Tendon Injury Compensation Claims

Last Updated 25th February 2026. To pursue tendon injury compensation for tears, strains, or ruptures, you must be able to show that the harm you suffered was caused by the actions of a negligent third party. Whether they are sustained in accidents on the road, at work, or in public, tendon injuries can lead to chronic pain, a drastic reduction in independence, and lasting psychological effects.

The strain of tendon injuries is often compounded by the inability to work, and this can cause significant financial uncertainty. Your compensation payout will be calculated to reflect this, and our team is ready to help you navigate the claims process. Here at Legal Expert, we appreciate that the impact of a tendon often goes beyond the immediate physical pain. That is why our No Win No Fee solicitors not only focus on providing practical legal support but also take an active role in helping clients stay focused on their healing journey. Our advisors are standing by to explain precisely how we can help you.

Key Information

• Is a tendon injury serious? Tendon injuries can range from mild strains to serious ruptures, depending on the severity of the accident. 
• How long does a tendon injury take to heal? Tendon injuries typically take 12 to 16 weeks to heal, although the exact prognosis will depend on the severity of the tear.
• How much compensation can I receive for a tendon injury? Tendon injury compensation will be calculated on a case-by-case basis; the value depends on a number of factors such as the severity of your injuries, your prognosis and the impact on your quality of life.
• Can a tendon become permanently damaged? Yes, without rest and the time allowed to heal, tendons can become permanently damaged and weakened.
• Am I entitled to tendon injury compensation? Yes, you could be entitled to compensation if you can demonstrate that another party breached their duty of care, directly resulting in your tendon injuries.

Can You Claim Compensation For A Tendon Injury?

In order to be eligible, tendon injury claims need to fulfil the following criteria:

• You were owed a duty of care by a third party.
• They failed to fulfil that duty of care.
• You sustained a tendon injury due to this failure.

You must also make a claim within the statutory time limit, which is 3 years from the date you suffered an injury to your tendon.

Let’s take a look at the circumstances in which you could pursue a claim for a tendon injury:

When Tendon Injuries Are Caused By Negligence

Tendon injuries can be caused in a range of different ways. Let’s take a look at some of the most common:

Accidents at Work

All employers owe a duty of care towards their employees. This duty is highlighted in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974  (HASAWA). This law states that employers need to take reasonable and practicable steps to ensure their employees’ safety and welfare. If an employer is in breach of this duty, the employee could bring a claim against them for the tendon injury suffered.

For example, your employer has failed in their duty of performing a risk assessment for the manual handling of goods. You carry a load which is too heavy and end up sustaining tendon damage in your hand. You could potentially make an accident at work claim against your employer for this injury.

Accidents in Public Places

Any person or organisation that controls a public place (known as an occupier) owes a duty of care towards all visitors. This duty has been specified in the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. The law states that the occupier has to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all visitors. If you sustain a tendon injury due to this breach of duty, you could make a tendon injury claim against the person in control.

For example, you fall down the stairs at a shopping mall due to an unrepaired broken handrail, rupturing your Achilles tendon. You may be able to claim compensation against the occupier of the mall in a public liability claim.

Road Traffic Accidents

All road users owe a duty of care to ensure that they use their vehicles in such a way that they do not cause harm. To meet this duty, they must comply with the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code. You could make a road traffic accident claim against another road user if they breach this duty of care.

For example, a driver who’s driving under the influence crashes into your car from behind, and you injure a tendon in your neck. You could make a car accident claim against them.

If you have had a tendon injury that was not your fault, you can call our team for a free case assessment.

Could I Still Claim For Tendon Damage If I Was Partially At Fault?

You can still claim compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident. This is called a split liability accident, as the fault (the liability) is split between two parties. The split can be any proportion that adds up to 100%, e.g. 50/50 or 75/25.

The compensation received will be split in the same proportion. So, if a case is split 50/50, then you would receive 50% of the compensation.

An example would be a road traffic collision where both cars attempt to change lanes at the same time and when it is unsafe to do so. This could result in a 50/50 split.

Sometimes, whilst you are not responsible for causing the accident, you have done something or failed to do something that has made your injuries worse. This is called contributory negligence. An example would be a failure to wear a seatbelt in a car crash. This did not cause the accident, but it could be that your tendon injury was made much worse by your failure to wear a seatbelt.

When a case involves contributory negligence, there will be a reduction in the compensation, e.g. by 15%, but the percentage reduction can vary.

Whilst in both these scenarios, you do not receive the full amount of compensation, it is much better to try and claim to get a reduced percentage rather than not claim and receive nothing.

To discuss how your accident happened, why not reach out to an advisor for a free case assessment?

