Amputation Claim Solicitors

A traumatic amputation happens at the time of the accident, when the force of the incident severs or destroys a limb beyond saving. A surgical amputation is performed by doctors as a medical intervention, typically because blood supply to the limb has been lost, infection has set in, or tissue damage is too severe for the limb to be preserved. Both may give rise to a compensation claim where the underlying injury was caused by someone else's fault.

Yes, in some circumstances. A claim can still succeed where medical advice led to amputation because of ongoing pain, serious infection, or permanent loss of function caused by the original injury. In these cases, a compensation claim reflects the impact of the original injury and its long-term effects, rather than the fact that the amputation itself was medically recommended.

General damages compensate for your pain, suffering, and the impact the injury has had on your quality of life. Special damages cover financial losses and expenses linked to your injury, which may include past and future loss of earnings, care and support needs, prosthetic limbs and long-term replacement costs, home adaptations, specialist equipment, rehabilitation, and travel expenses.

Our Personal Injury Solicitors will work to ensure you receive the compensation that reflects all of your current and future needs. We understand the concerns many people have about their financial security after a life-changing injury, and we will carefully assess the effect the injury has had on both you and your family.

You usually have three years from the date of your accident to start a claim, as set out in the Limitation Act 1980. If the Claimant is under 18 years of age, they cannot make a claim themselves. An adult can claim on their behalf as a litigation friend. Once the Claimant turns 18 years old, they have until their 21st birthday to make a claim.

Different time limits may apply in certain circumstances, including where the injured person lacks the mental capacity to bring a claim themselves. Contacting us as early as possible allows us to assess the applicable time limits and preserve important evidence.

We work with case managers, prosthetic specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychological therapists, and accommodation experts. Where the other side has accepted liability, we push for early interim payments to fund private rehabilitation without any delay. We know that getting the right rehabilitation in place early can make a big difference to your long-term prognosis.

An interim payment is an advance payment made before the claim reaches final settlement. If the other side has admitted or is likely to admit responsibility, we can apply for funds to cover prosthetics, home adaptations, care, and lost earnings. These payments can substantially reduce the financial pressure on your family during the recovery period.

A lump-sum payment can affect means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, if it is counted as capital. A personal injury trust holds your award separately from your personal assets, placing it outside benefit assessments. Our Court of Protection Solicitors can advise on whether a trust is appropriate for your circumstances and set one up as part of your claim.

Most amputation claims take several years to resolve, although the exact timeframe will depend on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether responsibility is disputed. Claims involving serious injuries often require time to fully understand the long-term impact of the amputation, including future rehabilitation, prosthetic requirements, and ongoing support needs, before the claim can be accurately valued. Settling a claim too early may risk future needs and costs not being fully considered.

Yes, you may be able to bring a claim if your amputation resulted from an accident at work caused by your employer's negligence or a breach of health and safety regulations. Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, including proper training, maintenance of machinery, and adequate protective equipment. If that duty is breached and you suffered serious injury as a result, including amputation, you may be entitled to compensation.

Will I need to attend court to settle my amputation claim?
Most amputation claims are resolved without the need to attend court. Your Solicitor will negotiate with the Defendant or their insurers to reach a fair settlement. However, if liability is disputed or a suitable settlement cannot be agreed upon, court proceedings may be necessary. Even then, many cases still settle before reaching a final hearing.

How is the value of an amputation claim assessed?
The value of your claim is based on medical evidence, expert reports, and the impact the injury has on your life. This includes the severity and level of the amputation, your age, your occupation, and how your day-to-day life has been affected. Independent experts are often instructed to assess your long-term needs, including prosthetics, care, and accommodation, to ensure any settlement reflects your future requirements as accurately as possible.

Call us on 0800 260 5010 or request a callback. A member of our Major Trauma Unit will speak with you, listen to what happened, and explain what we might be able to do. The first conversation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.