Loss of Arm – Injury Claim Worth_.

Based on the following sampling of case law, the range for general damages awarded for suffering from the loss of an arm as a result of an accident is between $161,322 – $210,950 [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

Montgomery v. Regional Administrative School Unit No. 2, 1995 CanLII 3476 (PE SCTD)

• The 17-year-old plaintiff was involved in a motorcycling accident. As a result of the accident, he suffered a severe injury to his dominant right arm. Due to his nerves being severed beyond repair, his arm was amputated. He also sustained a broken collarbone, wrist and right arm in the accident. General damages of $110,000 were awarded.

Martin v. McKinney et al., 1995 CanLII 16176 (MB QB)

• The 20-year-old plaintiff suffered burn injuries to his arm after he came in contact with a live hydro pole following a motor vehicle accident. His injuries were originally treated with skin grafts. Eventually, he lost all feeling and movement in his lower arm, which warranted a below-elbow amputation. He was awarded $115,000 in general damages.

DiGiacomo v. Murphy, [1995] BCJ No. 1886

• The 64-year-old plaintiff suffered a major injury to her dominant right arm and a small neck fracture at C5. Her arm had to be amputated above the elbow as a result. Nearly 5 years post-accident, she was still suffering from pain to her neck, shoulders and to the stump of her arm. Her lifestyle was severely restricted, and her personality underwent some change. She was capable of performing only about 30% of her household duties. She was awarded $90,000 in general damages.

Schellenberg v. Britton, 1993 CanLII 8810 (SK KB)

• The plaintiff, a 36-year-old farm labourer, was injured as a result of an accident while using farming machinery. He sustained a traumatic amputation above the left elbow. He also suffered a ligament tear in the right knee and some burning, both of which healed not long after the accident. The court awarded general damages in the amount of $114,600.

Maldonado v. Bourassa, 1988 CanLII 3862

• The 30-year-old plaintiff was working as a farm labourer when his right hand got caught in a baler. His arm was severely damaged, and he had multiple surgeries, however, he required an amputation below the elbow. He is right-hand dominant. He was left with little strength and coordination in his right arm and relies on a prosthesis. He suffered from post-traumatic stress and depression after the accident. He received $85,000 in general damages.