If a loss of limb injury has set you back, we'll help you move forward
Amputation is a life-changing event that can bring physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one has experienced an amputation due to an accident or medical negligence, we can help.
If someone else's actions or negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to claim compensation.
A specialist solicitor can guide you through the process of making an amputation compensation claim. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and will work with care to secure the No Win, No Fee compensation you deserve.
Key points when you claim for an amputation injury
- Compensation can range from £4,380 for a partial finger amputation to £312,860 for a severe amputation injury.
- You can claim if your injury took place on the job, during a road accident, in a public space, or as a result of medical negligence.
- You must start your claim within 3 years from when your injury occurred.
- The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the severity of your injury and any financial losses or expenses. Use our compensation calculator to find out how much you could receive.
- You're eligible to claim under a no win, no fee agreement.
- Your solicitor will help you access prosthetics and rehabilitation support during the claims process.
- You can also claim compensation to fund modifications to your home and vehicle.
With over 4,000 amputation admissions each year, you are not alone
Amputations often happen due to severe accidents, medical conditions, or complications from other injuries. They are most common in industrial or construction accidents involving heavy machinery, serious incidents like car crashes, or as a medical necessity due to conditions such as severe diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.
4,077 patients were admitted to hospital with traumatic amputation injuries in 2022-23, according to a review of NHS data (digital.nhs.uk).
Improvements in the speed and quality of treatment for catastrophic injuries have led to better outcomes for amputees. Advances in medical care and prosthetic technology also mean that many can return to a higher quality of life and work after their injury.
For information on amputation support and treatment, see: amputation advice and support (nhs.uk).
How are amputation injuries defined?
Traumatic amputation
Traumatic amputation happens when a limb is lost in an accident, often involving heavy machinery or severe road crashes causing crush injuries. These unexpected amputations typically cause greater physical and emotional distress than planned surgeries, and this added suffering is often reflected in a higher compensation award.
Surgical amputation
Surgical amputation is needed when severe accidents require limb removal after failed treatments, or due to illnesses like Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) or diabetes complications.
It may also be performed for severely damaged body parts, severe infections, or, in rare cases, cancer in a limb.
While illnesses aren't usually grounds for claims, a misdiagnosis or delayed treatment may warrant compensation if harm was caused by the delay. Recovery from surgical amputation is generally more straightforward than from traumatic amputation but still requires long-term specialist support.
How much compensation can I claim for an amputation injury?
How much you can claim for an amputation injury is based on:
- the nature and severity of your injury,
- the extent to which your injury limits your daily life and working ability,
- any financial losses or costs you have incurred due to your injury.
Amputation injury
compensation calculator
Find out how much compensation you could claim in just a few minutes.
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Updated October 2024
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General damages
General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA).
Awards for general damages are set by the Judicial College (judiciary.uk) and published in their guidelines for personal injury awards.
How is compensation calculated if I have multiple injuries?
Average amputation injury general damages compensation table
The following amputation injury payouts refer to the Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases, 17th Edition by the Judicial College (oup.com).
These tables are used by solicitors or by the courts as a starting point when calculating your compensation.
Please note: these average figures represent general damages only, and do not include any element of special damages (e.g. lost wages).
