By Stephen Hudson. Last Updated 18th September 2025. Suffering a back injury can be painful and disruptive to your life. What can make it feel worse is when it happens through no fault of your own.

Our specialist personal injury solicitors have helped scores of people make a back injury compensation claim, and they can help you too.

Working on a No Win No Fee basis, we can gather evidence like your medical records, assess how much compensation you’re owed, and work out the financial impct of your back injury.

To speak with us today and to get a free consultation on your case, just click below to get started

The Need-To-Know Information

• Can I Make A Back Injury Claim? – Yes, if you’ve suffered a back injury and believe it was the fault of another party, like your employer, then you can make a compensation claim.
• How Much Could I Get? – Minor back injuries could receive up to £15,260, whereas severe injuries could receive in excess of £196,450.
• How Long Do Claims Take? – Straightforward claims can take around 6 to 12 months, whereas more complex claims could take longer
• Do I Need A Solicitor? – Yes, if you want to secure the best result possible

Can I Make A Back Injury Claim?

To make a back injury claim, including for a spinal cord injury or soft tissue injuries, you must be able to prove that negligence occurred. This means that:

• Another party owed you a duty of care,
• They failed to uphold this duty,
• As a result, you suffered a back or spinal injury.

The three criteria listed above form the foundation of negligence in personal injury claims. If you can prove negligence, then you may be able to claim compensation for a back injury.

How Much Is My Back Injury Claim Worth?

All back injury compensation payouts are different because numerous factors affect the outcome. Firstly, back injury claims can involve someone seeking payments under up to two heads of loss.

The first, which can be considered the main head of loss as it is always part of a payout, is called general damages compensation. It covers your back injuries, plus any other physical or mental harm. Even this can vary significantly between cases, as a payment must consider factors like:

• The number, nature and severity of injuries.
• How long it will take you to recover, if a recovery is even possible.
• Injuries’ impact on your day-to-day life, including loss of amenity, which means losing the ability to take part in hobbies and activities.

Putting a value on someone’s injuries is not straightforward. Therefore, those responsible for doing so will make the most of useful resources like medical evidence or the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG).

The JCG, a document of suggested compensation ranges for different injuries, provides the brackets you see in the table below. There are just three exceptions. Firstly, the top line is our creation. This, plus the JCG brackets, is illustrative and should be used as a general guide only.

You can find a list of compensation payouts here if you’d like to read up on more examples, or to find a back injury claim amount that’s more relevant to your circumstances, please click below for free advice.

What Else Can I Claim Compensation For?

In addition to general damages, you may also be able to claim special damages as part of your compensation for a back injury. Special damages cover various expenses or other financial losses directly related to your back injury. A payment can help you with the likes of:

• The cost of certain medical treatments or physiotherapy.
• Lost earnings if the back injury has forced you to miss or even quit your job.
• Travel costs you’ve paid so you can attend vital appointments, such as train tickets or taxi fares, may also be covered.

Evidence of these losses will need to be presented in order to claim for them under special damages. This evidence could include documents such as receipts, invoices and payslips.

To learn more about claiming compensation for spinal injuries, please get in touch with our advisors today.

We’ve also put together a handy infographic showing some different payouts for back injuries.

Common Back Injuries You Could Claim Compensation For

Depending on their severity, back injuries can negatively impact mobility, mental well-being, and the ability to work. So long as you were not at fault for your accident, you could be entitled to claim back injury compensation. There are many kinds of back injuries, but some of the most common to feature in back injury claims include:

• Spinal Cord Injury: This type of back injury may result in full or partial paralysis. In cases of paraplegia, a lower back injury compensation amount would consider the extent of your paralysis and how it is impacting your life.
• Fractured Vertebrae: Involves one or more bones in the spinal column being broken or cracked.
• Sprains/Strains: As the most common kind of back injury, sprains and strains can affect the muscles, ligaments, or tendons. They often happen because of a fall or sudden twisting movement. 
• Herniated Disc: Occurs when the soft interior of a disc breaks through a crack in the outer layer.
• Spondylolisthesis: Sometimes caused by fractures, this injury is caused by a vertebra bone slipping out of place and pressing down on other vertebrae. 

No matter what type of back injury you have suffered, our experienced back injury solicitors could help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact one of our trained advisors to find out more about options. Otherwise, please keep reading to find out some of the most common reasons behind back injury accidents.

