Most serious chest injury
£122,850 to £183,190Total loss of a lung and/or serious heart damage with prolonged pain and permanent significant scarring.
Start your claim ↗Chest and rib injury compensation guide
Chest and rib injury compensation: what claims are worth
Chest awards can cover injury to the ribs, lungs or heart. The long-term effect on breathing, function, work and life expectancy is especially important.
Explore the guidelines
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you were injured.
The figures shown are the 17th edition brackets for general damages. They do not include lost earnings, care, treatment or other financial losses.
Compensation for chest and rib injuries
Chest awards can cover injury to the ribs, lungs or heart. The long-term effect on breathing, function, work and life expectancy is especially important.
Permanent chest, lung or heart damage
£80,240 to £122,850Traumatic injury causing permanent functional impairment, disability and reduced life expectancy.
Continuing chest or lung disability
£38,210 to £66,920Damage leaves some continuing impairment or disability.
Permanent tissue damage
£15,370 to £21,920A relatively straightforward injury leaves some permanent tissue damage without a major long-term effect on lung function.
Smoke or fume inhalation
£6,500 to £15,370Some residual damage remains but does not permanently interfere with lung function.
Collapsed lung with full recovery
£2,680 to £6,500For a full and uncomplicated recovery following a collapsed lung.
Rib fracture or chest soft-tissue injury
Up to £4,820Serious pain and disability continue for a period of weeks only.
This is guidance, not a quote. The bracket is only one part of a valuation. Medical evidence, recovery, financial losses, liability and the effect on your life must all be considered.
Understanding the range
What can affect chest and rib injury compensation?
Examples range from up to £4,820 for painful rib or soft-tissue injuries lasting weeks to £122,850-£183,190 for the most serious chest injury. The diagnosis is only the starting point: the evidence must show the recovery period and the effect the injury has had on the individual.
Severity, treatment and recovery
Chest awards can cover injury to the ribs, lungs or heart. The long-term effect on breathing, function, work and life expectancy is especially important.
Daily life and independence
Pain, movement, sleep, work, hobbies, care needs and loss of independence can all influence where an injury falls within a guideline range.
Medical and financial evidence
Independent medical evidence helps establish prognosis. Payslips, receipts, care records and expert evidence may support financial losses assessed separately from the injury award.
A figure needs context
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The guideline figures on this page are taken from the Judicial College Guidelines, 17th edition, and concern general damages only. They are broad guidance, may require updating and cannot replace legal advice based on medical and financial evidence. Different rules can apply to statutory whiplash claims.