Making a compensation claim for amputations or losing a limb

Traumatic.  Frightening. Unimaginable.  These are all words one can use to describe the idea of losing an arm, leg, foot or hand directly or via an amputation which was preformed because the limb in question could not be saved.  If you find yourself in the position of suddenly having to re-adjust your life in order to cope with day to day living minus, you may be wondering if you can claim compensation.

The answer is, in some circumstances, yes.

Negligence

In order to claim compensation for the loss of one or more limbs you must prove that another person or organisation caused your loss because of a negligent act or omission on their part. You must be able to show on the balance of probabilities that they:

  • Owed you a duty of care;
  • Breached that duty of care; and
  • Their breach caused you to lose one or more of your limbs

Loss of Limbs or Amputation due to a Workplace Accident

When we think about people losing a limb our mind tends to revert to workplace accidents.  And indeed, many people who do suffer from the loss of a limb do so as a result of a tragic accident in their workplace.

At InjuryLawyers4U we have many years’ experience managing successful claims for compensation for amputees and individuals who have lost a limb due to an accident at work.  Our expert lawyers will unpick the facts of your case and, if your employer’s negligence caused you to lose one of your limbs, we will prove it.

Other Causes

Workplace accidents are not the only situations that can cause the loss of a limb or the need for an amputation.  In 2008 a young bride-to-be had her leg amputated because doctors failed to notice that she was suffering from a rare form of cancer. In another successful case, a woman won £75,000 in damages after her GP failed to refer her for specialist treatment for an ulcer that had developed on her right heel.  The leg had to be amputated after an infection penetrated deeply into her leg.  Compensation was awarded due to it being proved that this was medical negligence.

Car and motorbike accidents are also a major cause of limb loss.

Why Should I Make a Claim for Loss of Limbs or Amputation?

If you have lost a limb, there are both initial and long-term consequences you will have to deal with.  There will be the initial period of healing and recovery, followed by intensive rehabilitation so you can learn to manage your life in a completely different way.  Depression and post traumatic stress disorder may also feature prominently during the initial year or two after the loss or amputation.

You may also need to make adjustments to your living quarters and even change your occupation as you may be unable to perform your existing job due to your disability.

Receiving the compensation you are entitled to will help with the costs associated with building your new life and the loss of income you will experience due to the time off work required for you to make a full recovery.  We will ensure that the Court takes your individual needs and circumstances fully into account when deciding on the amount of compensation to award.

The Next Steps

At InjuryLawyers4U, we want to make sure that you get all the compensation you deserve; therefore, we provide no win no fee arrangements for our clients.

If you would like to make a claim or simply get some advice about your personal injury, then you can call us on 0800 221 8888 at any time (the line is open 24 hours and seven days a week). Alternatively, fill out the contact form, and one of our expert lawyers will be in touch to speak to you about your case at a time that is convenient for you.