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Amputation Claims Specialists
If you’ve suffered an amputation injury, our specialist solicitors can help you claim compensation
£90 million in compensation
Amputation Claims Specialists
If you’ve suffered an amputation injury, our specialist solicitors can help you claim compensation
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A Guide To Amputation Claims
Last updated 9th December 2025. Anyone who has suffered life-changing limb loss due to a third party’s negligent actions can make an amputation claim for compensation (such as poorly maintained public places, reckless driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or defective equipment in the workplace). The amputation claims process involves gathering evidence to prove a third party’s liability for an injury and connecting with a solicitor, who can calculate compensation and negotiate a fair settlement.
We recognise that limb loss can be profoundly distressing and change life in an instant. As you focus on recovery and making whatever adjustments are needed, you don’t have to navigate the personal injury claims process alone. Here at JF Law, our No Win No Fee solicitors provide an empathetic, comprehensive service that puts clients at the heart of the amputation claims process. If you have grounds to claim, one of them can help you every step of the way.
So, contact us for free today by:
- Calling on 0151 375 9916.
- Getting in contact with us by using our online form.
- You could make an amputation compensation claim if you can show another party caused your accident.
- You can claim compensation for your injuries and financial losses too, including future financial losses.
- In certain circumstances, you may receive interim payments before the end of the claims process.
- You can receive extra help and support from organisations that help people following amputations and limb loss.
- One of our specialist amputation claims solicitors could help you to claim for life changing injuries.
Can I Make An Amputation Claim?
To make an amputation claim, you need to clearly show that the accident that caused the injury meets three basic criteria. These are that,
- You were owed a duty of care by another party. This party may be the occupier of a public space, a medical professional, your employer or a road user.
- This party breached their duty of care to you.
- You suffered a serious injury, such as the loss of a limb or other form of amputation.
You must also submit your claim within the personal injury claims time limit. We will discuss this later in our guide.
Can I Claim On Behalf Of Somebody Else?
It is possible to claim on behalf of another person in certain circumstances. Two prominent examples of when you could claim include claims for children or those lacking mental capacity. Such parties are unable to claim themselves due to age or mental capacity and require a litigation friend to help them to claim. Such cases may be more complex and may require specialist help.
Our team could help you to claim on behalf of another person. If you believe you have a valid case, please get in touch with our specialist amputation lawyers.
Meet Our Amputation Claim Solicitors
Patrick Mallon leads our serious injury team and has over 20 years of experience handling high-value compensation claims, including those involving traumatic and surgical amputations.
Patrick is known for his detailed understanding of rehabilitation needs following limb loss, including adapted mobility, specialist prosthetics, long-term care and loss of earning capacity. He works closely with medical experts and support organisations to build strong evidence in each case.
If you are dealing with a life-changing injury and need specialist legal support, Patrick and the team are here to help you secure the compensation and care you may need moving forward.
Book A CallWhat Are The Most Common Causes Of Amputation Injuries?
Serious and life changing injuries may be caused by different types of accidents. The loss of a body part could leave you with life-long emotional and physical challenges, impacting your home life, your ability to work, hobbies and finances.
An essential part of knowing when you could claim is understanding the types of accident which could cause such injuries. Below, we look at different scenarios in which you could be harmed and how another party could owe you a duty of care.
Common Causes Of Amputation Claims
Below are some examples of how avoidable mistakes and serious injuries could lead to a limb needing to be amputated.
Severe physical trauma
High-impact accidents, such as road traffic collisions or crushing incidents at work, can cause such extensive damage that a limb has to be surgically removed.
Missed problems with blood supply
If reduced blood and oxygen flow to a limb (ischaemia) is not diagnosed or treated in time, the tissue can die, sometimes making amputation the only safe option.
Infections not managed correctly
A deep cut or wound that becomes infected and is not recognised, monitored or treated properly may spread, leading to tissue death and eventual limb loss.
Poorly managed diabetes
Inadequate monitoring or treatment of diabetes can result in complications such as severe diabetic foot ulcers, which may progress to the point where amputation is required.
