Nose Fracture Claim Payouts (2026) – How Much Compensation For A Broken Nose?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a broken nose or multiple nose fractures will typically range between £2,200 – £28,500. Larger amounts can be claimed of up to £48,000 if there is an associated loss of taste and smell. Simple fractures with no manipulation will attract the smallest payouts with serious multiple fracture causing deformity and requiring surgery the largest payouts.
This guide sets out the latest compensation payout ranges for nose fracture claims, including simple fractures, displaced nasal bone injuries, and cases requiring surgery. In addition, you will also discover how factors such as breathing problems, cosmetic deformity, and loss of smell can increase your compensation settlement.
Other injuries will typically come hand-in-hand with a broken nose, so why not take a look at our jaw injury payout guide and cheekbone fracture compensation guide.
- Nose Fracture Claim Payouts (2026) – How Much Compensation For A Broken Nose?
- Payouts Table (2026) For Nose Fracture Claims
- What is a nose fracture claim?
- What types of accident can cause a fractured nose?
- What affects the value of a broken nose claim?
- Example nose fracture compensation range calculations (solicitor-assessed)
- Broken nose claim FAQ
- SUMMARY Of Nose Fracture And Broken Nose Claims
- Free Legal Help
Payouts Table (2026) For Nose Fracture Claims
| Type Of Fractured Nose | Typical Compensation |
|---|---|
| Simple Fracture | £2,200 – £3,200 |
| Displaced Fracture Requiring Manual Manipulation | £3,200 – £4,000 |
| Displaced Fracture Requiring Surgery | £5,000 – £6,500 |
| Multiple Fractures Several surgeries Damage to airways Difficulty breathing Facial Deformity | £13,000 – £28,500 |
| Nose Fracture Combined With Loss Of Sense Of Smell / Taste | £24,000 – £48,000 See Loss Of Smell / Taste Payouts |
Our above payouts table – sets out how much you can claim for pain and suffering caused by different types of nose fracture / broken nose. Compensation increases where there is permanent breathing obstruction, deformity, or damage to the nasal septum.
Fractured Nose As A Result Of Criminal Injury
Broken nose payouts as a result of a criminal injury differ from the figures set out in our above payouts table.
Criminal injuries are instead subject to a Criminal Injury Compensation Authority claim.
The CICA has a tariff of payments and regretfully some types of nose fracture claim might be excluded from receiving any payment as a matter of public policy.
What is a nose fracture claim?
If your suffer a nose fracture or broken nose as a result of an accident for which someone else is considered to be “legally at fault” or “legally responsible” – you should be entitled to claim compensation. Such claims are known as “nose fracture claims” or “broken nose personal injury claims”.
Compensation include a sum for both your pain and suffering and financial loss and expense.
You must prove someone other than yourself was at fault to make a successful claim.
The Nasal Complex
Your nose is just one part of the nasal complex. There are internal and external parts of your nose that allow you to breath and for your sense of smell to function correctly.
What types of accident can cause a fractured nose?
Typical accidents that can lead to a broken nose include:
- Road accidents – such as motorcycle collision or car accident.
- Work accident. For example – a fall from a ladder at work.
- Shop accidents. For example – you might be shopping in a supermarket and slip on a wet mopped floor.
- Pavement trip and fall. Such as a trip on a raised kerb stone.
- Medical negligence. A surgical procedure may not have been performed correctly resulting in frature nose or damaged nasal complex.
What are the parts of your nose which can be injured?
Your nose is primarily made up of:
- Two oblong nasal bones.
- The septum – made up of bone and cartilage, which separates your two nostrils.
- Nerves – that give you your sense of smell.
- Nasal airway. Which runs from the back of your nose to your throat and then onto your lungs. This allows you to breathe through your nose.
- Bridge of your nose. Situated at the top of your nose – where the two nasal bones and the nasal septum meet.
How do you know if you have a broken nose?
The symptoms of a broken nose can be extremely painful and can include both bleeding and swelling.
A doctor will determine if you have a fractured nose by feeling the bridge of your nose.
