If you have suffered a crush injury because of someone else's negligence — typically at work, on a construction site or in a road accident — you can usually make a crush injury claim for compensation in the UK. Crush injuries range from trapped fingers to life-changing limb loss. Compensation depends on severity: under the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition, 2024), general damages can range from a few thousand pounds for a minor finger-tip crush to well over £100,000 for a traumatic amputation. Special damages for lost earnings, prosthetics and care are added on top. You have three years to claim.
Crush injuries happen when part of the body is compressed between heavy objects, machinery, vehicles or collapsing structures. They are most common in construction, manufacturing, warehousing and transport. The consequences can be devastating: fractures, soft tissue destruction, compartment syndrome, nerve damage and, in the worst cases, amputation. This guide explains how crush injury claims work, what evidence you need and the typical compensation framework. We are an independent information service, not a law firm.
Common causes of crush injuries
- Unguarded or poorly maintained machinery — hands or fingers drawn into rollers, presses or cutting equipment
- Falling objects — unsecured loads, collapsing stacks of materials
- Vehicle movements — forklift trucks, HGVs reversing, loading bay incidents
- Collapsing structures — scaffolding, trenches, temporary walls
- Road traffic accidents — occupants trapped in a vehicle
- Closing doors or gates — automatic doors, industrial shutters, tailgates
Types of crush injuries
| Injury | Severity |
|---|---|
| Crushed finger tip or nail bed | Minor to moderate — may need surgery, possible scarring |
| Crushed hand with fractures | Moderate to serious — risk of lasting grip weakness |
| Crushed foot or toes | Moderate to serious — mobility impact |
| Crush injury with compartment syndrome | Serious — medical emergency, risk of permanent damage |
| Traumatic amputation | Very serious — life-changing, prosthetic needs |
| Pelvic or chest crush | Severe — internal organ damage, long rehabilitation |
Compartment syndrome
A particularly dangerous complication of crush injuries is compartment syndrome, where pressure builds within the muscle compartments, compressing nerves and blood vessels. It is a medical emergency requiring urgent fasciotomy (surgical release). If diagnosed or treated too late, it can cause permanent nerve and muscle damage or necessitate amputation. Where the original crush was someone's fault and the hospital then failed to diagnose compartment syndrome promptly, both parties may be liable.
How much compensation?
Under the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition, 2024), general damages reflect the body part and lasting effect. A simple crushed finger with full recovery may attract a few thousand pounds. Loss of a hand starts at around £60,000 in general damages; loss of a leg at around £113,000. Special damages — prosthetics, adaptations, future care, lost career earnings — can exceed general damages by a large margin in serious cases.
Time limits
Three years from the accident under the Limitation Act 1980 (England and Wales). Children have until age 21. See our time limits guide.
Getting help
We are not a law firm. Crush injury claims — especially those involving amputation or compartment syndrome — are serious and benefit from a solicitor experienced in catastrophic injury. Use the SRA register and Law Society "Find a Solicitor". Citizens Advice provides free guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for a crush injury at work?
Yes, if the crush injury was caused by your employer's negligence or a breach of health and safety regulations. Common causes include unguarded machinery, falling objects, collapsing structures, vehicle movements and inadequate training. Your claim is against your employer's liability insurer.
How much compensation for a crush injury?
It varies enormously depending on the body part and severity. A crushed finger tip may attract a few thousand pounds, while a crush injury causing traumatic amputation of a limb can exceed 100,000 pounds in general damages alone under the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition, 2024). Special damages for lost earnings, prosthetics, rehabilitation and care are added on top.
What types of crush injuries can I claim for?
Any crush injury caused by another party's negligence, including crushed hands or fingers (the most common), crushed feet or toes, chest compression injuries, pelvic crush injuries, and in the most severe cases, traumatic amputations or compartment syndrome.
How long do I have to claim?
Three years from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980 in England and Wales. Children have until their 21st birthday.
What is compartment syndrome?
Compartment syndrome is a serious complication of crush injuries where pressure builds up within the muscles, compressing nerves and blood vessels. It is a medical emergency requiring urgent surgery. If it is misdiagnosed or treated too late, it can cause permanent muscle and nerve damage or even lead to amputation. Both the original crush and any delayed treatment may form part of a claim.
Get help from official, free sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) — workplace safety guidance
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance on your rights
Related guides: accident at work claims, construction accident claims, amputation claims, broken bone claims, how to make a claim, and no win, no fee explained.