Cancer in a limb not detected
Where cancer in an arm or leg is missed or diagnosed too late, the disease may advance to a stage where removing the limb is needed to protect the person’s life.
Meningitis misdiagnosed
Delays in diagnosing and treating meningitis can lead to sepsis, tissue death and gangrene in the limbs, which in some cases results in partial or full amputation.
Surgical damage to soft tissues
Errors during surgery that severely damage nerves, muscles or tendons may compromise blood flow or function so badly that amputation is later required.
Amputation of the wrong limb
In the most serious surgical error, a healthy limb is amputated instead of the affected one, leaving the patient with avoidable, life changing injuries.
As you can see above, serious and life-changing injuries may be caused by different types of accidents. The loss of a body part could leave you with life-long emotional and physical challenges, impacting your home life, your ability to work, hobbies and finances.
An essential part of knowing when you could claim is understanding the types of accidents which could cause such injuries.
Below, we look at different scenarios in which you could be harmed and how another party could owe you a duty of care in greater detail:
Amputation Claims At Work
Your employer has a duty of care to ensure your safety in the workplace. They must take reasonable steps, such as carrying out risk assessments, ensuring machinery is correctly maintained and providing employees with appropriate personal protective equipment. Employers must adhere to legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
An accident at work could lead to life changing injuries where:
- Machinery has not been properly maintained and safety guards are no longer in place. A worker could get their fingers or hands caught in the machinery, traumatically amputating several fingers.
- Heavy items are improperly stored on a high shelf. If not secured, the item could fall, crushing a worker’s foot. This may later lead to the partial amputation of the foot.
Amputations Caused By Medical Negligence
Medical professionals automatically have a duty of care towards patients under their care. To meet this duty, they must ensure that any care provided meets the minimum expected standard for that professional. For example, a surgeon should follow guidelines on good surgical practice as set by the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Medical negligence may be said to have taken place where:
- Substandard care during a surgical procedure causes serious harm to a patient resulting in a limb being lost or so damaged that amputation is necessary.
- A patient is given the wrong medication. This medication error could impact blood supply, causing clots in a body part, leading to tissue death. A subsequent amputation may be necessary.
Loss Of Limb Injuries In Public Places
Individuals, entities and organisations responsible for managing public spaces (referred to as the occupier) have a duty of care under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957. To uphold this duty, they must take appropriate steps to ensure the space is reasonably safe for public use.
Public liability claims may be made in circumstances such as,
- A slip or fall on a wet floor in a restaurant. The restaurant may have known an entrance way had a wet floor but failed to place warning signs or clean the floor. A customer could walk over the floor, slip and land heavily on their arm, causing a crush injury and several fractures. As a result, part of the arm may need to be amputated.
- Malfunctioning powered entrance doors could close on a person’s foot, resulting in a crush injury. This may later require surgical amputation of part or all of the foot.
Amputation Claims After A Road Traffic Accident
Whilst using the road as a motorist, cyclist, pedestrian or in control of another vehicle, you are owed a duty of care by others using the road. Those using the roads must adhere to the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code. They must act in a responsible way, avoiding creating hazards.
A road traffic accident could lead to the loss of a limb where:
- The driver of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fails to check their mirrors when changing lanes, striking a motorcyclist. The accident could crush their leg, resulting in the partial or full amputation of the limb.
- A distracted driver may fail to stop at a zebra crossing, striking a pedestrian, causing them multiple injuries. The pedestrian may need one or more body parts amputating as a result of being run over at high speed.
These are just some scenarios in which amputation claims may be made. Whether you suffered a spinal cord injury leading to the loss of a limb or were harmed by medical negligence, please contact our team. One of our personal injury solicitors could help you.
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How Much Compensation Can I Get For A Loss Of Limb Or Amputation?
It is important to understand the factors which could impact how much compensation you could get for the loss of a limb or other form of amputation. The amount awarded will be individual to your case and could be influenced by factors such as the type and severity of amputation and what financial losses this caused. Amputation compensation may also take the wider impact of the injury on your life into account.
Compensation in amputation claims may be divided into two types. These are general damages and special damages. The first takes your injury, pain and suffering into account. This part of your settlement is awarded automatically in successful cases. The second part covers financial losses such as lost income, medical expenses and the cost of adapting your accommodation.
