A loss of both arms has the effect of reducing a person to a state of considerable helplessness and as such general damages awards may be in the range of £140,000 to £175,000.

Total loss of one arm would typically see awards in the region of £80,000 where the amputation is at the shoulder. Amputations below the shoulder but above the elbow will typically be in the range of £60,000 to £75,000. Where the amputation is through the elbow the compensation award will normally be at the lower end of this range, the significance here being the size of the remaining stump and the difficulties presented in the use of a prosthesis with a shorter stump.

Amputation below the elbow may see general damages awards of between £50,000 and £60,000, which may depend upon whether or not the amputation was of the dominant arm and the intensity of any residual pains. 

Injuries falling short of amputation but which are extremely serious and leave the injured person no better off than if the arm had been lost may see general damages awards of between £50,000 and £70,000.

Serious injuries of one or both forearms with permanat disability or scarring can see typical compensation awards of £20,000 to £35,000

At the lower end of the spectrum simple fractures of the forearm and where a full recovery was made within a short period of time, would warrant a compensation award of around £3,500, but if left with serious disability then the damages would be up to £12,000