Metacarpal (hand) fracture

The band above is general damages; the money a court awards for pain, suffering and loss of amenities. It is separate from special damages: hospital bills, medication, transport, lost income to date, and the cost of future care are all claimed on their own evidence.

Where a claimant falls inside the band depends on the factors the Compendium sets out for shoulder, arm & hand: age, whether the injury affects the claimant's work, whether it affects body symmetry, and, in the Compendium's own words, whether the claimant is married or unmarried and whether the injury would affect the prospects of marriage.

If other injuries were suffered in the same incident, they are not simply added together. Where they affect the same or nearby regions, the court assesses them collectively under the principle of overlapping.

The Compendium is expressly a guideline. Parties may submit above or below it, and the court's discretion is preserved.