When determining compensation for general damages, parties involved in a case may look at medical evidence and guidelines from the Judicial College (JCG). This is a document outlining suggested brackets of compensation for different types of injury at different degrees of severity. To create our table, we have taken some of these brackets from the JCG and used them in rows 2-10. The top row is not from the JCG.
| Injury Or Harm Suffered | Severity | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple forms of severe injury or harm + special damages | Severe | Up to £1,000,000+ if awarded special damages |
| Amputation of the arms | Loss of both arms – (A) | £293,850 to £366,100 |
| Amputation of the arms | Loss of one arm, above the elbow – (B) (i) | £133,810 to £159,770 |
| Leg injuries – amputations | Loss of both legs – (A) (i) | £293,850 to £344,150 |
| Leg injuries – amputations | Above the knee amputation of one leg | £127,930 to £167,760 |
| Foot injuries | Amputation of both feet – (A) | £206,730 to £245,900 |
| Foot injuries | Amputation of one foot – (B) | £102,470 to £133,810 |
| Hand injuries | Loss of both hands – (A) | £171,680 to £245,900 |
| Hand injuries | Loss of one hand – (C) | £117,360 to £133,810 |
| Hand injuries | Amputation of little finger – (M) | £10,550 to £14,940 |
What Can My Compensation Help With?
Losing a limb could have a devastating impact across your life. You may be unable to work and have to pay for medical treatment as well as domestic care. Special damages are designed to take account of these and other costs.
Successful amputation claims will not automatically be awarded special damages. In order to claim for any expenses you must provide evidence showing how they are related to your injury and proof of the expense or loss.
Limb loss claims could compensate you for:
- Loss of income and earnings. Payslips may be used to demonstrate such losses.
- Medical expenses, such as for long-term prescription medication. Receipts may be used to show such costs.
- The cost of prosthetic limbs or mobility aids. You can submit invoices or receipts for the cost of such items.
- Adaptations to your home or vehicle. Invoices may be used to prove these costs.
- Domestic care costs, such as for help in the home. Invoices for domestic care may be submitted with your claim.
If you have sustained life changing injuries, such as a traumatic amputation you could be left facing immediate and serious financial pressure. If the defendant has admitted their liability, you may be awarded an interim payment. This is a portion of your compensation paid in advance of the main settlement to help you meet immediate and necessary expenses.
Contact us to find out how our team could help with your amputation compensation claim.
My Amputation Has Left Me Unable To Work, What Can I Do?
Your amputation injury may have left you unable to work during your immediate treatment and recovery. It may also have necessitated changing job roles, careers or even being unable to return to work in any capacity. As a result you may find that your income is severely impacted, at a time where you may be facing medical bills and other financial losses.
If your claim has a high degree of success, such as where the defendant has already accepted their liability, or where a court has been shown that the defendant is liable, you may be able to claim an interim payment. Interim payments may be used to help pay for immediate medical costs, care in the home and other expenses related to your injury.
Any funds awarded as an interim payment will be deducted from your final compensation settlement. One of our specialist personal injury lawyers could help secure an interim payment if it can be shown that you urgently need said funds and if the case meets certain criteria.
We pride ourselves
on providing the best service
possible for our clients.
We pride ourselves on providing the best service possible for our clients.
The Process Of Making An Amputation Claim
The process of making an amputation claim involves several key stages, from seeking immediate medical attention to proving another party was at fault for your injury.
Key steps in the amputation claims process include:
- Seeking immediate medical attention – Ensure you receive all necessary treatment and support as soon as possible. Medical records from your GP, hospital, and any private treatment facilities can be used as evidence later on in the amputation claims process.
- Ensure that the accident is reported – It’s important to have an official record of the accident that led to your amputation injury. This could mean (depending on where you were injured) logging the incident in a workplace accident book, notifying your insurer and the police after a road traffic accident, or informing the party in charge of a public place. A formal record can also be used to strengthen your claim.
- Contact a specialist solicitor – It’s highly recommended to speak with a specialist solicitor when looking to make an amputation claim, as they can provide valuable support with building a strong case for compensation.