Time Limits In Tendon Injury Claims

The time limits in tendon injury claims are set down by the Limitation Act 1980. In most cases, the standard personal injury limitation period of 3 years will apply. Now, there can be reasons why someone is unable to claim within this time limit and requires an extension.

These circumstances are:

• The injured person is a child: children may not make a claim for themselves until they reach 18. The 3 year limitation period is paused until this time, meaning they have until 21 to claim.
• The injured person does not possess sufficient mental capacity: whether the result of the accident or a prior condition, someone who does not have the level of mental capacity needed to claim for themselves is not subject to a limitation period.

In order to get any potential legal action underway sooner, and prevent any potential time bar of the claim, an adult who fits the suitability criteria can apply to be a litigation friend for the injured person. Often this is a parent or guardian, but any adult who is both willing and suitable could be appointed.

Litigation friends direct the proceedings in coordination with the injured person’s solicitor. There are strict requirements to do everything they can to keep the injured person informed and act in their best interests. You can learn more about the time limit in your particular claim for a tendon injury, and learn more about claiming on behalf of another by talking to our advisors today.

What’s The Difference Between A Tendon Injury And A Ligament Injury?

While we’re discussing tendon injury claims, you might be thinking about ligament injuries as well. Since both ligaments and tendons are soft tissues, they can sometimes be confused, but they are different. To understand this difference, it’s necessary to know the distinction between their functions. Tendons and ligaments are both connective tissues which help to support muscles and bones.

However, tendons attach bones and muscles to aid their movement, whilst ligaments help to support and stabilise joints. Without tendons, it wouldn’t be possible for muscles to transfer the energy which is required for movement. Ligaments are connected from bone to bone. They hold the joints together and stabilise them during movement and at rest.

It is possible to injure either a tendon, a ligament or even both in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Call us today to see how we can help you begin the process of claiming compensation for your accident.

Common Causes Of Tendon Damage

Damage to a tendon can be caused by sudden, sharp movements. Tendons can also become inflamed or damaged by overuse, or they could rupture if too much force is placed through them.

You could injure a tendon, for example:

• By being asked to lift something that is too heavy over your head. You suffer injuries to the tendons in your shoulder joint in a rotator cuff injury.
• A colleague is operating a forklift truck without the necessary training. They lose control and drive into the back of your ankle, rupturing your Achilles tendon.
• You damage the tendons in your ankle when you slip on oil that is leaking from a defective piece of machinery. Management failed to fix the fault despite being aware of it.
• Someone stacks jagged sheet metal unsafely in a warehouse. It falls as you are walking past, and you put your hands out to protect yourself, but this results in the metal slicing your hand and damaging your tendons.

How Much Compensation For Tendon Injury Claims?

In tendon injury claims, the compensation comprises damages of two types:

• General Damages: These are the damages which you could claim for the physical/ psychological injuries you’ve sustained.
• Special Damages: You can claim these damages for the financial impacts caused by your symptoms.

To determine general damages, you may be invited for an independent medical examination.  A medical report from this consultation, in addition to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), could be used to value the general damages in your case. These guidelines provide a list of injuries and the range of compensation which could be awarded.

We’ve replicated some of the figures from the JCG in the table below. However, you should note that these are just guidelines, and the first row isn’t from the JCG.

Here are some examples of financial loss (special damages) that could be claimed if you have supporting evidence:

• Medical costs such as diagnostic tests, prescriptions and travelling to and from medical appointments.
• Loss of earnings: This could be due to having to take time off from work because of your injuries.
• The cost of any care required or modifications to your house.

One of our experienced solicitors could advise you about your specific claim for damages. Why not call an advisor today to see if you can be connected?

What Can Affect Tendon Damage Compensation?

We covered above how a split in liability or contributory negligence could affect your compensation earlier. Other factors that could affect the size of the compensation include:

• The severity of the injuries you suffered.
• How much is claimed for special damages, e.g. significant loss of earnings or care needs?
• If the other side accepts fault or chooses to fight your claim and offer to settle at less than a full value.
• The evidence that is available to strengthen your case if it is disputed and how much evidence is available to support your claim for special damages.
• How negotiations progress and how keen you and the other side are to come to an agreement quickly.

Our solicitors have years of dedicated personal injury experience, and they will always do their best to achieve the correct compensation for your claim. Call an advisor today to see if you are eligible to claim.

What Is The Claiming Process For A Tendon Injury Claim?

