A fractured coccyx or tailbone can be a very painful and uncomfortable injury. Unfortunately, due to its location, there’s not a lot that doctors can do for a fractured coccyx so, in many cases, you just have to deal with the pain. Importantly, however, if you’ve suffered a broken tailbone due to somebody else’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a fractured coccyx injury claim for compensation.

As well as the information in this guide, we can advise you about your claim over the phone. During a free initial assessment of your case, a specially trained claims advisor will offer free advice and explain the chances of you being awarded compensation. If they are high enough, one of our personal injury solicitors could agree to represent you. If that happens, they’ll manage the whole claim on a No Win No Fee basis so you won’t need to pay for their work unless you receive a compensation payout.

To learn more about fractured coccyx injury claims, please continue reading. Alternatively, you can call 0800 6524 881 for a free review of your claim.

What Is The Coccyx Bone?

The coccyx forms the bottom of your spine. It is a triangular shape that sits below the sacrum and looks like part of a tail hence the reason the coccyx is sometimes called the tailbone.

The coccyx is actually made up of around 3 to 5 bones that are fused together along with ligaments (spinal discs). The main function of the coccyx bone is to bear the weight of the upper body when you’re sat down.

If you’ve fractured your coccyx, you’re likely to feel a dull ache at the bottom of your spine which may get sharper at times. According to the NHS, coccyx pain (or coccydynia) can get worse:

• When you’re sat down.
• If you move from a sitting to a standing position (and vice versa).
• When you bend forward.
• During your period.
• During sex.
• While you’re using the toilet.

There’s no surgical treatment available for a fractured coccyx so doctors may prescribe painkillers and pelvic floor exercises. If these treatments don’t work, physiotherapy might be arranged or injections of local anaesthetic might be used to dull the pain.

Am I Eligible To Make A Fractured Coccyx Injury Claim?

Generally, to be eligible to make a fractured coccyx injury claim you’ll need to prove that:

• The defendant (the party you’re claiming against) owed you a duty of care; and
• The defendant failed to prevent a foreseeable accident because they were negligent; and
• The accident caused you to sustain a fractured coccyx.

The main role of a solicitor in any personal injury claim is to prove all of the above is true. This is usually achieved by providing evidence. Therefore, we’ll explain what types of evidence can help when claiming compensation for a broken coccyx a little later in this guide.

Common Causes Of Fractured Coccyx Injury Claims

As described in the previous section, you might be eligible to claim fractured coccyx compensation if your injury was the result of somebody else’s negligence. Here are some examples of when that might be the case:

• Accidents at work. If you sustained a fractured coccyx in a fall off a ladder at work because your employer had not trained you on how to use it safely.
• Slips, trips and falls. If you have slipped on a recently cleaned floor where no warning signs were in place, fell from a height due to a broken handrail, or tripped on a large pothole on a public footpath and landed on your tailbone, you might be eligible to claim if your coccyx was broken as a result.
• Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs). Pedestrians, bicyclists and horse-riding enthusiasts are particularly vulnerable to sustaining a fractured coccyx if they’re involved in a collision with a car. If the driver was negligent (driving too fast, not leaving enough space, distracted by their phone etc), you could claim for your injuries.
• Child accidents. If your child has fallen from unsafe playground equipment at school or a damaged climbing frame in a park, you could claim for any injuries including a fractured tailbone on their behalf.

It doesn’t matter what type of accident caused you to sustain a fractured coccyx, if it happened because somebody else made a mistake, you could claim compensation for your suffering. If you’d like one of our personal injury solicitors to help you claim, please call our team today.

How Much Compensation Do You For A Fractured Coccyx?

There isn’t a set amount of compensation for a fractured coccyx as any type of personal injury claim is unique to the claimant. That’s because it must take into account how they’ve suffered because of their injuries. There are many factors that your solicitor will consider before calculating how much compensation for a fractured coccyx you could claim.

The main factor is usually the physical impact of your broken tailbone. This will be determined by an independent specialist after a medical assessment has been conducted. They’ll send a report to your solicitor that details all of your injuries and your prognosis.

Aside from your physical suffering, fractured coccyx injury claims could also provide damages for:

• Emotional distress and mental suffering.
• Lost income (including any future losses).
• Costs arising from medical treatment.
• Loss of enjoyment of sports or other activities you can’t participate in because of your coccyx fracture.
• The time somebody else spent looking after you.
• Travel expenses i.e. parking fees and fuel costs for medical appointments.
• Personal property replacement costs.
• Making changes at home to improve your quality of life if you’ve been left with any permanent injuries.