Arm injury
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Amputation | One arm below elbow | £106,690 to £121,650 |
| Amputation | One arm above elbow | £121,650 to £145,250 |
| Amputation | One arm at shoulder | Over £152,160 |
| Amputation | Both arms | £267,140 to £332,820 |
Finger injury
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Amputation | Amputation of the little finger | £9,590 to £13,580 |
| Amputation | Loss of part of the little finger | £4,380 to £6,500 |
| Amputation | Amputation of the ring or index finger | Around £27,730 |
| Amputation | Loss of terminal phalanx of ring or middle finger | £4,380 to £8,740 |
| Amputation | Amputation of the terminal phalanges of the index and middle fingers | Around £24,200 |
| Amputation | Total or partial loss of index finger affecting your grip or dexterity | £13,500 to £20,790 |
| Amputation of fingers | Where your grip is severely weakened and/or you are unable to use your hand | £68,680 to £100,680 |
Foot injury
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Amputation | One foot | £93,150 to £121,650 |
| Amputation | Both feet | £187,940 to £223,550 |
| Very Severe | Permanent severe pain and/or serious permanent disability (e.g. traumatic amputation of the forefoot or severe heel damage) | £93,150 to £121,650 |
Hand injury
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Serious injuries to one hand | Amputation of fingers and/or part of the hand, or a serious hand injury causing a reduction of grip, dexterity and cosmetic damage | £32,170 to £68,680 |
| Total or effective loss of one hand | A severly crushed or amputated hand and fingers | £106,690 to £121,650 |
Leg injury
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Amputation | Below-knee amputation of one leg | £108,700 to £150,780 |
| Amputation | Above-knee amputation of one leg | £116,300 to £143,420 |
| Amputation | Below-knee amputation of both legs | £223,550 to £299,650 |
| Amputation | Loss of both legs above the knee, or one leg lost above and one leg lost below the knee | £267,140 to £312,860 |
Thumb injury
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Serious | Injuries that impair your grip and dexerity, including partial amputation, nerve damage, and fractures requiring wires | £13,970 to £18,600 |
| Very serious | Including a severed and reattached thumb, an amputation through the interphalangeal joint, and thumb injuries that severly affect the thumb's function | £21,750 to £38,840 |
| Loss of thumb | Complete effective loss of use, or amputation of the thumb | £39,410 to £60,840 |
Toe injury
| Severity | Example | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Severe | Crush injuries to one or more toes, possibly requiring amputation, and other injuries resulting in severe damage | £15,250 to £23,370 |
| Amputation | Of the big toe | Around £34,740 |
| Amputation of all toes | Of all toes | £40,520 to £62,210 |
Special damages
Special damages is compensation awarded to cover any financial losses and expenses you incur as a result of your amputation injury or negligent medical treatment. These damages aim to put you back in the financial position you would have been in, had your injury not occurred.
Special damages will also cover your medical treatment expenses, that might include haemorrhage control, pain relief, surgical amputation or revision and prosthesis fitting.
Read more:
A complete list of recoverable losses in a personal injury claim
Claiming compensation for psychological injuries
Although psychiatric injuries are less obvious than physical injuries and illness, mental health conditions can be no less debilitating.
Our 2024 Personal Injury Claimant Survey found that 29.03% of claimants reported a psychological injury, with 70.97% of these relating to a physical injury.
Amputations can have profound psychological impacts, including grief over lost function and the loss of the pre-injury life, depression relating to body image concerns, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Psychiatric harm is less obvious than physical injury, but the consequences can be just as difficult to deal with.
Our compensation calculator can estimate your compensation for psychological injuries. Or you can call us on 0800 376 1001 to speak to a specialist advisor.
Can I claim for amputation injury compensation?
You have the right to claim compensation for an amputation injury, if:
- you were injured within the last 3 years, and;
- someone else was to blame, and;
- they owed you a legal duty of care.
Use our injury claim calculator to find out if you can claim. Or you can call 0800 376 1001 to speak to a specialist advisor. Find out in minutes if you have a claim.
Is a claim still possible if I am partly liable?
Ascertaining who is liable for an accident is not always straightforward and can often involve blame on both sides.
In our 2024 Personal Injury Claimant Survey, 13.99% of respondents said they either were unsure of which party was responsible, or believed they were partially responsible for their injuries.
You may still be able to claim compensation even if your actions may have contributed to the accident. Claims where there is fault on both sides (contributory negligence) are often resolved with a split liability agreement.
Read more:
Can I claim if I feel I was partly responsible for my accident?
How long do I have to make an amputation injury claim?
