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Limb loss or amputation caused by an accident can cause a profound physical and emotional impact on all aspects of life, be it work or education, relationships, home and family life, social and recreational activities.
At Boyes Turner, the rehabilitation and care needs of our clients and their loved ones are the focus of our attention from the start of a claim, to help amputees adjust to the challenges they face and rebuild their lives after a serious injury.
If you have had an accident that was not your fault, which has resulted in an amputation, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
Whether it is as a result of a road traffic accident, an accident at work or in a public place or as a result of a serious assault, our specialist amputation solicitors will ensure you receive practical advice and support tailored to the individual needs of you and your family.
Our dedicated amputation solicitors have extensive experience of supporting claims that involve amputation resulting from a serious trauma.
We are here to listen to you, support you and understand what you want to achieve. Our aim is to make sure that you are able to get access to the most appropriate and effective treatment and rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological support and counselling, advice on getting back to work or education, to help get your life back on track, as well as receive the right amount of compensation to provide you with peace of mind for the future.
The impact can be far-reaching and the adjustment to everyday life can be challenging, but we aim to ensure that you and your family are not alone and have access to a wide range of legal and practical advice when you need it most.
Our specialist team will guide you through your likely immediate and future needs, such as suitable prosthetics, adaptations to home or car, bespoke mobility aids and specialist equipment. We can even help you return to pre-accident hobbies such as cycling or skiing.
Whatever your aims, our expert amputation solicitors are here to work with you to accomplish them. To find out how call us on 0800 124 4845 or get in touch using our online form today.
If you have suffered serious injury resulting in an amputation our specialist amputation solicitors can help you adapt, rebuild and move forward with your life. You could be able to claim compensation if someone else is responsible for an amputation you have undergone (or are due to undergo). This could be the result of a road traffic accident, an accident at work or negligent medical care. Our specialist solicitors are here to advise you and help you find out if you have an amputation compensation claim. The amount you could receive may be substantial and could play a significant role in your ability to access support and rehabilitation for the rest of your life. There are also certain circumstances under which you can make a claim on someone’s behalf:
If you are unsure if you have a claim or would like to know if you can claim on behalf of another person, please contact us – get in touch using our online form or call us on 0800 124 4845.
When an accident that was not your fault leads to the amputation, you can turn to us. We will draw on substantial amputation claims expertise to ensure you receive the treatment, advice and support you need. We are one of the most experienced amputation claims firms in the UK – with a proven record in helping people just like you who want to rebuild their lives.
We have established close relationships with rehabilitation providers, support organisations, amputation charities and leading prosthetic and rehabilitation experts. It means we have a strong understanding of challenges you now face – and how best to deal with them.
Our personal injury claims team – led by Kim Smerdon – is also recognised for its commitment to the highest standards of care, dedication and service to our clients. Our solicitors are:
But perhaps the most compelling reason why you can count on us to support your amputation injury claim are the results we have achieved for others. For the stories of the people we have helped already, our previous amputation claims offer an insight into what we can do for you.
If you would like to find out more, phone 0800 124 4845 or contact us and speak to our team.
You may not have to wait until the end of a successful amputation claim to receive financial assistance.
In certain cases, early financial assistance can be obtained to help cover financial losses incurred as a result of the amputation, for example as a result of not being able to work.
Early financial assistance can also help to pay for immediate needs such as rehabilitation, medical treatment, mobility aids, prosthetics and care.
There are many ways that an amputation can occur as a result of medical negligence. Our expert solicitors can help clients bring amputation claims as a result of:
A major cause of amputation is serious trauma, traumatic injury caused by a car accident, motorbike accident, cycle accident or accident at work, in factories involving unguarded machinery or on construction sites. Over 55% of upper limb amputees are as a result of serious trauma.
Another common reason for an amputation is a loss of blood supplied to the affected limb. This can be caused by severe burns or gunshot wounds causing injury to the blood vessels and/or other body tissue leaving no alternative other than amputation.
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The NHS defines amputation as the surgical removal of part of the body, which could be a leg or an arm, fingers or toes There are two main situations where an amputation can happen:
Traumatic: A sudden and catastrophic accident can result in the immediate loss of a limb. Some of the most common causes include motorbike accidents, cycle accidents or accidents at work, for example on a construction site or involving dangerous or heavy machinery.
