How Medical Negligence Can Lead to Amputation
Amputations are sometimes necessary following trauma or severe illness, but in many cases, they could have been avoided with the right care. Amputations caused by negligence often involve:
If medical professionals fail to diagnose or treat these conditions appropriately, amputation can become the only option to save a person’s life.
Real Stories: Lives Affected by Negligence
V’s Story: A Missed DVT Diagnosis
After a long-haul flight, V visited A&E multiple times with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but the condition went undiagnosed. The delay caused his leg to become ischemic (a loss of blood supply), and he ultimately required a below-knee amputation. He was only in his 30s.
We worked with V to:
- Gather medical evidence and expert opinions
- Secure an admission of liability from the hospital
- Obtain interim and final compensation payments
The amputation claim helped him adapt his home, access rehabilitation, and continue his active lifestyle.
TA’s Story: Years of Errors and Missed Opportunities
TA suffered from ongoing issues in his ankle and underwent multiple failed surgeries due to negligent care. He was eventually discharged too early and operated on despite a recent infection. These missteps resulted in a leg amputation.
He experienced:
- Significant mental and emotional trauma
- Loss of independence and employment
- A need for mobility aids, prosthetics, and home modifications
Thanks to a successful amputation claim, TA was able to access prosthetics that eventually allowed him to return to horse riding — a passion he had to give up for several years.
Sepsis Leading to Amputation: X’s story
X developed sepsis following poor wound care after surgery. Healthcare staff failed to recognise and treat the infection in time, leading to gangrene and eventual amputation. We obtained compensation for X’s amputation claim, which covered:
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of income
- Specialist equipment and prosthetics
Our Approach: Supporting You Every Step of the Way
At MDS, we understand the emotional and physical challenges of losing a limb. That’s why our specialist solicitors take a compassionate, personalised approach to every case.
What We Do:
- Offer a free initial consultation
- Work on a no-win, no-fee basis
- Investigate your case using the best medical and legal experts
- Aim to settle your case without going to court, but we’re ready to go to trial if needed
What Compensation Can Cover
The compensation you receive for an amputation claim is designed to help you rebuild your life. It can cover:
- Advanced prosthetics and adjustments for your comfort and mobility
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Mental health support for emotional recovery
- Home and vehicle adaptations
- Loss of earnings and future employment support
- Specialist equipment recommended by occupational therapists
Every case is different, and the compensation amount reflects your unique needs and future care.
Amputation Types and Challenges
Each amputation comes with its own challenges:
- Leg or Foot – May require a prosthetic or wheelchair and extensive rehab
- Arm or Hand – Often requires retraining and may significantly affect daily life and work
- Finger or Toe – Affects mobility or grip depending on which digit is lost
Expert Legal Support in Amputation Claims
At MDS, we have settled millions in complex medical negligence claims, including amputation and DVT-related cases. Our legal team is experienced, sensitive, and fully dedicated to helping you:
- Seek justice for avoidable harm
- Get the answers you deserve
- Secure compensation for your recovery and future
Start Your Claim Today
If you or a loved one has undergone an amputation and believe it was due to negligent care, get in touch with our team. We are here to support you every step of the way — from understanding your situation to helping you claim the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.
Daniel Fourie, Specialist Medical Negligence Consultant Paralegal, from MDS states “This highlights the severe and lasting impact medical negligence can have when it results in amputation, affecting every aspect of a person’s life. It also underscores the crucial role of legal expertise in helping individuals secure justice, compensation, and long-term support.”
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, limb loss and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
Our solicitors have extensive experience of representing clients and their families who have been affected by medical negligence. Click here to read more about how we can help you and here read one of our client’s stories.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
