Amputation Claims

Undergoing an amputation is a life-altering event that can bring physical and mental trauma. If your amputation or the amputation of a loved one was a result of medical negligence, you might be entitled to amputation compensation.

When someone undergoes an amputation, everything is disrupted, from jobs to lifestyle, independent abilities, and even financial states. If this happened because of medical negligence, we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you think you or a loved one has been a victim of medical negligence that led to an amputation, contact us, and we'll do all we can to help.

  • An amputation caused by medical negligence refers to an amputation that had to be performed because a healthcare professional's actions fell below their duty of care and:

    • Misdiagnosed you

    • Made a mistake during surgery

    • Failed to treat you correctly

    In other words, an amputation that would have been prevented if proper medical care had been provided.

    If you think you might have had an amputation because of medical negligence, get in touch with us today, because you may have a claim.

  • In the UK, you generally have three years to make your claim, which is why you need to proceed as soon as you can.

    The three years will start from the date of the negligent treatment, or it can be three years from the date you became aware that you received negligent treatment, which resulted in an amputation.

    There are exceptions to this rule, though. For example, if the claimant lacks mental capacity, there tends to be no time limit. A child has three years from their 18th birthday to bring a claim themselves, meaning the limit extends to their 21st birthday.

    To help you understand your specific time limit, get in touch with our team today and get the ball rolling.

  • The amount you're likely to receive when you make your claim varies enormously, depending on the severity of the amputation.

    Every amputation case is different, so the final payout will be based on the severity of your circumstances. The amount tends to be higher, the more serious your amputation is and the effect it has on your life.

    The amputated limb, the extent of the amputation, medical expenses (such as home modifications), loss of earnings, impact on your life, and future requirements for prosthetics, treatment, therapy, and care will also make a difference to your final payout.

    The compensation is awarded to put the claimant back in the position they would have been in had the negligence never occurred. It's not to punish the healthcare provider.

  • Yes! Our lawyers work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there is no risk to you or your family's finances when you make a claim.

Get in touch with us to talk about your situation

When You May Be Able to Claim

Amputations are performed for various medical reasons, usually because of a severe accident, infection, or another reason, which, although very upsetting and life-changing, can be necessary.

However, sometimes amputations are performed because of medical negligence by a health professional, meaning the amputation could have been prevented with prompt medical attention.

If you had to have an amputation of a limb because of one of the following reasons, you may be able to make a claim for compensation:

  • You received a misdiagnosis: If your healthcare provider failed to diagnose a condition or similar, you would not have had the correct treatment, resulting in an amputation. This can occur in diabetic patients or as a result of failing to recognise the development of sepsis.

  • There was a surgical error: If your healthcare provider made a mistake during surgery, like poor infection management, they operated on the wrong limb, or damaged nerves, which resulted in an amputation.

  • You failed to be treated correctly: If your healthcare professional failed to treat infections, diseases, or conditions that resulted in your amputation.

Every case is different, and you may still have a claim if your specific circumstance is not listed above.

If you need to clarify whether you can make a claim, please contact our team of expert lawyers,
who can guide you through this difficult time.

Give us a Call

Making an amputation claim can be overwhelming, but our team of professional lawyers are here to help you navigate through this confusing time.

Get in touch with us today to talk through the details of your circumstances in a free initial consultation with one of our friendly lawyers. They'll also answer any immediate questions you may have about the process.

How We Can Help

Three Year Claim Limit

There is a three-year time limit on making a compensation claim for an amputation. As soon as you’re aware that medical negligence has taken place, which resulted in an amputation, it's important to speak to one of our specialist solicitors. 

We understand the stress you or a loved one is currently experiencing, which is why our team will do all they can to help you achieve a positive outcome.

Contact our surgical negligence solicitors today for a chat and to arrange your free consultation.

Why Choose Us?

We know you're going through a difficult time, which is why our lawyers here at Nash & Co Solicitors in Plymouth are here to help you through.

Our team of experts in surgical negligence will take great care when handling your case. Not only are they excellent lawyers, they're sensitive to your situation, too, and they'll do all they can to help you achieve your desired outcome.

We recognise that no two situations are the same, and we will offer personalised support for your individual case.

Client First Approach

Our client-first approach ensures you're comfortable with each stage of the process. We'll never use complicated legal jargon that leaves you confused. Instead, we'll help you understand all the details clearly and concisely.

We're also committed to regular communication, so you're never left wondering what the next step is.

Additional Support

Our team of specialist lawyers works on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning there is absolutely no financial risk to you or your family.

We won't ask you to make any upfront costs, and you won't have to pay a penny out of your own pocket. We may even be able to get you some interim payments to help pay for any medical treatments needed.