Manual Manipulation Of Your Nose Or Surgery
If a displaced fracture is observed – your doctor can sometimes manually manipulate the nasal bones back into their correct position.
Generally – this is done with the doctor’s hands. However – local anaesthetic will typically be applied first, as it can be an extremely painful procedure.
More serious displaced fractures of the nose will require surgical intervention.
What affects the value of a broken nose claim?
The general factors that determine how much you can claim include the initial severity of your fracture, the time period to recovery and whether you are left with any physical or function deformity.
Cosmetic and visible deformities
You may be left with a number of physical deformities after your broken nose has healed. Generally physical deformity is more common if you were not treated promptly. For example:
Crooked / asymmetrical appearance
Your broken nose may heal in either a bent, twisted, or slanted position making it appear crooked.
Saddle nose
A fractured nose may lead to a depression or dip forming in the bridge of your nose (giving the appearance of a horse saddle). This generally results from cartilage damage that did not receive prompt medical attention.
Nasal hump
When the bridge of your nose is broken – you may develop a new bump or hump when it heals (callous formation).
Widening / Flattening
On healing your nose can appear wider and flatter than before it was fractured.
Chronic swelling
On occasion damaged soft tissue can become permanently enlarged resulting in long-term swelling.
Functional and breathing problems
Deviated septum
A broken nose can cause a permanent shift in the cartilage dividing the nostrils resulting in a crooked septum. A deviated septum generally creates a partial blockage leading to a difficulty breathing.
Perforated septum
A fractured nose resulting in a hole in the septum can lead to a whislling sound when breathing
Nasal valve collapse
Severe breathing difficulties can be caused when a broken nose causes a narrowing in the airway of your nose. This can also give the appearance of a pinched look.
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) medical expert report
Your nasal injuries must be set out in an independent medical report by an expert instructed by your solicitor. Generally – the specialist will be an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) consultant.
Example nose fracture compensation range calculations (solicitor-assessed)
Our more detailed solicitor-calculated examples of nose fracture claim settlements include:
Simple nose fractures (no surgery)
A simple fracture of the nasal bones, which did not require manipulation coupled with a complete recovery. The resultant simple fracture of the nose compensation settlement would be between £2,200 – £3,200.
Displaced fractures (with manipulation)
If your broken nose was displaced (i.e. bones not in line) and manipulation at hospital or by your GP was necessary. In other words – using the hands to manipulate the bones into their correct position. The resultant displaced nose fracture claims settlement will be calculated between £3,200 – £4,000.
Fractures requiring surgery
A displaced nasal bone fracture with a complete recovery and no ongoing symptoms following surgery. Generally – your resultant nose fracture surgery claim payout would be calculated between £5,000 – £6,500.
Multiple fractures with complications
You may experience multiple fractures of your nose that not only require multiple surgeries, but also causes permanent damage to the airways and difficulty in breathing. In addition – you may experience deformity to your face, nerves or tear ducts. Your compensation payout for this type of multiple nose fracture generally would be calculated between £13,000 – £28,500.
Loss of smell and taste claims
Damage to your nose can lead to both the loss of your sense of smell and taste.
For more details of payouts for for different degrees of damage to both your sense of smell and taste – see our loss of taste and smell compensation guise.
Broken nose claim FAQ
Does a nose fracture require surgery to claim compensation?
Can I claim if my nose healed crooked?
Do breathing problems increase compensation for a broken nose?
How long does a nose fracture claim take to settle?
Is a broken nose considered a serious injury?
SUMMARY Of Nose Fracture And Broken Nose Claims
In summary – compensation for a nose fracture claim depends on the severity of the injury, whether surgery was required, and any long-term effects such as breathing difficulties or facial deformity. Simple fractures attract lower payouts, whereas multiple fractures with ongoing symptoms can result in significantly higher compensation settlements.
Free Legal Help
See our personal injury solicitor free telephone / online help options. You can not only ask an online question and speak direct to a solicitor, but also have your nose fracture claim assessed.
