Adapting homes after amputation | Accommodation needs after limb loss

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Posted on 13th March 2025 by Julie Marsh

Navigating the world after an amputation requires reimagining not just mobility, but the very spaces we call home.

Julie Marsh, Partner in our Medical Negligence team, is joined by Architect, Jonathan France. In this episode, he shares his expertise on accommodation needs following amputation due to medical negligence, drawing from his unique journey from construction sites to expert witness work.

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Key Points

Key points of this webinar

Jonathan reveals the critical balance between immediate adaptation and long-term planning. While many amputees manage well with prosthetics and resist the idea of “disability-friendly” housing, the reality remains that everyone faces periods when prosthetics aren't viable. This necessitates future-proofing accommodation for wheelchair accessibility, presenting challenges when most existing properties simply lack adequate space.

The conversation explores the emotional dimensions of housing recommendations, as clients, particularly younger ones, often struggle with suggestions that seem to emphasise their disability.

We discover how temporary rental properties during litigation can serve as educational experiences, helping clients understand how appropriate housing enhances rehabilitation and independence. The collaboration between different experts, from occupational therapists to physiotherapists, creates a comprehensive picture of needs that extends beyond mere accessibility to consider family dynamics, privacy, and lifestyle preferences.

Listen now to understand how expertly adapted accommodation becomes not just a place to live, but a foundation for rebuilding life after amputation.

Julie’s accreditations

"Excellent"

Prior to commencing litigation I was in the fortunate position of being able to choose which firm of solicitors to use as I had a number of offers of taking my medical negligence claim for a missed Cauda Equina diagnosis forward. I choose Boyes Turner as my initial call with Julie Marsh made it clear that Julie’s knowledge and understanding around Cauda Equina Syndrome was extensive and that she had plenty of experience in CES cases. I also found Julie very easy to talk to and I felt that she really cared. From the moment I signed up with Boyes Turner I was looked after extremely well by the whole team. I was always kept updated as to where my case was up to and what the next steps would be. I dealt with Julie directly most of the time and found this very helpful rather than dealing with multiple people. Over time we built a solid relationship and I found that I trusted her completely. When my case finally concluded I was very happy with the outcome as I felt that every avenue of my claim had been explored and no corner missed. I would highly recommend Julie and Boyes Turner to anyone that feels they may have a medical negligence claim and would urge them to make the call to see for themselves just how fantastic this firm is.

"Experts in Cauda Equina"

Julie secured an outstanding settlement in my initially contested, spinal cord injury medical negligence claim, where I was not given ‘safety-netting’ advice about cauda equina syndrome (CES). Julie’s knowledge of cauda equina, care standards and medical negligence is without a doubt the reason I was successful. All the way through the process, I was kept informed by friendly, discreet and understanding staff. I don’t feel I would have had the same outcome with anyone else.

"I am overwhelmed"

After a medical mishap, I was left in hospital for several days without treatment, and suffered sepsis and septic shock. Placed in a coma and on life support, my family were told that I would not survive. I did survive and very gradually I got a little better and three major and intrusive operations followed, leaving me weak, in pain, unable to work,unable to do housework, gardening, driving, walking my dogs swimming or socialising as I had been used to. It is now almost six years since this happened to me. I was a healthy happy individual before this. It was devastating and is still hard to come to terms with and the health issues and weaknesses that remain are a constant reminder. However, through your skills and hard work you have secured a substantial settlement for me and I am overwhelmed. I am now able to make adaptions and purchases for my home that will make my life a little easier and more comfortable. Without your support, I would never have been able to achieve this. Importantly the failings of medics have been highlighted and my wish is that this leads to better training to ensure others do not suffer as I have.

"I can’t thank you enough for taking on my case and believing in my claim"

I can’t thank you enough for taking on my case and believing in my claim - it means so much. I have been processing this after our call and it is a massive relief to finally bring this to an end - although it won’t bring back the sight lost - I hope lessons for the Trust have been taken on board so no-one else has to suffer like I have. The awarded monies will help with any assistance I may need in the future and take the pressure off a little to work so hard . I honestly want to thank you and your team from the bottom of my heart.

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Adapting homes after amputation: accommodation needs after limb loss

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Key points of this webinar

Julie’s accreditations

SRA regulated

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