Losing a limb is life-changing. Whether it happened suddenly in an accident or as a result of medical negligence, the physical, emotional and financial impact can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with pain, long-term treatment, loss of independence, and worries about how you will manage work, care, and everyday life.
If your amputation was caused by someone else’s negligence, UK law allows you to claim compensation. This guide explains, in simple terms, how amputation compensation claims work, how much you could claim, what your claim can include, and what steps you can take next.
What can cause an amputation?
Amputation does not always happen at the scene of an accident. In many cases, doctors may need to remove a limb later to save your life or prevent further complications.
The two main reasons people make amputation compensation claims are traumatic injury and medical negligence.
Traumatic amputation
A traumatic amputation usually follows a serious accident. Common situations include:
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at work, especially in industrial or construction settings
- Machinery or equipment failures
- Serious crush injuries or burns
In some cases, the limb is lost during the accident itself. In others, doctors may need to amputate later due to infection, severe tissue damage, or restricted blood flow.
If the accident was caused by someone else’s fault – such as a careless driver or an employer failing to maintain safe working conditions – you may have a valid claim.
Amputation caused by medical negligence
An amputation can also result from medical negligence. This might happen when:
- A condition is misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late
- An infection is not treated properly
- Surgical errors occur
- Blood supply issues are not managed correctly
Losing a limb due to medical negligence can be just as devastating as losing one in an accident. If your amputation could have been avoided with proper care, you may be entitled to compensation.
Who is most affected by traumatic amputations?
In the UK, the most common causes of traumatic amputations depend on age and environment:
- Adults: Road traffic accidents and workplace accidents are the leading causes
- Children: Accidents in and around the home are a major cause
- Workplace injuries: Heavy machinery, poor maintenance, lack of training, and missing safety measures are common factors
Amputation below the knee is one of the most common forms of limb loss.
What does amputation compensation cover?
Compensation for amputation is designed to help you rebuild your life. It is not just about the injury itself, but how it affects your future.
Your claim is usually divided into general damages and special damages.
General damages: compensation for pain and suffering
General damages compensate you for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of independence
Courts and solicitors use the Judicial College Guidelines to assess how much general damages may be worth. The amount depends on the type of amputation, its severity, and how it affects your day-to-day life.
Typical guideline ranges include:
- One leg below the knee: £119,570 – £162,290
- One leg above the knee: £127,930 – £167,760
- Both legs below the knee: £245,900 – £329,620
- Both legs: £293,850 – £344,150
- One arm above the elbow: £109,650 – £130,930
- One arm below the elbow: £117,360 – £133,310
- One foot or ankle: £102,470 – £133,810
- One hand at the wrist: £117,360 – £133,810
- Partial amputations such as fingers or thumbs: £10,000 – £90,000, depending on severity
These figures are guidelines, not guarantees. Your exact compensation will depend on your individual circumstances.
Special damages: covering your financial losses
Special damages compensate you for the financial effect of your amputation. These losses are often significant and long-term.
They may include:
Loss of earnings
If you cannot return to work or need to change your job, you can claim for:
- Past lost income
- Future loss of earnings
- Loss of pension benefits
Care and support
You may need help with daily tasks, either now or in the future. This can include:
- Professional carers
- Assistance from family members
- Long-term support plans
Even if a family member provides care, it can still be included in your claim.
Prosthetics and equipment
Modern prosthetic limbs can cost tens of thousands of pounds and often need replacing. Your claim may include:
- High-quality prosthetic limbs
- Maintenance and replacements
- Wheelchairs and mobility aids
- Specialist equipment for daily living
Medical treatment and rehabilitation
This can include:
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Psychological counselling
Housing and transport adaptations
You may need:
- A new adapted property
- Changes to your current home
- An adapted vehicle
Compensation can cover these costs so your living environment suits your needs.
Can you claim for psychological injuries?
Yes. Losing a limb often has a serious emotional impact. Many people experience anxiety, depression, trauma, or loss of confidence.
Compensation can include support for:
- Psychological therapy
- Counselling
- Trauma-focused treatment
Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical recovery.
Will you receive money while the claim is ongoing?
In many cases, you can receive interim payments. These are advance payments made before the claim fully settles.
Interim payments can help pay for:
- Immediate rehabilitation
- Prosthetics
- Home adjustments
- Counselling or therapy
This support can make a huge difference during recovery.
How long do you have to make an amputation claim?
In most UK cases, you have three years to start a claim. The time limit usually begins from:
- The date of the accident, or
- The date you became aware that negligence caused your injury
There are exceptions, including cases involving children or people who lack mental capacity. If you are unsure, it is best to seek advice as soon as possible.
What evidence do you need?
Strong evidence is essential to support your claim. This may include:
- Medical records and expert reports
- Rehabilitation and prosthetic assessments
- Proof of lost earnings
- Receipts and financial documents
- Care and support reports
Independent experts may also be used to assess your future needs so nothing is overlooked.
How does the amputation claims process work?
There are two key stages in every claim.
Establishing liability
This means proving who was at fault. Even if you were partly responsible, you may still be entitled to compensation.
Valuing the claim
This stage looks at how the amputation affects your life now and in the future. The aim is to secure compensation that supports you for the long term, not just immediately after the injury.
Claims should never be rushed. Taking time allows your legal team to fully understand your future needs.
Why legal advice is so important
Amputation claims are complex and usually high-value. Specialist legal advice helps ensure:
- All losses are included
- Future costs are properly calculated
- Interim payments are secured
- You receive fair and appropriate compensation
A solicitor will also arrange medical evidence and expert assessments to support your case.
Final thoughts
An amputation changes your life, but compensation can give you security, support and access to the care you need. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek justice.
By understanding what you can claim for, how much compensation may be available, and how the process works, you can take the next step with confidence. Seeking advice early gives you the best chance of securing compensation that truly reflects your needs and helps you move forward with your life.