There are different types of amputation claims that can be made, from a loss of a leg or the loss of a finger or toe. The psychological impact on the individual concerned can be life-changing, and the level of care and time it will need in order for the individual to recover will depend on the severity of the amputation. Whether or not you can make a claim will depend on the way in which you lost your limb.

Making a traumatic amputation claim

A traumatic amputation claim can arise when somebody suffers a loss of limb during a serious accident. This can happen anywhere, such as in a traffic accident, at the workplace, or in a motorbike accident. These injuries can be complete, or even partial where some soft tissue remains, however the body part is completely crushed. If you have suffered under these circumstances and wish to make a claim, it will be necessary to be able to prove that someone else was wholly or partially responsible for the amputation taking place.

Surgical error

Some cases that have been reported involve a surgeon that makes an error during the surgery, which results in an amputation taking place. This could be due to a number of reasons. There could have been misdiagnosis in the initial treatment which led to the surgical error. Or the surgeon makes a catastrophic mistake which results in the amputation of a limb. In order to make a claim, the patient will have to make one based on both the surgical error and the amputation.

Misdiagnosis

Arguably the most devastating form of medical negligence is wrongful limb amputation. These are in extreme cases where limbs have been amputated due to misdiagnosis. On some occasions, the wrong limb has been amputated. The patient is likely to feel a multitude of emotions under these devastating circumstances, and will find it hard to cope. The patient will have to prove that the limb that was amputated was not putting their body at risk.

Suffering the loss of a limb because of a serious accident, or due to a surgical error can have devastating life-changing effects on the individual. If you have been victim to an amputation based on misdiagnosis in treatment or as a result of a road accident, you will be feeling shaky and uncertain about your future. It is understandable in these circumstances to be worried about how you will cope emotionally and financially as a result of your loss.

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may find it difficult returning to work. You may also feel that you will need an extended period of rest in which to fully recover. If you feel that your amputation was as a result of an accident that was not your fault, then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

Our solicitors will assess your case with sympathy and compassion, and advise you on your next course of action.