Total or effective loss of both hands
£171,680 to £245,900Extensive bilateral damage leaves both hands effectively unusable.
Start your claim ↗Hand, finger and thumb injury compensation guide
Hand, finger and thumb injury compensation: what claims are worth
Hand awards are influenced by grip, dexterity, sensation, appearance, the number of digits affected and whether the dominant hand was injured.
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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 hand, finger and thumb injuries
Hand awards are influenced by grip, dexterity, sensation, appearance, the number of digits affected and whether the dominant hand was injured.
Total or effective loss of one hand
£117,360 to £133,810The upper end generally applies where the dominant hand is lost or rendered useless.
Serious hand injury
£35,390 to £75,550Examples include multiple damaged or amputated fingers with major loss of grip, dexterity and appearance.
Less serious hand injury
£17,640 to £35,390A severe crush or similar injury leaves significantly impaired function.
Moderate hand injury
£6,910 to £16,200Covers crush, penetrating or laceration injuries, with the figure shaped by surgery and permanent symptoms.
Minor hand, finger or thumb injury
Up to £5,800For minor fractures and soft-tissue symptoms with a full or near-full recovery.
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 hand, finger and thumb injury compensation?
Examples range from up to £5,800 for minor hand, finger or thumb injury to £171,680-£245,900 for the effective loss of both hands. 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
Hand awards are influenced by grip, dexterity, sensation, appearance, the number of digits affected and whether the dominant hand was injured.
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.