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Amputation claims from medical negligence

Our amputation solicitors secure life-changing compensation settlements and provision for adapted accommodation, equipment and prosthetics for amputees who have lost limbs as a result of medical negligence.

Losing a limb is life-changing, affecting independence and daily activities. Amputees may face challenges with work, travel and home life, alongside fantom limb pain, psychological impacts and strain on family relationships. Compensation provides much needed funds for rehabilitation, prosthetics and peace of mind.

If your amputation was caused by poor medical care or a negligent accident we can help you claim the compensation you need to restore your independence through rehabilitation and prosthetics, specialist equipment and a suitably adapted home.

Get in touch with our experienced medical negligence solicitors - we can help.

Starting your amputation negligence compensation claim

For over 30 years, Boyes Turner’s amputation solicitors have guided amputee clients through the medical negligence claims process to secure maximum compensation and specialist support to help them regain their independence and rebuild their lives.

You can contact us by telephone or by email for a free, no obligation, consultation. All of our consultations are with a specialist solicitor. We will talk with you about the circumstances and events leading up to your amputation and confirm that we are able to help you bring your claim.

During our initial discussion, we listen to you talk through the history and events leading up to your amputation and the consequences of your amputation to understand your situation and see how we can help. We will talk you through what to expect from the investigation and legal process and the possible timescales involved.

We will obtain expert evidence which supports your claim and then put your claim to the healthcare provider to give them a chance to take responsibility. If liability is accepted, we will obtain an immediate substantial interim payment to support your rehabilitation and to meet your ongoing needs. Your claim then continues as we put in place the evidence needed to ensure you receive full compensation to meet all your lifelong needs as a consequence of your amputation and to reduce the impact of your amputation on your life.

If liability is denied, we will start court proceedings and your claim will run through the court process for us to prove your claim and maximise your compensation settlement or award while seeking to resolve your claim as soon as possible.

Amputation negligence claim FAQs

What is amputation negligence?

Limb loss and amputation is a risk associated with many health conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and severe infection or sepsis, but amputations and limb loss can often be avoided with appropriate medical care. Where delayed, insufficient or incorrect treatment results in amputation, the amputee may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim for compensation.

Amputation negligence claims aim to compensate the injured person for their injury and their financial losses, and provide for their needs arising from their negligently-caused disability. Rehabilitation after amputation often focusses on restoring mobility through bespoke prosthetics, specialist wheelchairs, adapted vehicles and home adaptations, but can also involve vocational rehabilitation, care and support, private medical or surgical treatment and therapies and psychological counselling. Compensation after amputation can also restore the amputee’s sense of inclusion and wellbeing by enabling them to participate fully in family life and providing safe, adaptable access to their former work, sports, and hobbies.

How do I know if I have an amputation claim?

You may have an amputation negligence claim if your amputation was caused, or made necessary, by avoidable mistakes or substandard medical care. In some cases, the healthcare provider may inform you that something went wrong; in others, you may simply have concerns about your treatment and want answers. Whatever your situation, our specialist solicitors can review your case in detail, investigate the care you received or circumstances of your accident and injury, and advise on your prospects of succeeding in your claim.

What types of medical mistakes lead to amputation negligence claims?

Types of medical mistakes that lead to amputation negligence claims include:

  • failure to risk assess and manage for patients with diabetes;
  • delay or failure to diagnose and treat foot injuries and conditions, such as ulcers, lacerations and Charcot foot;
  • failure to diagnose and properly treat infection and sepsis;
  • delay or failure to diagnose and treat signs of peripheral ischaemia;
  • delay or failure to manage, diagnose and/or treat venous thromboembolism (VTE, DVT, blood clots, thrombosis) and coagulation problems;  
  • medication errors;
  • delay or failure to diagnose cancer;
  • errors in surgical or post-operative care.

What compensation can I receive in an amputation claim?

Our medical negligence amputation solicitors work closely with our clients and experts to ensure that each client recovers their full entitlement to compensation.

Depending on the individual’s injury, needs and circumstances, they may receive compensation for:

  • pain and suffering and disability;
  • specialist prosthetics (artificial limbs, hands, feet);
  • private medical and surgical treatment and rehabilitation;
  • costs of therapies, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy (OT) or psychological counselling;
  • adapted vehicles and other types of specialist equipment;
  • necessary home adaptations;
  • psychological counselling;
  • cost of care and domestic assistance;
  • loss of earnings and pension;
  • private medical treatment;
  • other costs and expenses arising from their disability, such as increased holiday costs.

In each case, the aim of the compensation is to put the injured person back in the position that they would have been in if the negligence hadn’t happened, in so far as money can.

