Amputation Negligence and How to Claim Compensation
Having to undergo an amputation is a devastating and life-changing experience. If medical negligence has played a role in this shocking scenario, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Limb amputation and medical negligence
Although thankfully rare, medical negligence occasionally contributes to the loss of a limb. This can occur in a variety of ways including the following:
- Amputation of the wrong limb: a catastrophic 'never event'
- Unnecessary amputation where a misdiagnosis or incorrect judgement as to treatment has led to the amputation of a partial or full limb which would not generally have been regarded as necessary
- Amputation due to negligence in relation to the diagnosis or treatment of a condition such as cancer or necrotising fasciitis, where a delay in appropriate medical care has put the patient in the appalling position of requiring an amputation, of some form, in order to prevent the spread of the condition and a threat to their life
The impact of an amputation
To suffer an amputation for whatever reason, whether of an upper or lower limb, will utterly alter the course of a person's life. To suffer an amputation which might be regarded as unnecessary will bring with it wide-ranging psychological distress as well as the array of practical difficulties associated with the loss of a limb.
An individual who has suffered an amputation which has, in some way, been inappropriate or unnecessary may struggle with many aspects of their life:
- They may struggle to work at all or need to re-train or be able only to manage reduced hours due to the impact, both practical and psychological, of their amputation
- They may need help around the home and with personal care due to their new physical limitations
- They may need additional surgery, physiotherapy, and psychological support
- They may need specialist equipment in order to manage the loss of their limb
- They may become dependent on walking aids
- They may be unable to engage with many of their former activities and suffer a significantly reduced quality of life
How to claim compensation
A successful compensation claim can address the often considerable financial losses caused by such consequences but making a compensation claim for medical negligence is a highly complex process and requires the skills of a legal specialist.
They will be able to carry out an investigation into the quality of the patient's care and make a meticulous and comprehensive assessment of the impact of any negligence on the patient's life. They will also have access to the best medical experts to support this process.
Speak to an expert
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of specialist solicitors and extensive experience in high-value, complex claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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