Hand – Injury Claim Worth_.

Based on the following sampling of case law, the range for general damages awarded for suffering from hand injuries as a result of an accident is between $20,757 – $84,909 [adjusted for 2023 inflation rates]. The general damage award amounts for each individual case below have not been adjusted for inflation. For your convenience, the Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator can be accessed here.

As described in our General Damages Guide, these awards are only for general damages which compensate you for your pain and suffering. There are other types of damages that you may be entitled to claim, such as lost income and medical care costs, depending on the circumstances of your case. To assess the total value of your injury claim, try our Injury Claim Calculator or book a free consultation.

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The case law

Despres v. MacDonald Crane Service Ltd., 2018 NBCA 13

• The plaintiff’s hand was caught between a delivery truck bucket and a building while he was moving furniture into a new hotel as part of his job. The non-dominant hand injury resulted in Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, and he had ongoing mild symptoms at the time of trial. He received $50,000 in general damages.

Sores v. Premier Fitness Clubs, 2011 ONSC 2220

• The 31-year-old plaintiff was grabbing weights for a fitness class at the defendant’s establishment when a dumbbell fell on her hand. She suffered a fractured metacarpal and moderate soft tissue swelling. She missed six weeks of work as a dental hygienist due to the hand injury. She received $25,000 in general damages.

Bain (Litigation Guardian of v. Black & Decker Canada (1989) Inc., 2009 CanLII 26598 (ON SC)

• The plaintiff suffered a serious burn to her hand while using a hairdryer made by the defendant. Upon turning the hairdryer on, she felt a pain and threw the device to the ground instinctively. Her palm was charred and there was melted plastic and soot embedded within it. It left a crater-like wound, and she suffered from chronic pain in her hand afterwards. She received $35,000 in general damages.

Lumanlan v. Sadler, 2008 BCSC 1554

• The 25-year-old plaintiff suffered a serious injury to her non-dominant left hand in a single vehicle accident in which she was a passenger. The skin was torn from the back of her hand, exposing her tendons. She suffered a fractured middle finger, which was surgically repaired. Some of her finger joints were fused, and 7 surgeries were required, including skin grafts taken from the thigh, to repair her injuries. She showed signs of osteoarthritis and had significant scarring on both her hand and thigh, which caused her to be self-conscious. She received $50,000 in general damages.

Gosling v. Roper, 1999 ABQB 265

• The 20-year-old plaintiff suffered severe injuries to her left hand in a motor vehicle accident. She suffered an open wound to her left arm elbow, her left thumb was almost severed, tendon damage, and the bones in her second and third fingers were crushed. She had continued limitation of movement in her fingers and was at risk for premature arthritis. She also suffered from mild depression and a personality change. She received $50,000 in general damages.

Valen (Litigation Guardian of) v. Harder, 1998 CanLII 28103 (MB QB)

• The 10-year-old plaintiff was injured while on a ride at an amusement park owned by the defendants. She suffered fractures to both hands and was therefore unable to enjoy her usual summer activities. She wore a cast for two months, and the bulk of her discomfort cleared up within six months. She suffered no lasting consequences from the injuries. She received $12,000 in general damages.