracked ribs
- Broken ribs
- Bruised ribs
- Torn rib cartilage
- Soft tissue damage
Even if your specific injury isn’t listed, a solicitor can still assess whether you’re entitled to compensation. In some cases, rib injuries can lead to internal complications, such as a collapsed lung, which may increase the value of your claim.
Common Examples of Rib Injury Claims
Rib injuries can happen in many situations. Below are common scenarios that may give rise to a claim:
Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs)
Car crashes are a leading cause of rib injuries. You might be thrown forward into a seatbelt, steering wheel, or dashboard, resulting in broken or bruised ribs. Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, you could be entitled to claim compensation if another road user was at fault.
Common causes include:
- Speeding
- Distracted or reckless driving
- Drink driving
- Failure to give way
Accidents at Work
Workplace rib injuries are often caused by:
- Heavy lifting without proper training
- Falls from height
- Being struck by falling objects
- Unsafe equipment or lack of PPE
Employers have a legal duty to protect your health and safety at work. If they’ve failed in this responsibility, you could claim rib injury compensation.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Slipping on a wet floor in a supermarket, tripping over loose power cables in a gym, or falling due to uneven surfaces in a restaurant can all lead to rib injuries. If the property owner or occupier failed to address known hazards or display warning signs, you may be able to claim.
Pavement Accidents
Councils are responsible for maintaining pavements. If you tripped on a raised paving stone or pothole that had been reported but left unrepaired, you could claim compensation from the local authority.
Criminal Assault
Rib injuries caused by physical assault can also lead to a claim, either against the attacker (if known) or via the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) if they are unidentified or unprosecuted.
Sports Accidents
While some injuries are part of the game, if yours was caused by faulty equipment, unsafe playing conditions, or poor supervision, you might be eligible to claim.
Playground Accidents
Children may suffer rib injuries on unsafe playground equipment. If safety tiles were missing or apparatus was damaged, parents can pursue a claim on their child’s behalf.
What Evidence Do I Need for a Rib Injury Compensation Claim?
To give your claim the best chance of success, your solicitor will help you gather strong supporting evidence such as:
- Medical evidence: Your solicitor will request copies of your medical notes and any x-rays from the hospital or GP surgery where your rib injuries were diagnosed. Don’t worry if x-rays were not carried out as rib injuries can sometimes be diagnosed without them.
- Photographs: If you can do so safely, you should try to take pictures at the accident scene to try and prove how your rib injuries occurred, and photos of your injuries if possible.
- CCTV or dashcam footage: For accidents that were caught on camera, any relevant footage may be requested to help clarify who was to blame.
- Accident report forms: If you injured your ribs at work or on a company’s premises, you should report what happened. Then ask for a copy of the accident report form (a legal requirement) as it can help to prove the date, time and location of your accident.
- Witness statements: If the defendant denies that the accident occurred or that you were injured, your solicitor may ask any witnesses for a statement of what they saw.
- Financial information: You may be entitled to claim back any costs linked to your rib injuries. For this reason, you should submit any receipts, bank statements or other financial records as proof to support your claim.
If you already have any of these, share them during your consultation to help move things along faster.
Will I Need a Medical Assessment?
In most cases, claimants will attend a medical appointment arranged by their solicitor with an independent medical expert. They will:
- Examine your injuries
- Ask how the injury has affected your daily life
- Write a report used to value your claim
This report is key to calculating a fair settlement, especially for long-term effects.
What Is the Time Limit to Make a Rib Injury Claim?
In the UK, you usually have 3 years to begin a personal injury claim for a rib injury. This runs from:
- The date of the accident, or
- The date you became aware your rib injury was caused by negligence
For children, the time limit doesn’t start until their 18th birthday, so a parent or guardian can claim on their behalf at any point before then.
If you’re unsure about time limits, it’s best to seek advice as early as possible.
Claiming for a Child’s Rib Injury
If your child has suffered a rib injury due to negligence, whether at school, a park, or on the road, you can claim compensation on their behalf as a litigation friend.
Compensation is usually held in a court-approved trust until the child turns 18, and it can cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical treatment
- Missed school time
- Long-term effects
Our solicitors can guide you through this process step-by-step.
How Much Compensation for a Rib Injury Can I Claim?
When you make a rib injury claim, your compensation can include both:
General Damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma (i.e., anxiety, loss of confidence)
- Loss of enjoyment of hobbies or sports
Special Damages
- Loss of earnings (including future loss)
- Medical costs (prescriptions, physiotherapy)
- Travel expenses (i.e, hospital visits)
- Care and support during recovery
- Damaged clothing or personal items
Each case is assessed individually, so it’s important to provide detailed evidence of your losses.
Rib Injury Compensation Amounts
Compensation amounts depend on the severity of your injuries, how long recovery takes, and whether there are any long-term effects.
Some examples of rib injury compensation amounts:
- Minor rib fractures or soft tissue injuries (painful but full recovery within weeks): up to £4,820
- Broken ribs causing lung collapse or complications: £2,680 – £6,500
- Serious chest injuries affecting lungs or causing disability: £38,210 – £66,920
*Note: These figures are general guidelines. Your actual payout may be higher or lower based on your personal circumstances and evidence.
Will I Need a Solicitor to Claim Rib Injury Compensation?
Technically no, but a solicitor can improve your chances of success and ensure you don’t accept a low settlement. They’ll also handle all legal paperwork and negotiations.
We understand that the cost of legal help can be off-putting. That’s why we offer a No Win, No Fee agreement for rib injury claims. This means:
- No upfront fees
- No legal costs if your claim doesn’t succeed
- If successful, a success fee (capped by law) is deducted from your compensation
This allows you to pursue a rib injury claim with confidence and without financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Claim Typically Take?
Most straightforward claims can settle in 6–9 months. More complex cases such as those involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take longer.
Can I Claim for Bruised Ribs?
Yes. Even bruised ribs can cause significant pain and time off work. If they were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
What If I Don’t Know Who Caused the Accident?
If the responsible party can’t be identified (i.e., hit-and-run), you may still be able to claim through schemes like the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) or the CICA.
Start Your Rib Injury Compensation Claim Today
The easiest way to start the ball rolling if you would like to make a rib injury claim is to call us on 0800 652 1345. A specialist advisor will explain everything in detail and answer any questions you may have. As part of your free consultation, we’ll offer legal advice about the options available to you.
Our advisors are ready to help on the phone or via live chat so please get in touch if you’d like to know more about rib injury compensation claims.
