Sepsis claims

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Avoidable amputation claims

For finding answers and getting justice

An amputation is not always an unavoidable outcome. In some cases, a limb is lost because medical treatment was delayed, mismanaged or not provided quickly enough.

When that happens, the consequences are life-changing. If earlier action could have prevented the need for amputation, or reduced the extent of the injury, it may be possible to bring an avoidable amputation compensation claim.

At Switalskis, our medical negligence solicitors support people and families who are living with the impact of serious medical errors. We understand how difficult it can be to question the care you or a loved one received, especially after such a traumatic experience. Our role is to help you understand what happened, and whether the outcome could have been different.

To speak to one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458 , or contact us through the website.

Call Switalskis specialist sepsis compensation solicitors on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch through the website to start your sepsis medical negligence claim.

Our medical negligence specialists

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Suzanne MunroeDirector and Solicitor
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Sarah WalkerDirector and Solicitor
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Charlotte ReevesDirector and Solicitor
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Kay BarnesDirector and Solicitor
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David ThomasDirector and Chartered Legal Executive
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Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

What is an avoidable amputation?

An avoidable amputation is where a limb is removed because of a failure in medical care rather than because it was medically necessary from the outset.

In these cases, the key question is whether appropriate treatment, given at the right time, could have prevented the need for amputation. This might involve delays in diagnosis, failures to recognise deterioration, or missed opportunities to intervene before the condition worsened.

Not every amputation will involve negligence. However, where medical care falls below an acceptable standard and that failure leads to harm, you may have grounds to make a claim.

How avoidable amputations can happen

Avoidable amputations often arise in situations where urgent medical attention is required but not delivered quickly or effectively enough.

In some cases, infections such as are not identified or treated in time. In others, circulation problems linked to conditions like or vascular disease are not properly monitored or managed. There may also be delays in referring a patient for specialist treatment, or failures in post-operative care that allow a condition to deteriorate.

Individually, these issues may seem small. But when combined, they can lead to a situation where amputation becomes the only option left.

Can I make a claim for avoidable amputation?

You may be able to bring a medical negligence claim for amputation if there is evidence that your treatment fell below an acceptable standard and that this caused or contributed to the loss of your limb.

These claims often involve careful investigation of medical records and expert opinion. The focus is not on second-guessing medical decisions with hindsight, but on whether the care you received met the standards expected of healthcare professionals in that situation.

If it is found that earlier diagnosis, treatment or intervention would have made a difference, you may have a right to compensation.

What compensation can help with

A successful avoidable amputation claim is designed to reflect the full impact of what you have experienced, not just the injury itself, but the long-term effects on your life.

This can include the cost of ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, prosthetics, care and support, and any adaptations needed to your home or daily life. It can also account for lost earnings, future financial security, and the wider impact on your independence and wellbeing.

Because every case is different, compensation is always assessed based on your individual circumstances and future needs.

How Switalskis medical negligence specialists can help

We understand that bringing a claim involving medical treatment can feel overwhelming, particularly after a life-changing injury.

Our medical negligence solicitors take a careful and supportive approach. We will listen to your experience, obtain and review your medical records, and work with independent medical experts to understand whether negligence played a role in what happened.

If we believe you may have a claim, we will explain your options clearly and guide you through the process step by step. If we do not think a claim is possible, we will always tell you honestly.

Our focus is on making sure you feel informed, supported and in control at every stage.

What you need to know

Legal Resources

Sepsis: spotting the signs and symptoms of a blood infection

Sepsis affects 123,000 people every year and can have long term consequences. These can include physical disabilities, slower cognitive functions and difficulties with everyday life. Tragically, it kills five people every hour in the UK and is “the most preventable cause of death and disability in Europe”.

Sepsis in children - recognising the signs

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection. The body’s reaction causes damage to it own tissues and organs and it can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and sometimes death, especially if not recognised early and treated promptly.

medical professionals walking in hospital

What are the time limits for making a amputation negligence claim?

In most cases, you have a period of three years from the date of the negligent medical treatment to make a amputation claim, or from when you first realised you suffered harm as a result of the treatment. This is commonly known as the limitation period.

  • Children: if the person who suffered the negligence is under 18 at the time, the three-year period doesn’t start until their 18th birthday. This means they have until they turn 21 to start legal proceedings.
  • Mental capacity: if the person who suffered the negligence lacks mental capacity to make their own decisions, there may be no time limit to make a claim on their behalf.
  • Fatal cases: if you’re claiming on behalf of a deceased family member who passed away due to complication arising from sepsis negligence, the claim must be made within three years of the date of death, or the date of knowledge that negligent treatment caused their death.

