AMPUTATION CLAIMS

Updated July 2026

Amputation injuries change every part of your life and amputation claims help your recovery, in the short and long term.  It is regarded as a severe injury which can impact your mobility, independence, work, mental health and long-term financial stability for both you and your family. However, if your amputation happened because someone else failed to keep you safe when they had a duty to do so, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation. This may include an accident at work, on the road, in a public place, in rented housing or through medical negligence.

Call 0333 358 3034 or fill out our online form and a member of our team will help you get your claim started.

What Is an Amputation Injury?

An amputation is the partial or complete loss of a limb or extremity. It can involve:

• Upper limbs:  fingers, thumb, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow or entire arm.
• Lower limbs: toes, foot, ankle, lower leg, knee or entire leg.
• Multiple limb loss: catastrophic injuries affecting more than one limb.
• Digit amputations: often caused by machinery, crush injuries or defective products.

Amputation injuries can be traumatic (caused by an accident) or surgical (performed because the injury or medical negligence left no alternative). Both types may qualify for compensation if you were injured and it wasn’t your fault.

Amputation After a Workplace Accident

Workplaces must follow strict safety laws. If they fail, serious accidents can occur, including:

• Machinery accidents: unguarded machines, faulty equipment, inadequate lock‑off procedures.
• Crush injuries: warehouse incidents, forklift accidents, falling loads.
• Industrial burns: chemical burns or electrical burns that require surgical removal of tissue.
• Explosions: construction sites, factories, energy facilities.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) lists amputation of an arm, hand, finger, thumb, leg, foot or toe as reportable injuries. This includes traumatic and surgical amputations.

Real World Example:

The HSE also recently reported that a worker for a waste company had to have both legs amputated after he was crushed by a 15 tonne excavator. It reversed over him while he was in the yard sorting waste. The HSE found that the company had not put proper arrangements to keep people safe while vehicles were moving around in the yard.

Amputation After a Road Traffic Collision

Road collisions are a leading cause of traumatic amputations and if another road user was careless, speeding, distracted or intoxicated, you may be eligible to claim. Here are some examples of how such injuries happen:

• Car accidents: high‑impact crashes, trapped limbs, fire‑related injuries.
• Motorcycle accidents: severe leg injuries, crush trauma, roadside hazards.
• Cycling accidents: collisions with vehicles, defective road surfaces.
• Pedestrian accidents: impact trauma, crush injuries, unsafe crossings.

Amputation in a Public Place

Public spaces must be safe for visitors and if a business, council or landowner failed to maintain safe premises, you may be able to claim compensation. Amputation injuries tend to occur due to:

• Crush accidents: falling objects, unsafe shelving, collapsing structures.
• Severe lacerations: broken glass, sharp metal, unsafe fixtures.
• Fire or electrical incidents: faulty wiring, poorly maintained equipment.

Amputation Due to Medical Negligence

Medical negligence may lead to avoidable amputations. However, you may be able to claim if your amputation resulted from:

• Delayed diagnosis: untreated infections, sepsis, vascular disease.
• Surgical errors: nerve damage, blood supply loss, incorrect procedures.
• Medication errors: drugs that worsen infection or circulation.
• Post‑operative negligence: failure to monitor complications.

5 Easy Steps For an Amputation Claim

The idea of pursuing a claim may feel overwhelming after a catastrophic accident such as an amputation. So, it’s worth knowing the personal injury claims process is straightforward and your solicitor will be with you every step of the way, as follows:

Getting legal advice: a solicitor assesses your case in a free, no-obligation consultation and explains your options.

Gathering evidence: your solicitor will help you to gather relevant evidence, such as photos, accident reports, witness details, medical records.

Entering a No Win No Fee agreement: no upfront costs and no fees if you don’t win.

Attending a medical assessment: an independent expert evaluates your injuries, which appointment is often arranged by your solicitor.

Negotiating settlement: most claims settle without going to court.

FAQs for Amputation Claims

Can I claim compensation for an amputation injury?

Yes, you can claim if your amputation resulted from negligence at work, on the road, in a public place, in rented housing or through medical negligence.

What parts of the body can amputation claims cover?

Claims cover fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, legs and multiple limb loss.

How long do amputation claims take?

Many claims may take 12–36 months, depending on severity and liability.

Do I need a medical assessment?

Yes, an independent medical expert evaluates your injuries and future needs and your solicitor will help you arrange this.

Is No Win No Fee available?

Yes, a No Win, No Fee agreement means you pay nothing upfront and nothing if the claim is unsuccessful.

How To Get Started

Reaching out to a trusted claims company during this difficult time can make a significant difference when seeking compensation. 

Contact our team on 0333 358 3034 or alternatively, complete our online contact form and we’ll call you back.

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer