Amputation Negligence Claims

If you or a loved one has had an amputation resulting from medical negligence such as surgical errors or misdiagnosis, you could be able to claim financial compensation.

Our team of experienced solicitors is here to support you through the legal process, and help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Can I make an amputation negligence claim?

You may be eligible to claim compensation if a medical error led to an amputation that could have been avoided. By making a claim, you may be able to access funds to support ongoing medical treatment, prosthetics, or modifications to your home.

We also consider the psychological impact of such a life-changing event, to make sure the compensation reflects the true impact on your life.

What is amputation caused by medical negligence?

Amputation caused by medical negligence typically occurs when a preventable issue such as a misdiagnosis, treatment delays, or other surgical errors, lead to complications that result in the need to amputate a limb.

Although amputation is sometimes unavoidable, as in cases of severe infection, there are situations where prompt medical attention could have prevented it.

Examples of medical negligence leading to amputation include:

Failure to Diagnose Diseases: Missing signs of serious conditions, such as cancer or vascular disease, can cause irreversible damage requiring amputation.
Infections Due to Poor Hygiene: Hospital-acquired infections or untreated conditions like cellulitis can lead to sepsis, sometimes necessitating amputation.
Clinical and Surgical Errors: Blood flow restrictions, nerve damage, or mismanaged conditions can contribute to tissue damage. In extreme cases, surgical errors may result in amputation of the wrong limb.

Every case is unique, but if you believe medical negligence has led to an unnecessary amputation, contact us to discuss your case.

Rehabilitation and support after an amputation

We understand the serious impact that amputation has on daily life and well-being. Compensation aims to ease this transition by funding essential support and lifestyle adjustments.

As a law firm that truly cares about the people we help, there are a number of additional areas in which we can support you, including:

Changes to Employment: If your amputation limits or prevents you from working, we seek compensation to cover lost income and support your future.
Home Modifications: Amputation may require modifications to your home, such as ramps or adjusted living spaces, which can be costly.
Rehabilitation and Psychological Support: Adapting to life after amputation is a long journey. We factor in the costs of rehabilitation and the psychological effects to ensure comprehensive support.
Specialist Transportation Needs: Adaptations to your vehicle or support for public transport use may be necessary, and we include these in our claim calculations.
Prosthetics and Ongoing Care: Prosthetic limbs are costly and may require adjustments over time. We work to include these expenses, as well as rehabilitation, in your compensation.

Our solicitors will meticulously analyse all possible losses and requirements in both “general damages” (physical injuries) and “special damages” (financial losses and personal impact) to make sure you receive all the compensation that is rightfully owed to you and your specific needs.

No win, no fee amputation claims

Our team can represent you on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you only pay if your claim is successful. This approach protects you from financial risk and allows you to pursue your case confidently.

If you're unsure about making a claim, contact us for a free initial consultation.

What evidence is needed for an amputation claim?

To support your claim, certain documentation can strengthen your case. While it’s not always possible to have all the relevant information immediately, we’ll guide you in gathering what’s required. Useful evidence includes:

Medical documentation, including surgery notes and doctor’s letters
Receipts for expenses, such as travel or home adjustments
Proof of any lost earnings, especially if you’ve had to stop working

Witness statements can also be helpful, so keep a record of anyone who may have insight into the circumstances of your case.

Time limits for amputation negligence claims

Generally, the time limit for making an amputation claim is three years from the date of injury or diagnosis. Exceptions to this timeframe include:

For Children: A claim can be made up until their 18th birthday, after which they have three more years to file independently.
For Mental Incapacity: If the injured person is mentally incapacitated, the three-year limit does not apply (unless the mental incapacity is temporary) and a loved one can make a claim on behalf of the injured person instead.

Starting your claim early can help secure the best evidence, so contact us as soon as possible if you think you may have a case.

How much compensation can i expect for an amputation claim?

Compensation for amputation varies significantly based on the limb involved, the impact on your life, and your personal circumstances. Common considerations include costs for:

Prosthetic Limbs: Replacement and maintenance of prosthetic limbs can be a lifelong expense.
Medical and Therapy Costs: Compensation includes both immediate and long-term treatment needs.
Home and Vehicle Modifications: Adjustments can be necessary to make daily life accessible.

The Judicial College Guidelines offer indicative figures for amputation-related injuries, but these compensation amounts don’t include all other costs and losses, which can make a total compensation award significantly higher. The JCG compensation figures include:

Loss of both arms: up to £255,000
Loss of one arm: £82,000 to £117,000
Finger amputation: up to £77,000 depending on remaining hand use
Loss of both legs: up to £240,000
Toe or foot amputation: £11,000 to £171,000, depending on severity

Further costs and compensation can be recovered for a wide range of rehabilitation and support services after the event, including:

Physical therapy

Regaining mobility and strength is essential after an amputation. Compensation can cover the cost of:

Specialist physiotherapy sessions to improve balance and coordination.
Fitness programs tailored to help you adapt to prosthetics or other mobility aids.