In most cases, you have up to 3 years from the date of your accident or injury to start a claim.
For an injured child, the three-year limitation period begins on their 18th birthday, giving them until they are 21 to start a claim.
Our expert amputation claim solicitors
Amputation compensation is a highly specialised area of law, and these claims should not be handled by a general personal injury solicitor.
It's crucial to work with a lawyer experienced in amputation cases to ensure the best possible outcome. Kevin Walker, the most experienced lawyer on our amputation solicitor panel, leads a team of skilled solicitors dedicated to these claims.
With over 20 years of experience, Kevin has secured numerous settlements over £1 million. His expertise in active prosthetics and assistive technology has helped many clients regain mobility, dexterity, and confidence after amputation.
Recently, Kevin secured a £1.4 million settlement for a 56-year-old male transtibial amputee.
How will my solicitor secure the best outcome?
Making a compensation claim can provide the financial support needed to adjust to life and benefit from medical advancements. A skilled solicitor will do more than secure a settlement—they will help with your overall rehabilitation.
If you've suffered an amputation, legal assistance can include:
- A thorough, independent needs assessment
- Access to treatments and therapies not available on the NHS
- Early financial help for treatment, home modifications, and more
- Assistance in finding advanced prosthetics
- Coordination with rehabilitation providers, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists
- Arranging a Blue Badge if required
- Setting up a Personal Injury Trust to protect compensation from tax and means testing
- Organising welfare benefits advice
- Assistance with bills, mortgage payments, and financial management
A specialist solicitor will also help protect your home and finances, liaising with banks, mortgage providers, credit card companies, and utility providers to manage payments on your behalf.
How will my solicitor help with my rehabilitation?
For many amputees, access to physical therapy and ongoing support may be more important than the total compensation amount.
Your solicitor will connect you with the right specialists to guide and support you through your rehabilitation. These experts include:
- Specialist medical consultants
- Prostheses companies like Pace Rehabilitation, Dorset Orthopaedic, and Ability Matters
- Wheelchair providers
- Rehabilitation providers
- Occupational therapists and physiotherapists
- Independent financial advisers
Can my solicitor help with a bespoke 'care package'
Your solicitor can help arrange a care package tailored to your specific needs.
This care package, based on an independent assessment, can include treatments like physiotherapy, psychotherapy, mirror box therapy, electrical stimulation, and advanced pain management.
The package will also assess the suitability of your home and vehicle, ensuring necessary mobility modifications are made.
Short- and long-term mobility will be considered. With recent advances in wheelchair technology, your solicitor will ensure you have access to the latest options to support your independence.
Can I protecting my compensation sum with a personal injury trust
Compensation awards for amputation injuries often exceed £100,000. The amount is carefully calculated to cover the claimant's immediate and long-term needs, including treatment, support, and prosthetics.
While some awards are paid through regular payments, it's common for claimants to receive a large lump sum. Managing this sum requires independent financial advice to ensure it lasts.
Setting up a personal injury trust helps protect these funds from being used too quickly and ensures they don’t affect eligibility for means-tested benefits like jobseeker’s allowance or housing benefit.
The award calculation also considers the conservative investment returns the claimant is expected to achieve. Without expert advice, it can be challenging to make the money last as long as needed.
Read more:
Should I set up a Personal Injury Trust?
Amputation claim case studies:
Case study 1
A 36-year-old woman was awarded £287,000 in compensation for crush injuries to her finger after it was trapped in the door of a beauty salon.
The incident occurred when the front door slammed shut behind her, trapping and crushing her right index finger. The injuries were severe, leading to hospital admission and reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately, the finger developed necrosis and had to be amputated at the mid phalanx after three days.
An orthopaedic consultant identified three key problems: difficulty using a keyboard for work, elbow pain from repetitive strain, and reduced grip strength. The claimant also developed cold intolerance, limiting her ability to work outdoors and perform daily tasks. She required assistance in some situations.
