Loss of limb compensation claims

Amputation and limb loss compensation claims

For getting your life back on track

Losing a limb can change every part of your life. You may be facing physical challenges, emotional strain, and uncertainty about what the future looks like. Everyday tasks can feel different, and concerns about work, finances and ongoing medical care can quickly become overwhelming.

If your limb loss was caused by an accident or something that should have been prevented, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. More importantly, you deserve the right support to help you move forward with confidence.

At Switalskis, we support people who have experienced life-changing injuries, including limb loss and amputation. Our serious injury solicitors provide clear, compassionate advice, helping you understand your options and what to expect from the claims process. We’ll take the time to listen to your situation and guide you in a way that feels manageable, straightforward and focused on what matters to you.

We support clients with all types of limb loss claims, including those arising from road traffic accidents, workplace incidents and medical negligence, such as delayed diagnosis or avoidable complications. Our focus is not just on securing compensation, but on helping you access the rehabilitation, care and financial support you may need both now and in the future.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to support you at every stage, keeping things clear, reducing uncertainty, and making sure you feel informed and in control of your decisions.

To discuss your unique situation and learn more, call us today on 0800 138 0458 , or reach out to us via our website .

If you’d like to talk things through, call 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.

What Switalskis offers during your claim

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How Switalskis can help

If you have lost a limb due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to make a limb loss compensation claim. Our serious injury solicitors are here to guide you through the process, offering clear advice from the outset and protecting your interests every step of the way.

We’ll build a strong, evidence-based amputation compensation claim that reflects your individual circumstances. Our team has extensive experience handling complex loss of limb claims, with a clear understanding of the physical, emotional and financial impact these life-changing injuries can have.

We take the time to listen to you. Understanding what matters most to you helps us shape the way we support your claim. We explain everything in plain English, so you always feel informed and confident about the decisions you’re making.

We can also help you access the right support beyond your legal claim. This may include connecting you with rehabilitation specialists, medical experts, counselling services and support organisations to assist with your recovery.

Switalskis is known for handling sensitive, complex serious injury claims with care and attention to detail. Many of our solicitors are accredited by the Law Society and other recognised organisations, reflecting the experience and expertise we bring to every case.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

Causes of limb loss and amputation

Limb loss can happen in a range of circumstances, often as a result of serious or life-changing injuries. Understanding how your injury occurred is an important part of establishing whether you may be able to make a limb loss compensation claim.

Some of the most common causes of limb loss and amputation include:

  • Workplace accidents, including machinery or industrial incidents
  • Serious road traffic collisions, particularly involving motorcycles or high-impact collisions
  • Crush injuries and traumatic accidents
  • Infections such as sepsis, which can lead to avoidable amputation in some cases

In some situations, limb loss may also be linked to medical negligence, such as delayed diagnosis or failures in treatment that could have prevented the need for amputation.

Beyond the physical impact, losing a limb can affect your emotional wellbeing and day-to-day life. Many people experience anxiety, (PTSD), or phantom limb pain. Adjusting to life after amputation can also involve ongoing rehabilitation, the use of prosthetics, and significant financial pressures.

At Switalskis, we understand that no two experiences are the same. Our role is to support you through your loss of limb claim, making sure you feel informed, supported and confident about what comes next. We focus not only on securing compensation, but on helping you access the support you need to rebuild your life.

What is the process for making a loss of limb claim?

With our dedicated legal team by your side, the process of making a loss of limb compensation claim becomes clearer and more manageable. Here's a guide to the steps involved in doing so:

Step 1: Initial consultation

When you initially reach out to us, we'll assess the circumstances surrounding your injury and the viability of your claim. We’ll talk you through your options and give you a clear understanding of the next steps, without pressure or obligation.

Step 2: Building your claim and gathering evidence

If you decide to proceed, we’ll begin to gather evidence that supports your case. This may include gathering:

  • Medical records and hospital reports
  • Photographs of your injuries
  • CCTV or dashcam footage (where available)
  • Witness statements
  • Workplace or accident reports

We will also investigate whether your injury may have involved negligence, including failures in care, treatment or safety procedures.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

When we feel confident that we have a strong argument to back up your claim, we'll draft and submit your case to the party at fault and their insurance company. We'll manage all communications, so that you can focus on your recovery.

Step 4: Negotiation and settlement

In many cases, compensation claims are resolved without the need for court proceedings. We will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full impact of your injury, including rehabilitation needs, financial losses and future care.

Step 5: Court proceedings (where necessary)

If we can’t agree on a fair settlement for you, we may have to bring your case to court . Our team is experienced in representing clients in court, and we’ll make sure you're well-prepared for anything required of you.

Step 6: Settlement and compensation

If your claim is successful, you will receive compensation to help support your recovery and future needs. This may include funding for rehabilitation, prosthetics, care, loss of earnings and adaptations to your home or lifestyle.