In your free consultation, we can explain how your claim will be funded in more detail.

To find out whether you're able to make a surgical negligence claim, please call us on 01752 827085.

You'll get to speak to one of our lawyers right away, and we can answer some of your questions there and then.

Meet the Medical Negligence team

Mike Shiers

Michael Shiers

Partner, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team

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Rebecca Brisley

Associate Solicitor, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team

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Amie Worth

Paralegal in the Medical Negligence team

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Amputation Claims FAQs

Below, we have addressed the most commonly asked questions about amputation compensations and claims.

If you have any other questions that aren't answered here, don't hesitate to contact us.

  • Yes, it's possible to claim for someone else who is unable to do so themselves. The most common examples are:

    • Claiming for a child: Children can't legally claim themselves until they reach 18, so a parent or legal guardian can do this for them. If a settlement is not reached sooner, the child has until their 21st birthday to claim.

    • Claiming on behalf of someone with limited mental capacity: A loved one can make a claim on their behalf, and there is usually no time limit in these cases.

    • Claiming on behalf of a deceased relative: If your loved one has died as a result of medical negligence by a healthcare provider, you can pursue a claim for them.

  • When you decide to make an amputation claim, our first step is to listen carefully to your experience and gather the details of what happened. 

    We’ll then review your medical records and seek expert opinions to determine whether the care you received fell below expected standards.

    If we believe you have a strong case, we’ll guide you through the claims process

    In many cases, claims are settled without the need to go to court. If your case does proceed further, we’ll represent you at every stage. Throughout the process, our aim is to make things as straightforward as possible, keeping you informed and supporting you from start to finish.

  • Because of the varying circumstances that are specific to you, there is no fixed average payout for an amputation claim. Each payout is based on the severity of the claim.

  • If you think you might have an amputation claim, but are not completely sure, you can get in touch with our lawyers today. They'll be able to advise you on whether or not you can make a claim.

    A person can usually make a claim if they can prove they had an amputation due to a healthcare professional's medical negligence.

  • You will need to prove that your amputation was performed as a result of medical negligence by a healthcare professional.

    Our lawyers will discuss with you the exact documents you'll need for your case, but you'll usually need your medical records, proof of financial loss due to not being able to work, witness statements and more.

  • Every amputation claim is different, so there is no set time frame from claim to settlement. Complex claims can take years, while simpler claims where liability is accepted quickly can be settled faster—time frames are on a case-by-case basis.

    Once your lawyer understands more about your case, they may be able to guide you on a rough time frame, and they will be sure to update you throughout the process.

  • If you don’t think you’re getting the level of service or satisfactory advice from your current solicitor, we’d be happy to discuss switching your case to Nash & Co Solicitors. Just call our team on 01752 827085 or contact us online.

  • We know this is a difficult time for families, which is why our team of expert lawyers is here to help and support you from your initial enquiry to the end of your case.

    Not only are they exceptional lawyers, but they're also extremely sensitive to your situation, helping you through this next stage with personalised support, excellent communication, and all the details you need to feel comfortable during these next steps.

    If you think you have a claim and would like to discuss it with a professional, get in touch with our team today.

  • We completely understand if you feel this way, given the problems the NHS is facing in our current climate.

    However, a body called NHS Resolution handles claims against the health authority. The government set up this organisation to handle compensation claims.

    NHS Resolution is an independent body and essentially acts as an insurance provider for NHS Trusts. Every year, each Trust will pay an amount to NHS Resolution, just like you do for car or home insurance.

    When a successful claim is made, NHS Resolution makes the compensation payout on behalf of the Trust concerned. This means that your claim won’t take money away from other patients being treated

    If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

  • Yes, you can sue the NHS if your amputation was performed as a result of medical negligence by an NHS trust.

    You can do this through our team of expert lawyers here at Nash & Co Solicitors. For more information on how you can make a claim, contact us today, and we'll do what we can to help.

Frequently asked questions

What our clients say

More Surgery Claims We Can Help With

Nerve Damage Claims
Loss of Sight Claims
Spinal Surgery Claims

Get in touch

As one of the top law firms in Plymouth, we make four promises to you that shape our everyday job to deliver exceptional client service and positive outcomes.

  1. We are transparent about costs

  2. We'll keep things simple and understandable

  3. We'll always be straight with you and keep you informed

  4. You'll get fast, efficient, and reliable service

Rest assured, whatever medical negligence issue you're facing, we'll do our best to help you.

Give us a ring or fill in our form below to speak to a member of our team today, and get the answers you need to make your claim.

If your enquiry is urgent then please call us on 01752 827081.