Amputation Compensation Claims – How Much Compensation Am I Eligible to Claim?
Few events are as life changing as the loss of a limb. Whether through a serious accident, medical negligence, or workplace incident, an amputation alters not just mobility but every aspect of daily life. It brings physical, emotional, and financial challenges that can feel overwhelming. At Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors, we believe no one should have to face this alone, especially where negligence or wrongdoing is to blame.
One of the first questions many clients ask is: “How much compensation am I entitled to claim?”. While every case is different, this article will guide you through the factors that influence the value of amputation and loss of limb compensation claims, and how we can help you secure the support you need.
What makes a valid amputation claim?
To bring a successful claim, three key elements usually need to be proven:
- Duty of Care – someone, such as an employer, driver, or healthcare professional, owed you a responsibility to act safely.
- Breach of Duty – that responsibility was not met, whether through negligence, recklessness, or error.
- Causation – the breach of duty directly led to your injury and subsequent amputation.
If these apply, you may be eligible to pursue compensation.
Factors that can influence the value of an amputation compensation claim
The amount of compensation awarded depends on the unique impact of the amputation on your life. Key considerations include:
- The type of limb lost – for example, an arm, leg, hand, or multiple digits.
- The level of the amputation – compensation varies depending on whether the limb was lost above or below a joint.
- Your age and lifestyle – younger claimants or those whose work and hobbies are heavily affected may receive higher awards.
- Psychological effects – including trauma, depression, or phantom limb pain.
- Financial consequences – such as lost earnings, the cost of care, home adaptations, or specialist equipment.
What’s the difference between General Damages and Special Damages?
Compensation is typically split into two categories:
- General Damages: These account for the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the amputation.
- Special Damages: These reimburse you for actual financial losses and expenses, both past and future. This can include medical bills, loss of income, the cost of prosthetics, home modifications, and professional care.
Together, these ensure your claim reflects not just the injury itself but also its long-term impact on your quality of life.
What are the typical compensation amounts for an amputation compensation claim?
While no two cases are identical, the Judicial College Guidelines provide a framework for valuing general damages in the UK. Below are typical ranges:
Leg Amputations
- One leg above the knee: £127,930 – £167,760
- One leg below the knee: £119,570 – £162,290
- Both legs below the knee: £245,900 – £329,620
- Both legs: £293,850 – £344,150
Arm and Hand Amputations
- Arm below the elbow: £117,360 – £133,310
- Arm above the elbow: £133,810 – £159,770
- Shoulder-level amputation: from £167,380
- Loss of both arms: £293,850 – £366,100
Fingers and Toes
Even the loss of a single digit can have significant implications, especially for those whose work requires manual dexterity. Compensation is therefore assessed carefully based on function lost and impact on everyday life.
These figures relate only to general damages. When combined with special damages, particularly the loss of earnings and future care costs, the overall compensation can be considerably higher.
What are the time limits for making an amputation compensation claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of injury, or from the date you became aware that negligence caused your amputation, to start a claim.
Exceptions include:
- Children – the three-year period runs from their 18th birthday.
- Individuals lacking mental capacity – the time limit may not apply until (and unless) capacity is regained.
It is always best to seek legal advice as early as possible so that crucial evidence can be preserved.
How Edwards Duthie Shamash Can Help
Choosing the right solicitor is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Edwards Duthie Shamash, we provide:
- Specialist expertise in catastrophic injury and amputation claims.
- No Win, No Fee representation, so there is no financial risk to you.
- Personal support, guiding you through each stage of the process with compassion and clarity.
- Pursuit of interim payments, helping you access essential funds for rehabilitation, mobility aids, or adaptations before your case concludes.
Our role is not only to fight for the compensation you are entitled to, but also to ensure you receive the practical support and security you need to move forward.
How Do I Make an Amputation Compensation Claim?
Suffering an amputation is one of the most devastating injuries anyone can experience. Whether it results from a serious accident, medical negligence, or an injury at work, the physical, emotional and financial impact can be life changing. If the amputation was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.
Act now and start your amputation compensation claim
If you or a loved one has suffered an amputation because of negligence, you may be eligible to make a claim. Compensation cannot undo what has happened, but it can provide the financial stability and resources needed to rebuild your life with dignity and independence.
We invite you to contact us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion. Together, we can explore your options and begin the process of securing the compensation you deserve.
Speak to Our Amputation Compensation Claims Solicitors Today
An amputation is never simply a medical procedure; it’s often a critical turning point in your life that reshapes your future. By bringing a claim, you are not only holding the responsible party to account but also ensuring you have the means to adapt and thrive.
At Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors, we are here to stand by your side every step of the way.
If you have been injured and your injury has resulted in part of your body being amputated then you may be eligible for compensation. Our experienced personal injury solicitors are here to support you through this difficult process, helping you secure the compensation and rehabilitation you are entitled to.
Amputation Compensation Claims Frequently Asked Questions
Compensation varies depending on the type of amputation, the level of the limb lost, and its impact on your life. For example, losing one leg below the knee may result in an award exceeding £100,000, while the loss of both legs or arms can be valued much higher. Additional compensation is available for financial losses such as lost income, care, and home adaptations.
The main factors include which limb was lost, whether the amputation was above or below a joint, your age, the effect on your ability to work, psychological impact, and future care needs. Both general damages (for pain and suffering) and special damages (for financial losses) are considered.
Yes. In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accident or from when you realised negligence caused your amputation. For children, the time limit begins on their 18th birthday. For those without mental capacity, the time limit may not apply until capacity is regained.
Yes. These costs fall under special damages and are a key part of amputation claims. You can recover the cost of advanced prosthetics, mobility aids, physiotherapy, counselling, home modifications, and ongoing professional care. These ensure your claim reflects your real, long-term needs.
At Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors, we work on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and there is no financial risk to you. Our fee is only payable if your claim succeeds, ensuring you have access to justice without added financial worry.