If you’re eligible to claim for any of the above, your solicitor will aim to provide clear evidence to support your claim. In all cases, their job will be to try and reach an agreement for a fair settlement amount.

Fractured Coccyx Compensation Amounts Guide

Although, as we mentioned, there isn’t a set compensation amount for a fractured coccyx that all claimants get, we are able to provide some guidance below based on the Judicial College guidelines.

• Up to £2,450 compensation for a fractured coccyx from which the individual recovers completely within 3 months.
• £4,350 to £7,890 compensation where no surgery is required but a full recovery takes around one to two years.

To get a better idea of what a fractured coccyx may be worth, please contact us on 0800 6524 881 to speak with a personal injury solicitor on our team.

Evidence To Support A Fractured Coccyx Injury Claim

Whether you’ve fractured your coccyx in a workplace accident, or from a fall in a supermarket, you’ll probably find that the defendant will pass any compensation claim onto their insurance provider. Therefore, you’ll need to provide clear evidence about how the accident was caused by the defendant to convince the insurer that you should be compensated for your broken coccyx. This might include:

• Medical records. Copies of medical reports and records from the hospital where your tailbone fracture was examined and treated. These records should include details of the diagnosis, treatment received, medications prescribed, and any recommended follow-up care.
• Diagnostic imaging. X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans can provide visual evidence of the fractured coccyx. These can help confirm the diagnosis and establish the extent and location of the fracture.
• Witness statements. If there were witnesses to the incident that caused your fractured coccyx, gather their contact information and request statements regarding how the incident occurred and any observations they made regarding your injury.
• Accident or incident reports. Request copies of any accident or incident reports (such as from an accident at work or a rear-end car accident dealt with by the police)  that describe what happened.
• Photographs. Take photographs (or videos) of the accident scene, if possible and of any visible injuries such as bruising, swelling, or other physical signs that your coccyx was broken.
• CCTV footage. If the incident was recorded by CCTV, dashcam etc, you’re within your rights to ask for a copy which your solicitor could use to prove liability for your injury.
• Financial records. Keep records of any medical expenses incurred, such as medication costs, rehabilitation costs, and transportation expenses directly related to your fractured coccyx injury.
• Diary. Maintain a diary or record of the symptoms you’ve experienced, such as pain levels, mobility limitations, and any difficulties with daily activities. Note any impact the injury has had on your personal and professional life.

All of the above could improve the likelihood that you’ll receive compensation for a fractured coccyx. If you have any evidence already, please forward it to your advisor when you call to discuss your claim.

Time Limits For Claiming Fractured Coccyx Compensation

In the UK, there is a 3-year limitation period for all personal injury compensation claims. For claiming fractured coccyx compensation, this time limit will usually start on the date of your accident, or when the fracture was diagnosed. However, if your child has broken their tailbone, their 3 years won’t start until the date of their 18^th birthday. Therefore, you can seek damages on their behalf as a litigation friend before then.

In our experience, the sooner you get started with a personal injury claim, the better. That’s because if you leave things too late, there might not be time for medical records and evidence to be gathered to support your claim. Also, an early start will result in you receiving compensation sooner if the claim is successful.

How Long Does The Process Of Claiming Fractured Coccyx Compensation Take?

The length of time it can take to claim fractured coccyx compensation generally varies depending on several different factors, including:

• The type of fracture/break and its severity.
• The strength of the evidence available and the ease with which it can be gathered.
• The willingness of the insurance company involved to accept their client is liable.

Overall, the fractured coccyx injury claims process may only take a matter of months for straightforward cases to a year or longer for more complex cases.

Starting The Fractured Coccyx Injury Compensation Claims Process

To check whether you have a viable fractured coccyx compensation claim, please call 0800 6524 881 today. One of our specialist advisors will review your chances with you and explain your legal options. They’ll also set out the claims process and answer any queries that arise.

You don’t have to pursue a claim after your initial consultation but we could partner you with one of our personal injury solicitors if you have a good case. They’ll deal with your claim on a No Win No Fee basis if you proceed which means no upfront legal fees will need to be paid.

We can also provide advice on fractured coccyx injury claims via our live chat service so please feel free to use it.