Psychologically, the claimant was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder, experiencing anxiety and social withdrawal. A clinical prosthetist recommended a functional and cosmetic prosthetic finger to improve both physical and emotional well-being.
The defendant admitted liability, acknowledging negligence for failing to install a door mechanism that regulated the speed of closure.
The out-of-court settlement amounted to £287,000. Of this, £20,634 was for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. Future prosthetic costs totalled £179,457, while £62,651 was awarded for the impact on her work. Additional past and future expenses, including travel and equipment, were accepted at £6,916 and £17,342 respectively.
Case study 2
Solicitors secured £172,500 in compensation for a 68-year-old market trader who suffered serious leg injuries after being run over by a refuse lorry.
The claimant was setting up a market stall when the slow-moving vehicle ran over his left foot. His injuries were severe, leading to an amputation below the knee of his left leg.
After discharge from the hospital, he could not return home due to difficulty managing stairs. He initially required crutches, a wheelchair, and intensive physiotherapy. His family provided care and assistance. The claimant was unable to return to his market stall work or engage in active hobbies he enjoyed before the accident.
He also suffered flashbacks and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, receiving therapy to address his psychological trauma and prolonged depressive reaction.
Allegation It was alleged that the refuse company was negligent because the vehicle was too wide to safely pass through the street during market operations. The defendant argued that the claimant had moved into a dangerous position after the front wheels had passed safely.
Despite this, the severe crushing injury resulted in the loss of his leg and had a lasting impact on his ability to work and quality of life.
Compensation Settlement Though liability was not admitted, the defendant agreed to an out-of-court settlement of £172,500, broken down as follows:
£90,000 for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
£40,000 for care costs
£45,000 for loss of earnings
£49,000 for a prosthetic limb
£26,000 for aids and equipment
The remainder for sundry expenses and interest.
Your life after an amputation
We understand that making a claim is just one part of the rehabilitation journey. Quittance’s network of solicitors has helped many people return to work and lead active lives.
While handling your claim, your solicitor will build a lasting relationship with you and your family. They will provide ongoing support, helping you access advancements in science and technology, such as microprocessor prostheses and PLP therapy, as needed.
What circumstances led to you losing a limb?
Claiming compensation for an amputation injury is dependent on how your injury occurred. Click the icons below for more detail:
Can I make a no win, no fee amputation injury claim?
Yes. With no win, no fee, you can claim amputation injury compensation without financial risk. If your claim isn't successful, you pay nothing. If you win, you only pay a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation.
Get expert advice now
Interested in talking to an injury specialist about your claim?
- Calls are FREE
- Confidential consultation
- No obligation to claim
- No Win No Fee solicitors
Call 0800 376 1001
We are open until 9pm this evening.
or arrange a callbackSources
Amputation - NHS (reviewed: 27/07/2024)
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge - GOV.UK (reviewed: 27/07/2024)
Diabetes - NHS (reviewed: 28/07/2024)
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) - NHS (reviewed: 31/07/2024)
Amputation case law
There are several legal decisions that relate to amputations and limb loss, include cases of medical and surgical negligence:
- In Surrey And Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust v Ms AB [2015], the case dealt with a depressed claimant who required an above the knee amputation, due to diabetes complications. Doctors considered that the amputation was medically necessary, but the claimant refused.
- In Witcomb v JKP Solicitors [2021], the claimant required a below the knee amputation following long-term complications after a serious accident. The claimant had already settled a claim for the seemingly less-serious injury. Because the claimant could not claim for more compensation, they sued their solicitors, arguing that they should have been better informed of the risk of deterioration, and of the consequences of settling early before the extent of their injuries was known.
Author:
Chris Salmon, Director
About the author
Chris Salmon is a co-founder and Director of Quittance Injury Claims. Chris has played key roles in the shaping and scaling of a number of legal services brands and is a regular commentator in the legal press.