Amputation claims: What to do if you’ve lost a hand at work

By Katrina Elsey

Published April 16, 2025In: Personal Injury

April marks Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month—a time to recognise the resilience of those living with limb loss, while also raising awareness of the circumstances that can lead to such life-altering injuries.

As experienced amputation solicitors, we often see the devastating impact that workplace accidents can have, not just physically, but emotionally and financially too.

Amputations at work are often the result of preventable incidents—whether due to faulty machinery, inadequate training, or lapses in health and safety protocols.

This month provides an important opportunity to reflect on how we can better protect workers and support those whose lives have been changed by amputation.

Suffering an amputation at work is a life-changing event, both physically and emotionally. Losing a hand can dramatically impact your ability to work, perform everyday tasks, and maintain your independence.

While no amount of compensation can undo the trauma, making a claim can help secure financial stability and ensure you get the support you need to move forward.

Here's all you need to know about workplace amputation claims.

How workplace hand amputations happen

Workplace environments can sometimes involve hazards that put employees at risk of serious injuries. Common causes of hand amputations at work include:

Faulty machinery: Equipment such as conveyor belts, saws, or presses that are poorly maintained or defective

Lack of safety guards: Machinery without adequate safety features or guards is a major cause of accidents

Inadequate training: Employees who are not properly trained in operating equipment or performing tasks safely are at greater risk of injury

Unsafe work practices: Employers failing to enforce safety protocols or ignoring industry standards

Manual handling incidents: Heavy or unsafe lifting practices can lead to crush injuries resulting in amputation.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to protect their employees from avoidable risks, so if an accident occurs due to negligence, the employer may be held liable.

Who is liable for a workplace amputation?

In many cases, your employer will be responsible for ensuring a safe work environment. This includes:

• Providing properly maintained equipment

• Conducting regular risk assessments

• Enforcing health and safety policies

• Ensuring employees are adequately trained

If your injury occurred because your employer failed to meet their legal obligations, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

In some cases, liability could also lie with:

• Third-party contractors (if faulty equipment was provided or maintained by an external company).

• Equipment manufacturers (if the machinery involved in the accident was inherently defective).

How compensation can help

Compensation from an amputation claim is intended to cover both immediate and long-term impacts of your injury. It can include:

Medical costs

• Surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment

• and specialist equipment

Lost earnings

• Compensation for time off work

• Loss of future earning potential if you’re unable to return to the same job

Pain and suffering

• Damages for the physical and emotional trauma caused by the amputation

Home adaptations

• Costs for making your home accessible, such as installing grab rails or adjusting workspaces

Care and support

• Compensation for the cost of carers or assistance with daily tasks

Amputation claims often result in higher compensation amounts than other workplace injuries, reflecting the severe, long-term impact of the injury.

What to do after a workplace amputation

If you’ve suffered a hand amputation at work, the following steps are essential to protecting your rights and building a strong claim:

Seek immediate medical attention

• It goes without saying, your priority is to get treated for your injury. Additionally, medical records will serve as evidence in your claim.

Report the incident

• Notify your employer and ensure the accident is logged in the company’s accident book.

Gather evidence

• Take photos of the accident scene, machinery, and any visible hazards

• Identify witnesses and collect their details where possible

Contact Switalskis

Switalskis are experienced in amputation claims. We can guide you through the legal process and handle all aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Suffering a hand amputation at work is a devastating experience, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. By making a claim, you can secure financial support to aid your recovery and take care of future needs, while holding negligent parties accountable.