A claim may be possible where the amputation could likely have been avoided, delayed, or made less severe if proper care had been provided. This can include:

• Failures to diagnose and treat infection
• Circulation problems in time
• Surgical errors
• Inadequate monitoring after surgery.

Independent medical experts are used to assess whether the care fell below a reasonable standard and whether that failure caused the limb loss.

Yes. Claims are made against the relevant NHS Trust (not individual clinicians). Compensation is paid through NHS Resolution and does not affect frontline budgets. 

The purpose is to provide financial support for the harm caused – including rehabilitation, prosthetics, care needs, and loss of earnings – as well as accountability and answers about what went wrong.

You can still claim. Private hospitals and clinicians owe the same duty of care as NHS providers. Depending on the facts, a claim may be brought against the hospital, the surgeon, or another provider involved in your care (for example, post-operative aftercare arrangements).

You may still have a claim. Even where an underlying condition existed, negligence can be established if poor care caused limb loss earlier than expected, or led to a higher-level amputation than would otherwise have been required. These cases often focus on whether timely treatment could have preserved more function.

Compensation reflects both the limb loss itself and its wider impact on your life. It usually includes:

• General damages for pain, suffering, psychological harm, and loss of quality of life.
• Special damages for financial losses and future needs, such as prosthetics (including replacements), rehabilitation, home and vehicle adaptations, specialist equipment, travel costs, care and assistance, loss of earnings, and future income or pension loss.

Every claim is assessed individually, with awards designed to support both recovery now and long-term stability.

Yes – if the person affected is unable to bring the claim themselves, a litigation friend can act on their behalf. This applies if the individual:

• Is under 18
• Has limited or no mental capacity
• Has experienced cognitive decline or disability that prevents legal decision-making

Litigation friends are often family members or close friends. They make legal decisions in the claimant’s best interest and liaise with the solicitor to progress the case.

Alternatively, if a loved one has sadly passed away due to negligence, you can also make a claim on their behalf.

Most claims settle without a trial, once medical evidence is obtained and the other side has investigated. Court proceedings may be needed if liability is denied or a fair settlement cannot be agreed. In any case, your solicitor will manage the process and advise you at each stage.