It's worth noting that time limits can vary in medical negligence claims, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible in order to avoid missing any deadlines. If you're uncertain whether you're within the time limit to make a negligence claim, contact Switalskis today to learn more.

How much compensation can I claim?

The exact compensation amount you’ll receive for a amputation negligence claim will depend on the various unique factors tied to each individual case. The settlement awarded will often take into account the severity of the sepsis, the level of negligence involved, and the impact on your life, both now and in the future.

Compensation in amputation negligence cases is generally divided into two main categories:

  • General damages: this compensates for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity you’ve experienced as a result of amputation. Factors such as the severity of your illness, the pain and suffering you've gone through, and the impact on your lifestyle are considered.
  • Special damages: this covers any financial losses and expenses you’ve experienced due to amputation. This can include loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel costs for medical appointments, and the cost of care and support, among other outgoings.

These damages will be calculated based on existing legal guidelines, previous medical negligence cases, and the advice of medical and financial experts.

While we can’t provide an exact figure without understanding the specifics of your case, rest assured that our expert amputation negligence solicitors will work diligently to secure the maximum compensation you're entitled to. For a more detailed discussion about the potential value of your claim, contact Switalskis today to discuss your case in greater detail.

How are medical negligence claims funded?

Potential costs are among the biggest concerns our clients have about claiming compensation. At Switalskis, we’re committed to making the process as accessible as possible by offering various funding options to meet your needs:

Potential costs are among the biggest concerns our clients have about claiming compensation. At Switalskis, we’re committed to making the process as accessible as possible by offering various funding options to meet your needs:

  • No win, no fee agreement: also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA), this is the most common way to fund a sepsis negligence claim. Under a no win, no fee agreement, you won’t need to pay anything if your claim is unsuccessful. Our costs are written off. If you win your case, a percentage of your compensation will be used to cover our fees. This option allows you to pursue your claim without any financial risk, and we’ll discuss all of the potential costs with you upfront to avoid any surprises.
  • Legal expenses insurance: we will begin an insurance policy to cover you for the out-of-pocket costs we experience during the investigation. We have our own insurance provider that we use. However, you may have legal expenses cover as part of your home or car insurance policy, which can also be used to fund your claim. We’ll assist you in understanding your policy and liaising with your insurer.
  • Legal aid: in very rare cases, Legal Aid may be available for clinical negligence claims, although it’s usually reserved for specific situations. Our team can guide you on whether you might be eligible.

Remember, your first consultation with our clinical negligence solicitors is free and without obligation. We’ll discuss the funding options available to you and help you choose the best one for your situation.

Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Why Switalskis?

Navigating a amputation compensation claim can be a challenging journey, and it's vital to have expert legal partners in your corner to give your family the justice it deserves. This is where Switalskis' team of medical negligence experts can make a significant difference.

Clarity in complexity

Medical negligence claims can often be very complicated, but we’ll make them easy for you to understand. We’ll translate complex legal language into simple, easy-to-understand terms. We’re always available to address your queries and clear up any points of confusion.

Empathy at every step

Every client's situation is unique, and we’ll always work to make sure we understand your specific needs throughout the claims process. We listen attentively to your concerns, respect your feelings, and provide personalised advice that aligns with the specifics of your case. You're more than just a client to us - we acknowledge the stressful time you and your family are going through, and we're here to provide all the support you require.

Expertise you can trust

Even if you’re dealing with a complex and prolonged claim, you're in safe hands with Switalskis. Thanks to our many years of experience and proven success in obtaining compensation for clients in similar situations, you can trust us to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Championing your rights

If your family has been affected by amputation due to medical negligence, Switalskis is here to safeguard your rights and make your voice heard. Not only will we assist you in claiming the compensation you rightfully deserve, but we’ll also hold those responsible to account. This means your claim will play a meaningful role in preventing others from experiencing the same stress.

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We can support you in the following medical negligence situations

Find out how Switalskis can help you

If you believe that you or a loved one have been a victim of medical negligence, it's crucial to take that first step towards justice. Switalskis is here to guide you through the process, providing expert advice, emotional support and strong representation.

Contact Switalskis today by calling 0800 1380 458 or getting in touch with us through the website to discuss your concerns in confidence with a legal specialist.

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