Amputation Compensation Claims

Amputation involves the surgical removal of a limb or extremity. It is a life-altering event that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether due to clinical negligence, medical necessity, traumatic injury, or congenital condition, the impact of amputation is profound and multifaceted.

Causes of amputation

The need for amputation could arise as a result of many causes, such as:

  • Traumatic amputation – As a result of a road traffic accident or workplace incident for example.
  • Diabetes – Diabetic complications, such as neuropathy and poor circulation, can lead to severe infections and the need for amputation.
  • Infection – Untreated infections or infections that do not respond to treatment may necessitate amputation to prevent the spread of disease. Meningitis for example could lead to amputation of one or more limbs.
  • Tumours – Tumours in bones or muscles may require amputation. In the context of a clinical negligence matter it may be that a tumour has gone undiagnosed or not properly treated, as a result of which it leads to amputation of the limb.
  • Blood clot – Blood clots can lead to reduced circulation of blood to the limbs leading to ischaemia (lack of blood supply). In the clinical negligence context, it may be that a patient has not been appropriately treated in the first instance in preventing the development of blood clots, or it may be that appropriate action has not been taken once a clot has developed, leading to ischaemia and the need for amputation. Time is of the essence in treating blood clots and ischaemia.

Impact of amputation

Undergoing amputation of any limb is life-changing and incredibly traumatic. Patients will require rehabilitation to include physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Adaptations to the home may be required, and in some cases, patients will require prosthetic limbs. Prosthetic rehabilitation is lengthy and frequent review of the patient and the prosthetic limb is required to ensure a good fit of the prosthesis. Individual patients will have different requirements for their prosthetic limbs. Good prosthetic rehabilitation is vital.

Sadly, not all patients are suitable candidates for prosthetics. Some patients may have to undergo further surgical procedures in order to become a suitable candidates for prosthetics. Even with prosthetics, there is likely to be times when the patient cannot wear their prosthetic limb. For example, those with lower limb amputation may suffer swelling or discomfort to the residual limb such that wearing a prosthetic limb becomes too painful. They may be reliant upon a wheelchair during these periods.

Appropriate measures must be in place to ensure that the individual can still live as independently as possible, with or without a prosthesis.

Appropriate support, both physical and emotional is vital for those who have suffered such life-changing injuries.

Amputation compensation claims

At Nelsons, our Medical Negligence team is experienced in representing those who have suffered amputation as a result of clinical negligence. We work tirelessly to secure early admissions of liability so that early interim payments can be obtained to enable:

  • The vital rehabilitation clients need
  • Purchase of suitable equipment
  • The prosthetic rehabilitation clients need in the private sector
  • The purchase, rental, or adaptation of the client’s home
  • Input from therapists to support the emotional needs of the client
  • Input from an appropriate support network, such as carers, personal assistants, or support workers
  • Input from a case manager to support the client with all of the above.

It may be that as a result of the injuries, the client is unable to continue in their previous occupation such that vocational rehabilitation is required. Some clients may require inpatient rehabilitation. This can be costly and interim payments can assist in covering such costs.

How can Nelsons help?Amputation

Emma Zukowska is a Partner in our Medical Negligence team, which is ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500, and Commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2024.

If you have any questions about the subjects discussed in this article, please contact Emma or another team member in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.

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