In a medical negligence claim, the amount of compensation that an injured person receives depends on:

  • the injury or disability that was caused by negligent care, and its severity;
  • the cost of meeting the individual’s needs arising from that disability in the past, present and future, e.g. for care, home adaptations, therapies, and equipment;
  • the financial losses that were caused by the injury, such as loss of earnings;
  • how long it is expected that the person will have the need or suffer the loss.

Compensation settlements may also take into account serious risks to the case or complexities in the evidence which result in apportionments of liability at an earlier stage of the claim.

Can I get help with costs before my amputation case reaches a conclusion?

The sooner a client contacts us after receiving a diagnosis that they need an amputation, the sooner we can carry out the necessary investigation to prove the claim and request an interim (advance) payment.

We work hard to secure early admissions of liability. This enables us to obtain substantial interim payments to begin easing the financial hardship which often follows a devastating injury.

We use interim payments to make a real difference to the injured person and their family by getting care, rehabilitation, and therapies underway as soon as possible.

By understanding and targeting provision for our clients’ needs early in the claims process, we help restore our clients’ mobility, independence, and ability to participate fully in family and social life, long before the claim has concluded.

Am I protected if I am at risk of a future amputation?

Where our client is injured as a result of negligent medical care but also has an increased risk of needing an amputation in future, their settlement can provide full compensation for the current injury including the future risk. This type of settlement is beneficial for clients who prefer to conclude their claim in one settlement, and for those who prefer a final settlement which provides closure.

For some clients who have a significant risk of amputation in future which, if it occurred, would significantly increase their disability, we may recommend that their settlement initially compensates their current injury, retaining their right to claim further compensation if the future amputation is needed, via a ‘provisional damages’ order.

A provisional damages claim allows the injured person to return to court for more compensation if they suffer a specific deterioration in their condition in future, such as the need for an amputation. A provisional damages settlement means that if the specified deterioration occurs, such as the later amputation, the impact of that additional disability and the client’s additional needs can be fully assessed with certainty at that time, ensuring that the new disability is properly compensated.

We advise each client about their settlement options and discuss with them our recommendations to ensure that they receive their compensation in the way that best suits their needs and preferences.

How long do I have to make an amputation claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your amputation, or from the date you first became aware that negligent care may have caused your amputation, to start a claim. There are different rules for children and for those who lack mental capacity. Other issues may also be relevant, such as whether your amputation is a result of a breach of contract or injury associated with air or boat travel. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible to allow a review of your circumstances and confirm the time limits that apply to your case.

How long does an amputation negligence claim take?

The length of an amputation negligence claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case and number of expert disciplines required to establish liability and determine value, the success of rehabilitation and long term prognosis, and whether the defendant admits or denies liability. Many amputation claims can be resolved within 18–24 months, particularly if liability is accepted early. More complex cases, or those where liability is disputed, are likely to take longer.

Do amputation claims end up in court?

Almost all amputation claims are resolved without the need for a contested trial at court. The reason for this is that the claim is meticulously investigated and prepared for court ensuring that the best possible settlement can be negotiated and the risks of trial avoided. Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial both maximising the prospects of the best negotiated settlement and ensuring our client is in the strongest possible position should trial be necessary.

 

What is amputation negligence?

Limb loss and amputation is a risk associated with many health conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and severe infection or sepsis, but amputations and limb loss can often be avoided with appropriate medical care. Where delayed, insufficient or incorrect treatment results in amputation, the amputee may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim for compensation.

Amputation negligence claims aim to compensate the injured person for their injury and their financial losses, and provide for their needs arising from their negligently-caused disability. Rehabilitation after amputation often focusses on restoring mobility through bespoke prosthetics, specialist wheelchairs, adapted vehicles and home adaptations, but can also involve vocational rehabilitation, care and support, private medical or surgical treatment and therapies and psychological counselling. Compensation after amputation can also restore the amputee’s sense of inclusion and wellbeing by enabling them to participate fully in family life and providing safe, adaptable access to their former work, sports, and hobbies.

How do I know if I have an amputation claim?

You may have an amputation negligence claim if your amputation was caused, or made necessary, by avoidable mistakes or substandard medical care. In some cases, the healthcare provider may inform you that something went wrong; in others, you may simply have concerns about your treatment and want answers. Whatever your situation, our specialist solicitors can review your case in detail, investigate the care you received or circumstances of your accident and injury, and advise on your prospects of succeeding in your claim.

What types of medical mistakes lead to amputation negligence claims?