Can I Claim Compensation For A Back Injury at Work?

All employers have a duty of care to their employees. This duty, stipulated by the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974, requires employers to take reasonable steps to protect their workforce.

Some examples of how negligence could occur in the workplace include:

• Lack of training: Your employer is required to provide free and adequate training if you need it to safely do your job. For example, if you work in a warehouse and your employer doesn’t provide any manual handling training, this could result in a back injury caused by poor lifting techniques.
• Slips, trips, and falls: These are some of the most common accidents at work. If your employer leaves a wire trailing across the office floor, this could cause you trip and fall, suffering a back injury.
• Lack of (PPE): Your employer needs to provide PPE for free and in good working order when you need it. If they knowingly gave you a faulty harness while you were working at a height, this could cause you to fall and suffer a back injury.

To learn more about when you could make a back injury compensation claim, get in touch with our helpful team. Alternatively, you can read on to find out how one of our back injury solicitors could help you.

Can I Make A Back Injury Claim After A Car Accident?

While using the roads, everyone owes each other a duty of care. This includes drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. To uphold this duty of care, they need to comply with the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code. Going against these rules and regulations could result in an accident.

For example, if a driver speeds through a red light while drunk and collides side-on with your car, this could trap you between the car door and the passenger seat, causing a serious back injury.

Another example could be if a car did not stop at a pelican crossing despite the green walking sign being lit, running you over as you crossed the road. This could cause you to hit the ground with a lot of force and suffer a back injury.

In both of these cases, you could potentially make a back injury claim.

Get in touch with our friendly team of advisors today to learn more about claiming for a car accident and a back injury.

How Do I Prove A Back Injury Compensation Claim?

A key part of your potential back injury claim will be gathering sufficient evidence to prove the liability of the third party. This evidence will also be used to highlight the extent of your injuries, which will be useful when back injury solicitors are calculating a possible compensation figure.

We have provided a list of possible evidence below. Remember, this list is intended to provide general guidance; what evidence is available to you will vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Examples include:

• • Medical records.
  • CCTV or dashcam footage.
  • Photographs of your injury and the scene of the accident.
  • For an accident at work, you could acquire a copy of your incident report from the accident book.
  • Other work documents, such as training or maintenance records, could also be used.
  • Witness contact information.

A personal injury solicitor can be instructed to help you put together evidence that strengthens your case. For further guidance on gathering evidence or how you could potentially get support from one of our solicitors, contact our advisors for free today.

Our Case Studies Of Back Injury Compensation Claims

We’ve helped many people claim compensation for a back injury. Below, we’ve taken the facts from some of those cases and used them as illustrative case studies to help give you an idea of the types of back injuries you can claim for, and how much you could receive.

Warehouse Injury Leading to Slipped Disc – £28,000 Compensation

One of our anonymised clients, a 41-year-old warehouse employee, suffered a slipped disc after lifting a heavy box without proper manual handling training or support.

His employer had failed to carry out a risk assessment or provide suitable equipment.

The injury caused long-term mobility issues and required physiotherapy. We helped our client gather medical evidence and statements from co-workers. The claim was settled out of court for £28,000, covering pain and suffering, lost income, and future care needs.

Chronic Back Pain After Road Traffic Accident – £19,500 Compensation

Another anonymised client, aged 33, developed chronic lower back pain after her car was struck from behind while stationary at traffic lights.

She experienced soft tissue damage that didn’t fully resolve and required ongoing physiotherapy. The symptoms limited her ability to work full-time.

We supported her throughout the claims process, and a medical report confirmed the extent of the injury. The case settled for £19,500, including compensation for pain, therapy expenses, and reduced earnings.

Slip in Supermarket Causing Vertebral Fracture – £45,000 Compensation

A 55-year-old anonymised client slipped on a wet supermarket floor that had no visible hazard warning signs.

He sustained a fractured vertebra and required spinal surgery, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation period. The incident was captured on CCTV and liability was admitted. The injury significantly impacted his mobility and quality of life.

We worked with medical and legal experts to build a strong case, resulting in a £45,000 settlement to cover general damages, financial losses, and future care.

Make A Back Injury Claim With Our No Win No Fee Solicitors

Now that you’ve learned more about the back injury claims process, you might be interested in finding a back injury solicitor. Working with a solicitor can be beneficial in a number of ways; for example, a solicitor could help you support your claim with evidence. They can also break the claims process down into easy-to-understand terms or arrange for a medical assessment and interim payments. 

