Suffering an amputation can be one of the most traumatic and life-changing experiences.
Why our clients love us.
Amputation following an accident is both mentally and physically damaging to the victim. The loss of a limb, affecting either your upper or lower body, can be life-changing. It can affect your independence and mobility, making it difficult for you to make a living and to enjoy life as you had before the amputation.
If your loss of limb is due to a workplace accident or a road traffic collision, you can consider a claim for compensation against the responsible organisation or person.
We support and sponsor a major amputee charity, set up by two amputees and can put you in contact with them and the great work they do in supporting amputees.
If you’re looking to discuss your claim in further detail, speak to one of our specialist claims advisors today!
Our friendly team are here to help, 24/7.
There are two types of amputations – ‘traumatic’ and ‘surgical’ amputations:
A traumatic amputation is where the body part is lost during an incident, such as losing a finger with a chainsaw or other heavy machinery. For this type of amputation, the compensation due to the victim will reflect the injury alongside the physical and mental trauma from the loss of the limb so suddenly.
A surgical amputation is performed in the hospital after it is clear that the limb either cannot be saved or has a high risk of infection due to the manner in which the injury occurred. This can happen when an injury has occurred with farming machinery.
In some cases, a bespoke care package can be arranged as part of the injured person’s compensation. State of the art treatment and ground-breaking therapies, such as nerve interface technologies, are not always available on the NHS. However, such limb technology can be life-changing for the amputee.
This care package can also take into account modifications to your home and vehicle, reducing pain and suffering and ultimately making life more bearable for the amputee. For example, there are recent major developments in wheelchairs, which are now very lightweight and durable.
Rehabilitation following the loss of a limb can be a long, frustrating and difficult process. Your programme of rehabilitation will be tailored to your individual needs, in hope that you can return to doing as many of the activities that you did prior to the accident.
We have access to Specialist Amputee Case Managers who are experienced in assisting amputees and ensuring they get early access to the intensive and specialist rehabilitation they require.
The costs of the physiotherapy and occupational therapy you will undertake, and the time it takes to rehabilitate, will be calculated into your compensation.
Following an amputation, you may be able to have a prosthetic limb fitted and in many cases, different types of prosthesis are needed for different tasks and several types of prosthesis can be claimed in most cases e.g. wet prosthesis or running prosthesis.
The Osseointegration Procedure was developed in the 1990’s for amputees and removes the requirement for socket prosthesis which can often be ill-fitting and therefore this development has greatly improved the quality of life of suitable patients. The procedure enables a prosthesis to be anchored directly into the bone of patients. Whilst the treatment is not without substantial risk, amputees are expected to enjoy some of the following benefits:
If you have undergone an amputation following an accident and are concerned you will not be provided with the most appropriate or useful prosthesis, a claim can and will be brought for the prosthesis and the cost of surgery, if appropriate. This will require an extensive course of physiotherapy so that you can become accustomed to using the prosthetic limb.
It can be difficult to adjust to using a prosthetic limb, as you are required to compensate for the loss of bone and muscle in the amputated limb. This can be exhausting, and therefore requires ongoing physiotherapy and monitoring by medical professionals.
The prosthetic limb also requires ongoing care and follow up by a physiotherapist. The costs of the limb and the aftercare can all be included in your claim for compensation.
Physical recovery from an amputation can be straightforward, however, many victims will continue to suffer with mental and physical trauma for many years following the accident.
There is a chance of developing ‘phantom limb pain’ where the amputee feels sensations, pain or itchiness in the missing limb. This is a psychological condition which can be difficult to treat, as this may persist for many years. This can be included in any claim for compensation.
Whilst other personal injury claims do result in a loss of amenity for the victim, this is much higher for amputees. This is because the loss of a limb can affect that person’s ability to enjoy a normal life, go to work, socialise and exercise.
If your lifestyle has been impacted and as a result, limits the enjoyment of life you had before the accident, this will be calculated in your compensation.
Special Damages are claims for compensation for out of pocket expenses, to compensate for financial losses including lost wages, care and assistance, medical costs and other expenses. This is in addition to the compensation you will receive for your injury.
In circumstances where the victim has suffered an amputation, this can also include the cost of:
Special damages cover the historical financial loss and reimburse the victim for that loss. They also cover any estimated future financial costs as a result of the accident.
Click below to see how much your accident claim could be worth.