Types of medical mistakes that lead to amputation negligence claims include:

  • failure to risk assess and manage for patients with diabetes;
  • delay or failure to diagnose and treat foot injuries and conditions, such as ulcers, lacerations and Charcot foot;
  • failure to diagnose and properly treat infection and sepsis;
  • delay or failure to diagnose and treat signs of peripheral ischaemia;
  • delay or failure to manage, diagnose and/or treat venous thromboembolism (VTE, DVT, blood clots, thrombosis) and coagulation problems;  
  • medication errors;
  • delay or failure to diagnose cancer;
  • errors in surgical or post-operative care.

What compensation can I receive in an amputation claim?

Our medical negligence amputation solicitors work closely with our clients and experts to ensure that each client recovers their full entitlement to compensation.

Depending on the individual’s injury, needs and circumstances, they may receive compensation for:

  • pain and suffering and disability;
  • specialist prosthetics (artificial limbs, hands, feet);
  • private medical and surgical treatment and rehabilitation;
  • costs of therapies, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy (OT) or psychological counselling;
  • adapted vehicles and other types of specialist equipment;
  • necessary home adaptations;
  • psychological counselling;
  • cost of care and domestic assistance;
  • loss of earnings and pension;
  • private medical treatment;
  • other costs and expenses arising from their disability, such as increased holiday costs.

In each case, the aim of the compensation is to put the injured person back in the position that they would have been in if the negligence hadn’t happened, in so far as money can.

In a medical negligence claim, the amount of compensation that an injured person receives depends on:

  • the injury or disability that was caused by negligent care, and its severity;
  • the cost of meeting the individual’s needs arising from that disability in the past, present and future, e.g. for care, home adaptations, therapies, and equipment;
  • the financial losses that were caused by the injury, such as loss of earnings;
  • how long it is expected that the person will have the need or suffer the loss.

Compensation settlements may also take into account serious risks to the case or complexities in the evidence which result in apportionments of liability at an earlier stage of the claim.

Can I get help with costs before my amputation case reaches a conclusion?

The sooner a client contacts us after receiving a diagnosis that they need an amputation, the sooner we can carry out the necessary investigation to prove the claim and request an interim (advance) payment.

We work hard to secure early admissions of liability. This enables us to obtain substantial interim payments to begin easing the financial hardship which often follows a devastating injury.

We use interim payments to make a real difference to the injured person and their family by getting care, rehabilitation, and therapies underway as soon as possible.

By understanding and targeting provision for our clients’ needs early in the claims process, we help restore our clients’ mobility, independence, and ability to participate fully in family and social life, long before the claim has concluded.

Am I protected if I am at risk of a future amputation?

Where our client is injured as a result of negligent medical care but also has an increased risk of needing an amputation in future, their settlement can provide full compensation for the current injury including the future risk. This type of settlement is beneficial for clients who prefer to conclude their claim in one settlement, and for those who prefer a final settlement which provides closure.

For some clients who have a significant risk of amputation in future which, if it occurred, would significantly increase their disability, we may recommend that their settlement initially compensates their current injury, retaining their right to claim further compensation if the future amputation is needed, via a ‘provisional damages’ order.

A provisional damages claim allows the injured person to return to court for more compensation if they suffer a specific deterioration in their condition in future, such as the need for an amputation. A provisional damages settlement means that if the specified deterioration occurs, such as the later amputation, the impact of that additional disability and the client’s additional needs can be fully assessed with certainty at that time, ensuring that the new disability is properly compensated.

We advise each client about their settlement options and discuss with them our recommendations to ensure that they receive their compensation in the way that best suits their needs and preferences.

How long do I have to make an amputation claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your amputation, or from the date you first became aware that negligent care may have caused your amputation, to start a claim. There are different rules for children and for those who lack mental capacity. Other issues may also be relevant, such as whether your amputation is a result of a breach of contract or injury associated with air or boat travel. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible to allow a review of your circumstances and confirm the time limits that apply to your case.

How long does an amputation negligence claim take?

The length of an amputation negligence claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case and number of expert disciplines required to establish liability and determine value, the success of rehabilitation and long term prognosis, and whether the defendant admits or denies liability. Many amputation claims can be resolved within 18–24 months, particularly if liability is accepted early. More complex cases, or those where liability is disputed, are likely to take longer.

Do amputation claims end up in court?

Almost all amputation claims are resolved without the need for a contested trial at court. The reason for this is that the claim is meticulously investigated and prepared for court ensuring that the best possible settlement can be negotiated and the risks of trial avoided. Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial both maximising the prospects of the best negotiated settlement and ensuring our client is in the strongest possible position should trial be necessary.