Occupational therapy

Adjusting to daily activities can be challenging after an amputation. Occupational therapy focuses on:

Learning new techniques for personal care, cooking, or using household appliances.
Identifying tools or devices to enhance your independence.

Psychological support

The emotional toll of an amputation can be significant. We make sure that claims include funding for psychological support, such as:

Counselling or therapy sessions to address grief, anxiety, or depression.
Support groups or peer mentoring programs to connect with others who’ve experienced similar challenges.

Prosthetics and ongoing care

Prosthetic limbs are a vital part of recovery for many amputees. We factor in the costs of:

High-quality prosthetics tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Regular maintenance, adjustments, and replacements over time.
Training programs to help you learn how to use your prosthetic effectively.

Home and vehicle modifications

Compensation can cover essential changes to your living and transport arrangements, including:

Installing ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms in your home.
Adapting vehicles to accommodate wheelchairs or prosthetics.
Relocating to a more accessible home if modifications are not feasible.

Specialist equipment and mobility aids

Modern technology offers a range of devices to enhance quality of life after an amputation, such as:

Advanced wheelchairs or motorised scooters.
Smart home systems designed to assist with daily tasks.

Vocational training and career support

If your amputation affects your ability to return to your previous job, we include provisions for:

Retraining programs to help you explore new career opportunities.
Advice and support for transitioning back into the workplace.

Our team will carefully review your case to pursue the highest compensation possible, reflecting both the physical and emotional impact of your injury.

What’s the legal process for an amputation negligence claim?

Making an amputation negligence claim can seem daunting, but understanding the key stages of the legal process can make it more manageable.

Our experienced solicitors will guide you through each step, to help you feel informed and supported.

Initial consultation

The process begins with a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss your case with our legal team. During this meeting, we’ll:

Listen to your account of what happened.
Assess whether your case meets the criteria for medical negligence.
Advise on the next steps and your likelihood of success.

Evidence gathering

To build the best possible case for you we undertake extensive and comprehensive evidence gathering. Our team will help you collect and review:

Medical records, including diagnosis notes, surgical reports, and discharge summaries.
Expert opinions from independent medical professionals to confirm negligence.
Witness statements from family members, friends, or colleagues who can describe the impact on your life.
Documentation of financial losses, such as receipts for expenses and proof of lost earnings.

Filing the claim

Once all the relevant evidence has been collected, your solicitor will draft and file a formal letter of claim to the responsible party such as the hospital trust or private healthcare provider. This document will outline:

The nature of the negligence.
The impact of the injury on your life.
The compensation being sought.

Negotiation and settlement

In many cases, the defendant may accept liability and enter negotiations to settle the claim out of court. Your solicitor will work hard to secure a fair and comprehensive settlement that reflects the full impact of your injury.

Court proceedings

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court. Our team will:

Represent you throughout the legal proceedings.
Present your case clearly, supported by expert testimony and evidence.
Fight for the full compensation you deserve.

While court proceedings can feel intimidating, rest assured that our solicitors have extensive experience in handling complex claims and will support you at every stage.

Why choose wolferstans?

Amputation due to medical negligence is deeply impactful, often bringing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At Wolferstans, we are dedicated to securing comprehensive compensation that supports you long-term, not just financially but with practical and rehabilitative needs. We listen to every client’s story, ensuring a compassionate approach tailored to getting your life back on track.

Forefoot amputation due to GP negligence

We helped Mr B recover compensation following an amputation of part of his foot after negligence from his GP in failing to properly diagnose a vascular problem.

He was originally given cream for what the GP diagnosed as athletes foot, and then despite returning to the surgery several times with more severe symptoms, he was told to continue using the cream and then was later given antibiotics for a misdiagnosed infection.

As his toes began to turn black, he attended hospital where they attempted a procedure to resolve the blood flow issues, which was unsuccessful, leading to an amputation.

Mr B had to leave his job as he was unable to operate his vehicle with his amputation. His quality of life was dramatically affected and he required the use of a wheelchair as it was still incredibly painful for him to walk.

More information on claiming for medical negligence with Wolferstans

What to expect during your free consultation
List of all medical negligene claims we can help you claim for
How to make a medical negligence claim
Funding options for medical negligence claims
More information on claiming on behalf of someone else
See how we've helped others in your position
Our accreditations
Helpful leaflets to download