Amputation rates are rising in the UK with individuals requiring the surgical removal of limbs, hands, or feet due to conditions like diabetes, arterial disease, and severe infections. While lifestyle factors, such as smoking, lack of physical activity, diet and self-care habits raise the risk of amputation, many are unaware that their amputation is as a result of medical negligence. In cases where conditions like meningitis or diabetic complications lead to serious injury, prompt action and proper treatment can often prevent the need for amputations. If an amputation could have been avoided through timely and effective medical care, the affected individual may be eligible for compensation for the disability and its financial consequences. Common causes of amputation due to medical negligence Diabetic complications Diabetes, particularly Type 2, is a leading cause of lower limb amputations in the UK. As the number of Type 2 diabetes diagnoses continues to rise, the number of related amputations are increasing as well. Public Health England and Diabetes UK reported in 2020, that 27,465 diabetes-related lower limb amputations were performed between 2017 to 2020. Diabetes, marked by elevated blood sugar levels, contributes to poor circulation and nerve damage, especially in the extremities like feet and legs. Without proper management and care, small injuries, such as cuts or blisters can become infected, leading to serious complications like ulcers. These ulcers are the origin of 80% of diabetes-related amputations. Due to the rapid progression of diabetic foot problems, guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend that individuals with diabetes have swift access to a multi-disciplinary foot care team if any foot problems arise. At Boyes Turner, our medical negligence amputation legal team regularly assists diabetic amputees in securing compensation after their medical team fails to identify their risk and provide the necessary care. Examples include: A client who required amputation after Charcot foot was misdiagnosed and untreated. A patient who suffered an amputation after a nurse failed to urgently refer him for specialised multidisciplinary foot care following a minor injury. Peripheral ischaemia Peripheral ischaemia occurs when an extremity is deprived of oxygen due to blocked blood vessels, often caused by a blood clot or thrombosis. Medical errors, including mistakes in surgery or medication, can worsen the condition and lead to amputation. Boyes Turner’s amputation medical negligence specialists have helped many clients secure compensation after they suffered amputations due to medical negligence related to peripheral ischaemia. Examples include: A £450,000 settlement for a 70-year-old man whose thrombosis, caused by post-operative medication errors, resulted in a below-knee amputation. A £900,000 settlement for a client who needed a below-knee amputation after delays in treating a popliteal aneurysm led to thrombosis. Infections – Meningitis, Septicaemia, and Sepsis Severe infections like meningitis and septicaemia, and sepsis can lead to amputation when not properly treated. These conditions require immediate admission to hospital and antibiotic treatment. Delays in diagnosis or improper care can lead to severe, life-threatening consequences, including multiple amputations. In septic conditions, the infection spreads rapidly through the body, damaging blood vessels and restricting blood flow to extremities like fingers, toes, hands, and feet. Without adequate circulation, these areas may become necrotic (dead), and amputation may become necessary to save the patient's life. In cases where delayed diagnosis and treatment of infection leads to amputation, the affected individual can seek compensation for the financial and physical toll of the disability. The Boyes Turner amputation medical negligence team have acted for clients who have required amputations as a result of negligent care relating to infection. Examples include: £6.4 million settlement for a woman who needed mid-foot amputations of both feet after delay in treatment for meningitis. a six figure settlement for a woman who lost both hands and feet after improper treatment of post-operative sepsis and necrotising fasciitis. £1.6 million settlement for a woman who underwent below knee amputations to both legs and amputation to the digits of both hands. How can Boyes Turner assist with amputation negligence claims? Life after amputation presents significant challenges. Beyond the physical challenges, individuals often face emotional distress and financial strain. The loss of limbs may make personal care, the return to work, the ability to engage in daily and social activities all difficult. Rehabilitation and recovery from amputation surgery requires time, patience, strength and emotional resilience. Many individuals experience complications, such as infections or other stump related issues, that can delay recovery. Unfortunately, the NHS often fails to provide the necessary rehabilitation or prosthetic care, leaving family members to provide additional care and financial support. In these circumstances, compensation can help improve the quality of life. Compensation settlements are tailored to the individual’s needs and may cover: Loss of earnings and other financial losses; Medical costs (including pain management); Custom prosthetics and future replacements; Rehabilitation and therapies (e.g., physiotherapy, occupational therapy); Psychological counselling and emotional support; Adapted vehicles and wheelchairs; Home modifications; Personal and domestic help; Vocational rehabilitation or retraining. When medical negligence leads to amputation, Boyes Turner’s medical negligence amputation team aim to help clients regain independence and manage the emotional and financial challenges that follow. Through legal support, the amputation medical negligence team aim to alleviate the burden on amputees and their families, securing compensation for both immediate needs and long-term recovery. If you or a member of your family would like to find out more about claiming compensation for amputation caused by medical negligence, contact one of our specialist solicitors by email mednegclaims@boyesturner.com.