This is known as traumatic amputation. In the immediate aftermath, it can be a life-threatening injury due to the loss of blood involved. It is not fatal in many cases – but long-term effects can be particularly distressing.
Surgical: Some injuries suffered in a serious accident can be so severe that doctors – as well as patients – must consider amputation as a last resort. There are numerous reasons why this may be the case in your experience, which can include:
It is not only injuries suffered in an accident that can result in a surgical amputation. It can also be one of the most serious consequences of medical negligence or mistreatment. Conditions such as sepsis or diabetes are a common cause of surgical amputations in the UK.
How is a surgical amputation performed?An amputation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic or an epidural anaesthetic.There may also be times when additional techniques are needed during surgery to help improve the function of the residual limb and reduce the risk of complications. These include:
Amputations are relatively rare – but that is little consolation if you are coming to terms with the loss of a limb or another part of your body.
For 2018-9, there were nearly 18,000 finished consultant episodes (FCE) in NHS hospitals across England where an amputation was performed. The total number was up 3% on the previous year and covers a variety of causes – including serious trauma and accidents.
The most common type of amputation performed involved the lower limbs.
But data from NHS hospitals in England does also show a 5% drop in the number of FCEs dealing with traumatic amputations. This figure was, however, still more than 4,700 – with 90% of these involving the wrist or hand. Men appear more likely to experience amputation than women too.
The loss of a limb has a major impact – and not just physically. Effects are also often emotional, psychological and financial. Here are some of the common ways that you may be affected:
Physical: After an amputation, the remaining limb takes time to heal and may be painful. How long you must stay in hospital will depend on the type of amputation and your overall health. It can also affect:
Psychological: An amputation can also have an impact that is often unseen. If you lose a limb or another part of the body, you may experience a range of emotions such as:
No matter how the loss of a limb affects you, our amputation solicitors can help you to find the rehabilitation and counselling you need to rebuild as part of the claims process.
It can take several months before a prosthetic limb can be fitted. But one might not be suitable for you – especially if it is a lower prosthetic limb. This will depend on:
You can – and a prosthetic expert can recommend an alternative prosthesis for you. The cost of a suitable, custom-made limb – plus any cosmetic covering – will be included in the amputation claim. We will seek an interim payment to fund the best limb for you as quickly as possible.
A prosthetist can also consider extra prosthetics specific to your interests and hobbies – such as running, cycling or swimming, as well as replacement prosthetics
Two of the most common types of amputation include:Lower limb amputation
Upper limb amputation
An amputation can also be performed on other parts of the face and body, such as the nose or breast. For more information about the different types of amputation, the Limbless Association has created a factsheet.
Doctors as well as patients generally consider amputation as a last resort. Some of the reasons that amputations can be beneficial are:
Like any surgical procedure, an amputation is not without its risks. In the immediate aftermath of your surgery, this can include post-operative pain, bleeding or phantom limb pain – the feeling of pain or sensation in the limb that is removed.
Later risks can include muscle contractures, infection or pressure sores caused by a lack of mobility or unsuitable prosthetics/liners/sockets, hip or back strains and pains, as well as the need for further surgery, deep vein thrombosis or heart problems.
It is important that the medical experts in your case identify any likely risks in the future to ensure that this is taken into account when settling your claim.
The remaining limb will take time to heal and may be painful. The length of the hospital stay will depend on the type of amputation carried out and general state of health.
After recovery of the surgery, a number of different health professionals, such as an occupational therapist and physiotherapist, will help to form a care plan before the patient is discharged home.
It can take several months before a prosthetic limb can be fitted if one is appropriate. The residual limb will change in shape and size over a period of 12-24 months. This means that fitting the prosthesis is likely to be an evolving process over this period of change.
People who have had an amputation often experience a psychological impact of the procedure. They may suffer from depression, or grief and a form of bereavement that has been recognised as similar to experiencing the death of a loved one.
A successful amputation compensation claim cannot turn back the clock, but it can go a long way towards helping an amputee and their loved ones adjust to their new life and what comes next.