- Begin your claim within the limitation period – The amputation claims time limit is usually 3 years from the accident date, as stated in the Limitation Act 1980. However, in some circumstances, this limitation period may differ.
- Collect evidence – This can show how someone else breached their duty of care and caused your injury. Your solicitor can help with this by gathering eyewitness statements, video footage of the accident, and copies of your medical records.
- Record how your injuries are affecting you – To contribute towards your evidence, you should keep a record of the physical, psychological, and financial effects of your limb loss. For example, make a note of what care costs you’ve incurred, the severity of your day-to-day pain, and how your quality of life has been affected.
To see whether one of our specialist solicitors can help you with the amputation claims process, please contact us for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
What Organisations Can Support Me After An Amputation Or Loss Of Limb?
There are charities, organisations and support services dedicated to providing guidance, resources and support if you have experienced amputation injuries or limb loss. These include:
- NHS amputation services. The NHS provides a range of support services to those dealing with the loss of a limb. This includes rehabilitation, psychological care and prosthetics.
- The Limbless Association. This organisation offers advice, support and resources to amputees, helping them to live more independent lives.
- Amputation Foundation. The foundation provides practical support, such as workshops, to amputees. They have also created a community where amputees can get help adapting to life after losing a limb.
- Finding Your Feet. In Scotland, this organisation focuses on empowering amputees through social events, emotional support and physical activities.
- Blesma. Provides support to military veterans and their families dealing with the impact of losing a limb. This includes emotional and financial support.
These and other organisations could help you to navigate the difficulties and challenges which could be caused by the loss of a limb. They could provide practical, financial and even emotional support.
Get help and support to make a successful amputation compensation claim by contacting our team.
How JF Law Can Help On A No Win No Fee Basis
JF Law can help you make an amputation compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis by offering a tailored service that prioritises your well-being and provides hands-on support to build the strongest case possible. That help includes:
- Gathering evidence such as CCTV footage and medical records.
- Talking to the party responsible for your injury on your behalf.
- Negotiating to ensure that the amputation compensation you receive reflects the full impact of the injury.
- Explaining legal jargon and updating you all throughout the amputation claims process.
- Preparing your case for court if needed (which is unlikely, as most personal injury claims are settled out of court).
- Helping you find the right rehabilitation specialists.
All of our solicitors offer these services for amputation claims under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which is a specific type of No Win No Fee arrangement. Under a CFA:
- You do not have to pay any solicitor fees in advance or throughout the claims process.
- You also don’t pay any solicitor fees if your amputation claim is unsuccessful.
If you win your claim, a success fee will be taken from your amputation compensation, calculated as a percentage. There is a legal limit on this percentage to ensure that the majority goes to you, no matter what.
What Can I Do If I’m Unhappy With My Current Lawyer?
If your case is not progressing as you feel it should or your current solicitor is not communicating with you about your case, you may be left dissatisfied and frustrated. However, you may be able to seek a second opinion from one of our specialist amputation solicitors. They could help review your case and advise on steps you could take. If you choose to change to one of our specialist lawyers, they could even help manage the transition of your case and ensure you receive the professional help and support you need.
Contact Us
Whether you want to know more about how amputation claims work or are ready to take the next step and start your claim, reach out to our team for expert help and guidance.
Visit our contact us page and complete our form or call now on 0151 375 9916.
More Information
Explore the links below for further useful resources and guidance on personal injury claims. You can find our related guides and trusted organisations listed below.
- Limb compensation claims could be made for a hand injury or other type of harm. Learn more about hand injury claims in this guide.
- Find out if you could claim for a foot injury at work in this guide.
- Find out how our injury team could help you claim for a faulty machinery accident at work in this guide.
External resources.
- Read more about care following an amputation in this guide from the NHS.
- You may be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay if unable to work. Learn more here.
- You can find home care agencies in this guide from the Care Quality Commission.
Thank you for exploring our guide to amputation claims. We hope we have provided you with information on both when you could make an amputation claim and how to do so successfully. Get in contact with a member of our team today to start your claim.
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