One benefit of working with one of our personal injury solicitors is that you don’t need to pay a fee for them to start working on your compensation claim for a spinal cord injury. You also do not pay this solicitor’s fee for their continuing services or for their work if your claim fails. This is because our solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).

If your back injury claim succeeds, then your solicitor will take a small success fee from the compensation. This percentage is limited by a legal cap. 

Contact our team today to find out if one of our personal injury solicitors could help you claim for a back injury. An advisor from our team could evaluate your claim for free, and if they find it valid, they may connect you with a solicitor. To get started:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions on back injury claims.

How Long Do I Have To Make A Back Injury Compensation Claim?

In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of the accident or injury to start a personal injury claim. This is set out in the Limitation Act 1980.

Can I Claim For A Back Injury Even If It’s Minor?

Yes, you can claim compensation for a minor back injury. Even injuries that fully recover within a few months may be eligible for up to £2,990, while minor back injuries lasting between one and five years could result in compensation ranging from £5,310 to £15,260, depending on recovery time and symptoms.

What Could Be My Back Injury Settlement, Without Surgery?

If your back injury does not require surgery and recovery is gradual, compensation will usually fall into the minor or moderate category. For example:

• Up to £15,260 for soft tissue injuries that recover within five years.

• £5,310 to £9,630 for cases resolving within 1–2 years without surgery.
  The more severe the symptoms and the longer the recovery, the higher the potential award.

Is There An Average Lower Back Injury Compensation Amount?

There’s no fixed “average” as every case is assessed individually. However, moderate lower back injuries involving disc issues or persistent pain can typically result in £15,260 to £47,320, depending on the severity, long-term impact, and medical evidence. Minor soft tissue injuries often attract awards below £15,000.

Can I Claim For A Pre-Existing Back Condition Worsened By An Accident?

Yes, you may still be entitled to compensation if an accident worsens a pre-existing back condition. Courts recognise acceleration and exacerbation injuries, and awards are adjusted based on how much the incident brought symptoms forward.

What Happens If I Partially Caused My Back Injury?

You may still be able to claim compensation under the principle of contributory negligence. If you were partly at fault, for example, by lifting incorrectly despite poor training, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. The overall award depends on the extent of your responsibility and the severity of the injury.

Will I Need To Undergo A Specialist Medical Report Or Examination For My Back Injury Claim?

Yes. As part of the claims process, you’ll usually need an independent medical assessment. A specialist will examine your back injury, review your medical history, and provide a report on the severity, recovery time, and long-term effects. This report is used to value your compensation.

What Happens If My Back Injury Worsens Over Time Or Requires Future Surgery?

If your back injury deteriorates or you later need surgery, this can be reflected in your compensation. Claims can include future medical needs, such as surgery, rehabilitation, or ongoing care, provided they are supported by medical evidence.

Can I Claim If My Back Injury Happened Gradually (For Example, From Manual Lifting Over Years)?

Yes. You may still be able to make a claim for a back injury that developed over time, such as through repetitive lifting at work. These are often called cumulative injury claims. You’ll need to show that your employer failed to take reasonable steps to protect you, such as providing proper training or equipment.

Do I Need To Show I Reported The Back Injury Immediately After The Accident, Or Can I Claim Later?

It’s best to report the injury as soon as possible, but a late report does not automatically prevent you from claiming. If you didn’t report it right away, you may still succeed if you can provide other evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, or accident circumstances.

Will My Back Injury Claim Cover The Cost Of Physiotherapy Or Home Adjustments?

Yes. Special damages in back injury claims can cover physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or any home adaptations you need because of your condition. This might include mobility aids, ramps, or other adjustments to help with daily life.

How Does Returning To Work Or Being Off Work Affect My Back Injury Claim?

If you’ve been off work due to your back injury, your claim can include lost earnings. If you return to work but on reduced hours or lighter duties, your compensation may also reflect ongoing loss of income or reduced earning capacity.

Can I Still Claim Compensation If I Was Injured Outside Of Work (e.g. Public Place Or Car Accident)?

Yes. Back injury claims are not limited to workplace accidents. You may be entitled to compensation if your injury happened in a road traffic accident, a slip or trip in a public place, or any other incident caused by someone else’s negligence.

If you have any other questions or would like to make a back injury claim with our help today, please reach out for free.