The aim of a personal injury compensation claim is to put an injured person back to the financial position they would have been in had they not had their accident.
It will help to fund all the immediate and future costs associated with life as an amputee:
A claim can also make sure the person or organisation at fault is held to account. If the accident was avoidable, a claim can change how things are done to make sure it never happens again. If you would like to find out more, call us on 0800 124 4845 or get in touch using our online form.
Our amputation solicitors know that complicated and unsettling legal action is the last thing you need after losing a limb. But we are here to make the process simple, clear and straightforward.
The start of the process is completely in your hands. By calling 0800 124 4845 or contacting us using our online form, we arrange a free initial consultation to find out about your injury in your own words. We will let you know if we think you have a claim, as well as your funding options.
After that, our solicitors will work on your behalf – starting by gathering evidence or statements that can help build your case. You will need to undergo medical examinations with independent medical experts to help us to fully appreciate the impact of your injury and your immediate and long term needs.
When we have all the necessary information and reports, we will advise you on the level of compensation you should expect to receive and contact the insurer of the party at fault to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
There are two parts to any amputation compensation award – general and special damages.
General damages reflect the pain and suffering you experience. The amount you could receive is determined by Judicial College guidelines and we will advise you on the likely amount you can expect to receive for your specific injuries once we have obtained the appropriate medical evidence.
Special damages cover financial losses and costs that relate to how you personally are impacted by the loss of a limb. As specialist amputation claim solicitors, we will look at:
It is common for us to get expert evidence to decide what your specific needs are. This means someone with expertise in care, prosthetics, accommodation and physiotherapy will provide us with a report. This will also be factored into the amount we believe you should receive.
If your amputation claim is a success, this will let you opt for private treatment and therapy not necessarily available through the NHS. It can include a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon or a prosthetist before the amputation to ensure you are suitable for a prosthetic replacement.
It can affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits if you receive amputation compensation but you can protect both the amount you are awarded and ensure you are still eligible for benefits by setting up a Personal Injury Trust.
Receiving benefits should not stop you from pursuing an amputation claim. But you should seek expert legal advice on this. Our specialist amputation claim solicitors can help with this. Contact us by calling 0800 124 4845 or getting in touch via our online form to find out more.
How long a claim takes will depend on how complex it is and if the other party admits liability. A claim can also be delayed until the full impact of your amputation is known.
Our team will, however, try to obtain an early admission of liability from the defendant and early funding to help you as soon as possible. At all stages of the process, we provide regular updates on how your claim is progressing – including any likely timeframe for your claim to be settled.
If you suffer an amputation in an accident and can prove that someone else is at fault, you may be entitled to make a claim. We are here to help make that happen – all you need to do to make a start is contact us. Call 0800 124 4845 or get in touch and speak to legal experts you can depend on.
No. Your care should not be affected in any way.
Your GP and/or the hospital do not have the right to refuse medical care as a result of a claim against them. You may, however, feel more comfortable looking for an alternative health care provider.
Most amputation claims are settled successfully with no need to go court. This, however, cannot be guaranteed. If either fault or the value of your claim is not agreed, the court process may be required. If this happens with your claim, we will continue to support you through the process.
If you receive a lump sum, this will fall into your estate and pass in accordance with your will. If you do not have a will, this money is dealt with under intestacy rules.
Yes – if an accommodation expert finds that your home is not suitable for your needs and that no adaptations or extensions can make it suitable. The expert will consider your specific needs, which includes your level of mobility – as well as the aids, equipment and care you require.
An accommodation claim can also include any moving costs, adaptations to the new home and any costs relating to the new property – such as maintenance.
You often have three years in which to start an amputation claim. There are exceptions to this rule, however, which are claims made on behalf of:
Our amputation claim specialists can advise you further if you are not sure. But we will always advise speaking to us as soon as possible. Early legal advice can help ensure that no evidence is lost before we have the chance to build a strong case.
For certain claims, it can also help us get early interim payments to pay for much needed aids, equipment or treatment.
Our specialist amputation solicitors are here to help as many people as possible. That is why we may be able to support your claim on a no win no fee basis. This minimises the risk to you if the claim, for whatever reason, is not successful. Find out more from our guide to funding a claim.
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