Kevin's story
An amputation negligence claim
Watch the video
3 mins 33 secs
Watch the video
3 mins 33 secs

Kevin had diabetes and a history of foot problems, including reduced sensation (neuropathy) and ulceration. This meant that he was at increased risk of losing his feet from complications when he suffered a minor injury. His amputation followed multiple missed opportunities by practitioners at his GP surgery and a hospital radiology (x-ray) department to refer him for specialist foot care and to diagnose his condition.

Kevin’s claim included compensation for his pain and suffering, partial loss of earnings, extra care, increased accommodation costs, equipment, and therapies. Prior to settlement, interim payments paid for bespoke prosthetic limbs, including a water activity limb, enabling him to return to his former hobby of kayaking.

“I couldn’t have wished for a better partner. The journey with Julie was interesting! The team that was assembled certainly knew their stuff, which meant I got all the necessary support to keep going. Thank you all.”

Read Kevin’s full story in our previous cases

Our amputation negligence cases

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What our clients say

"Cauda equina settlement"

Julie marsh and her team have made a very distressing and stressful process much less pain less she has explained every part of the process in way that I can understand and not just in legal speak I can’t rate all of them highly enough

Boyes Turner Client

"Cauda equina syndrome"

Julie marsh and her team have been so professional during this distressing time for me and my family. From day one Julie has been so patient and understanding of my worries and questions and made this very stressful process much less so. The experts Julie instructed have explained symptoms and what to do about them which has helped me and my family massively deal with this disability. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend boyes turner they have been superb.

"Won medical negligence"

I won my case with the help of Boyes Turner. Prior to doing my research and finding Boyes Turner I tried a different company that you see advertised on the telly for medical negligence, they said that the defendant did everything correctly and left it as that but I knew that wasn’t right, I continued to try other companies but they didn’t want to know. I then researched companies that can specialise in meningitis medical negligence and that’s when I found this company.


From the get-go they were absolutely amazing and Julie was assigned to my case. Julie is an amazing woman, I could contact her as and when I needed/wanted and she was always on hand to help clarify or break down anything that I didn’t understand, she was always happy to answer my questions. If Julie wasn’t in the office her team was also on hand to help with anything I needed. Always guaranteed a fast response. My case was ongoing through the pandemic which made it difficult to go out to see a specialist but Julie and her team were working very hard to make meetings happen and organised alternative ways to make them happen. All the people I’ve come across throughout my case have been so lovely. They all want the best outcome for you and get the compensation you deserve. Thank you, Julie and team.

Boyes Turner Client

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart"

Thank you so much Boyes Turner LLP personally for Ben Ireland for being supportive and very professional,can’t thank you enough.It’s was pleasure to deal with to get closure.Wonderful legal knowledge.Highly recommended and appreciate for everything what’s been done.

Jelena

"Great law firm"

Totally recommend Ben who dealt with our case. He was very professional but also very approachable and his communication was excellent. He always got back to us with our many questions and never made us feel like we were wasting his time. I would really recommend this law firm.

Catherine
 

Why choose Boyes Turner?

Watch the video
1 min 25 secs

“Our clients receive the highest standards of advice and representation and are always treated with compassion, outstanding care and understanding of the physical, emotional, psychological and financial impact that life-changing injury can have upon their lives.”

We have a strong track record of success, resolving the vast majority of amputation claims out of court, within a reasonable time frame. However, when necessary, our leading amputation solicitors are fully prepared to represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Our aim is to ensure our clients and their families have all the resources and support they need. Alongside securing compensation, we secure interim payments for rehabilitation, psychological support, equipment and community care.
We provide a range of specialist legal services alongside our claims solicitors advice, including education support (SEN), deputyship, community care, property, wills, trusts and estate planning.
We are ranked as leading amputation injury solicitors by Legal 500 and Chambers.

Our people

Meet your specialist team
 
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Susan Brown

Partner

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Julie Marsh

Partner

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Tara Pileggi-Byrne

Senior Associate - Solicitor

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Sita Soni

Senior Associate - Solicitor

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Vanessa Wand

Senior Associate - Solicitor

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Laura Hayes-Payne

Associate - Solicitor

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Ben Ireland

Solicitor

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Hannah Lindley

Hannah Lindley

Solicitor

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Imogen Alvarez-Buylla

Imogen Alvarez-Buylla

Trainee Solicitor

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Alice Carley

Paralegal

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Nicky Melville

Paralegal

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Audrey Elmore

Medical records coordinator

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Leading medical negligence solicitors for over 30 years

Our solicitors’ expertise in medical negligence claims and their dedication to improving the lives of their injured clients has been recognised by the legal profession and disability charities for over 30 years.