Compensation amounts
Source: Personal Injuries Guidelines
Compensation for a hand and thumb injury claim in Ireland is assessed under the Personal Injuries Guidelines adopted by the Judicial Council.
The level of compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the extent of any permanent disability, the impact on hand function, whether the dominant hand is affected, and the effect on employment and daily activities.
Hand injuries
1. Total or effective loss of both hands
€200,000 – €350,000
Applicable where no effective prosthesis can be used and there is a profound loss of independence and function.
2. Serious damage to both hands
€120,000 – €180,000
Resulting in permanent disability and significant loss of function.
3. Total or effective loss of one hand
€100,000 – €150,000
Includes cases involving traumatic amputation or severe crush injuries. Loss of the dominant hand is generally assessed at the upper end of the bracket.
4. Serious hand injuries
€50,000 – €100,000
Includes severe loss of grip strength, reduced dexterity, reattached fingers, and permanent functional impairment.
5. Severe fractures to fingers
€20,000 – €50,000
Includes partial amputations, deformity, impaired grip, loss of sensation, permanent disability, and significant scarring.
6. Less serious hand injuries
€17,000 – €40,000
Includes crush injuries and fractures resulting in ongoing impairment but where future surgery is not anticipated.
7. Moderate hand injuries
€10,000 – €25,000
Includes deep lacerations, penetrating injuries, fractures, scarring, and temporary loss of sensation.
Thumb injuries
1. Total or partial loss of thumb
€40,000 – €67,500
Includes reattached thumbs resulting in reduced function, deformity, or impaired grip.
2. Serious injury to thumb
€20,000 – €40,000
Includes nerve damage, tendon injuries, fractures, reduced dexterity, and impaired grip strength.
3. Moderate thumb injuries
€15,000 – €25,000
Includes tendon damage, nerve injury, arthrodesis, cosmetic deformity, and functional impairment.
4. Minor hand, finger and thumb injuries
€500 – €12,000
Includes minor fractures, tenderness, sensitivity, soft tissue injuries, and injuries resulting in full recovery.
Finger injuries
Index finger
- Total loss: €25,000 – €35,000
- Partial loss: €15,000 – €25,000
- Other injury or fracture: €500 – €15,000
Middle finger
- Total loss: €20,000 – €30,000
- Partial loss: €12,000 – €20,000
- Other injury or fracture: €500 – €12,000
Ring finger
- Total loss: €17,500 – €27,500
- Partial loss: €10,000 – €17,500
- Other injury or fracture: €500 – €10,000
Little finger
- Total loss: €12,000 – €25,000
- Partial loss: €7,500 – €12,000
- Other injury or fracture: €500 – €7,500
Hand and thumb injury claim process
1. Speak with a hand and thumb injury claim solicitor
Our experienced hand and thumb injury claim solicitors can advise you on your legal options, assess the circumstances of your accident, and guide you through the claims process.
2. Submit an application to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB)
Most personal injury claims in Ireland must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) before court proceedings can be commenced.
Claims that generally do not proceed through the IRB include:
- Medical negligence claims
- Certain assault claims
- Some wholly psychological injury claims
Examples of claims commonly assessed by the IRB include:
- Workplace accidents
- Road traffic accidents
- Public liability accidents
- Accidents in public places
3. Gather evidence and medical reports
Your solicitor will obtain:
- Medical reports
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs
- Employment records where relevant
- Expert evidence if required
These documents are submitted in support of your hand and thumb injury claim.
4. Defendant’s consent
Once the application is lodged, the IRB notifies the defendant.
The defendant has 90 days to consent to the assessment process.
- If consent is given, the IRB proceeds with its assessment.
- If consent is refused, the IRB issues an Authorisation allowing court proceedings to commence.
5. Assessment of the claim
Where the claim proceeds through the IRB, an assessment is carried out based on the medical evidence and the Personal Injuries Guidelines.
If both parties accept the assessment:
- The IRB issues an Order to Pay.
- The Order has the same legal effect as a court order.
If either party rejects the assessment:
- The IRB issues an Authorisation.
- Court proceedings may then be commenced.
Statute of limitations
In most cases, you have two years less one day from the date of the accident, or the date of knowledge of your injury, to commence a hand and thumb injury claim.
Different rules apply to children under 18.
Because time limits can be complex, legal advice should be sought as soon as possible after the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand was injured when assessing compensation in Ireland?
Yes. The Personal Injuries Guidelines recognise the greater impact of injuries affecting the dominant hand.
A hand and thumb injury claim involving the dominant hand will generally attract higher compensation where the injury results in permanent functional loss, reduced grip strength, or impaired dexterity.
Can I claim for a crush injury to my hand caused by machinery at work?
Yes. A workplace machinery accident may give rise to a hand and thumb injury claim where the injury resulted from inadequate training, defective machinery, poor maintenance, or insufficient safety procedures.
Employers owe duties to employees under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
How long does a hand injury claim typically take to resolve in Ireland?
The timeframe depends on the severity of the injury, whether liability is admitted, and whether the matter proceeds through the IRB or the courts.
Straightforward claims may resolve more quickly, while complex claims involving permanent disability can take significantly longer.
Can I claim for loss of earnings if my hand injury prevents me from returning to work?
Yes. A successful hand and thumb injury claim may include compensation for:
- Past loss of earnings
- Future loss of earnings
- Reduced earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
Your solicitor will obtain employment and medical evidence to support these losses.
What is the claims process for a thumb injury claim in Ireland?
A hand and thumb injury claim generally begins with medical treatment and evidence gathering.
Most claims are then submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board.
If the assessment is accepted by both parties, the claim concludes. If not, court proceedings may be required.