The claiming process for a tendon injury claim involves getting appropriate medical care early on, gathering evidence to build a strong case, and seeking legal advice. We’ve broken down the main steps below:

1. Treat your tendon injury: Whether you ruptured your Achilles or tore a tendon in your leg, prompt medical treatment is essential for supporting long-term healing. This can serve as foundational evidence if you later choose to pursue a claim, as it can provide an official record detailing the results of MRI or ultrasounds, and the prognosis for your tendon. 
2. Obtain evidence: Besides medical records, take photographs of any visible signs of a tendon injury, including swelling and noticeable deformity. CCTV footage and dashcam recordings can also be effective for showing how and why you sustained the tendon damage and what led to its severity.
3. Report the accident: Depending on how you sustained the tendon injury, this might involve recording the incident in a workplace accident book or notifying the police if it occurred in a road collision. Such reports can outline the specifics of what happened and can establish a clear link between your tendon injury and the accident.
4. Document the impact: Tendon injuries can severely restrict motion and mobility. Keep a diary detailing how your injury prevents you from gardening, shopping, or getting out of bed without help. You can also record daily pain levels, sleep disturbances, and the extent to which you are reliant on others. 
5. Seek legal advice: Working with a solicitor can make the claims process smoother. Moreover, if you claim with us, your solicitor can also support your recovery by connecting you with orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists specialising in supporting those with tendon injuries. 

To learn more about the tendon injury claims process, please reach out to our team of advisors today.

Can I Claim For Tendon Injuries On A No Win No Fee Basis?

Many people wanting to secure the highest possible tendon or Achilles tendon injury compensation amounts look for representation from a trained solicitor. Among the many benefits of doing so are having someone on your side who understands the process and being able to delegate much of the work to a professional to take a great deal of stress out of claiming.

Another way in which our solicitors make the claim experience as smooth as possible is their offer of No Win No Fee terms. By working with one of our specialist solicitors under an arrangement called a Conditional Fee Agreement, they agree to charge you nothing at all for their services either:

• Upfront.
• At any point during the claim.
• After a claim that doesn’t succeed.

The solicitor takes a small percentage of the compensation once it’s awarded for a successful tendon injury claim. You can be sure that the percentage is small because of a legal limit applied by legislation called The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013.

If you want to know more about types of claims, tendon or Achilles tendon payouts, or how a No Win No Fee claim works, talk to us anytime. We offer free and useful advice with the promise never to pressure you to start a claim. By getting a free evaluation from an advisor, you can also learn whether you could be linked up with a personal injury solicitor for a compensation claim.

Simply choose one of these options – they all operate around the clock:

• Call 0800 073 8804
• Contact us online
• Use live chat

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about claiming for tendon injuries. If you would like further guidance about making a torn tendon claim, please contact our team today.

Can I Claim For A Torn Tendon?

Yes, you can claim for a torn tendon if you sustained the injury in an accident that was not your fault, such as if you are hit by a speeding car while using a zebra crossing. 

Can I Claim For An Achilles Tendon Rupture?

Yes, you can claim for an Achilles tendon rupture, provided that you are able to prove it was caused by a negligent third party.

Can I Claim For A Tendon Injury At Work?

It is possible for you to claim for a tendon injury at work if you can show that it was sustained in an accident that was not your fault. For instance, your employer may have neglected machinery maintenance, leading to a crush injury that severely damaged tendons in your leg.

Can Slips And Falls Cause Tendon Injuries?

Slips and falls can cause tendon injuries due to the force of the impact and any ensuing twisting. This type of accident commonly affects the shoulders, knees, and ankles.

Can Tendon Injuries Require Surgery?

Tendon injuries can require surgery, particularly if they involve complete ruptures and tears. Operations may also be necessary in cases where non-surgical options to restore function or movement have not been effective.

Can Tendon Injuries Become Permanent?

While the tendon is able to heal with time, tendon injuries can become permanent if they are severe or do not receive prompt and proper treatment. Other factors, such as age or a lack of rest, can also contribute to an injury becoming permanent. 

How Much Is A Torn Tendon Worth?

Generally, how much a torn tendon is worth will depend on the nature of the injury and its severity. For instance, according to the Judicial College Guidelines, you could receive between £55,500 and £68,330 for ruptured tendons resulting in permanent, significant disability.

Can I Claim For Physiotherapy Costs?

Yes, you can claim for physiotherapy costs if they arise from the same incident in which a third party negligently caused your tendon injury. Compensation in a tendon or torn ligament claim can account for any financial losses stemming from an injury.

More Information On Personal Injury Compensation Claims

Here are some more links to other guides which may be helpful:

• Our guide on the eligibility for claiming for inadequate training.
• Information on nerve damage after an accident at work.
• Details on a slip or trip claim.

Here are some external guides for further reading:

• Guidance from the government on requesting CCTV footage.
• Information from the NHS on hand tendon repair.
• Details from the NHS on urgent and emergency care services.

Thank you for reading our guide on tendon injury claims.