What are the time limits for making a loss of limb claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a loss of limb compensation claim.

However, there are some important exceptions where different time limits may apply:

  • Children: If the injured person is under 18, a claim can usually be made at any time before their 18th birthday. After that, they typically have until their 21st birthday to begin a claim themselves.
    A parent or guardian can also bring a claim on their behalf at any point before they turn 18.
  • Mental capacity: If the person injured does not have the mental capacity to manage a legal claim, there may be no time limit. In these cases, a claim can often be brought at any time.
  • Criminal injury claims: If your injury was caused by a violent crime, you may need to apply through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). These claims usually have a two-year time limit, although exceptions can apply in certain circumstances.
    We can guide you through this process and help you understand whether a CICA claim is appropriate in your situation.

Even if you are unsure whether you want to make a claim, it’s important to seek legal advice as early as possible. Over time, evidence can become harder to obtain and witnesses’ recollections may fade.

Speaking to a solicitor early can help protect your position and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.

What will loss of limb compensation cover?

The amount of loss of limb compensation you may receive depends on how the injury has affected your life, both physically and financially.

Every case is different, but compensation is designed to reflect the full impact of your injury, not just the initial accident, but your ongoing needs and future care.

In general, a limb loss compensation claim is made up of two main parts:

  • General damages: This covers the pain, suffering and impact of your injury on your life. It includes both physical injury and the psychological effects of losing a limb, such as trauma, anxiety or loss of independence.
  • Special damages: these cover the financial losses you have experienced due to your injuries. These may include:
    • Medical expenses: including the cost of healthcare treatments, prostheses, therapy, counselling, or any other treatments linked to your injuries.
    • Loss of earnings: any wages you’ve missed out on due to being unable to work, including projected future losses.
    • Travel expenses: travel costs associated with your injuries, such as trips to and from appointments.
    • Care and assistance: help with daily activities or personal care due to your injuries.
    • Modification to your home or vehicle: supported by evidence
    • Future losses: this might include future loss of earnings, future medical expenses, or costs for ongoing care or assistance.

There is no fixed amount for a loss of limb compensation claim. The value depends on factors such as:

  • The level of amputation and impact on mobility
  • Your age and ability to work
  • The level of care and support you need
  • The cost of prosthetics and ongoing medical treatment
  • The long-term effect on your independence and quality of life

Losing a limb is typically considered a serious, life-changing injury, and compensation is designed to reflect both your current and future needs.

At Switalskis, we take the time to understand the full impact of your injury so that any compensation claim reflects the reality of your situation, not just the immediate costs, but the support you will need to rebuild your life.

How are loss of limb claims funded?

Most loss of limb compensation claims are funded on a no win, no fee basis. This means you will not have to pay any legal fees upfront, and you will not be expected to pay our costs if your claim is unsuccessful.

This approach allows you to pursue a limb loss compensation claim without worrying about the financial risk of legal action.

If your claim is successful, a contribution towards legal costs is usually taken from your compensation. We will explain this clearly from the outset, so you understand exactly how everything works before you begin.

In some cases, additional funding may be available through legal expenses insurance.

For example, if your injury was caused by a road traffic accident, you may be able to access legal costs cover through your motor insurance policy. This can help support the cost of bringing a claim.

We will always check whether any insurance policies apply to your situation and advise you on the options available.

What to remember when making a loss of limb claim

It is completely natural to feel overwhelmed following the loss of a limb. However, there are some important steps you can take early on that may help support your loss of limb compensation claim and make the process clearer later.

Taking small, practical steps where possible can make a significant difference to the strength of your case.

  • Document the incident: If you are able, try to record a clear account of how your injury happened as soon as possible. This can help you remember key details later and support your amputation compensation claim.
  • It is also important to report the incident where appropriate, such as to the police, your employer, or a site manager, depending on where the accident took place.
  • Photograph the injury: Photographs can be an important part of a serious injury claim. If possible, take clear images of your injuries soon after the incident and throughout your recovery.
  • These can help demonstrate the severity of your injury and the impact it has had on your daily life.
  • Gather witness details: if there were any witnesses to the incident leading to your injury, get their contact details. Their statements can provide additional perspectives and strengthen your claim.

Evidence gathered early can make a real difference to the outcome of a loss of limb compensation claim. It helps build a clearer picture of what happened and ensures your claim fully reflects the impact of your injury.

That said, we understand this is a difficult time. If you have not been able to gather any of this information, we can still help and will work with you to obtain the evidence needed.

At Switalskis, we focus on more than just the legal process. We are here to support you in securing the resources, rehabilitation and long-term care you may need to rebuild your life.

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.

Our loss of limb and amputation claims specialists

Image of John McQuater
John McQuaterTechnical Director and Solicitor Advocate
Photo of Stephanie Veysey
Stephanie VeyseySenior Associate Solicitor
Photo of Rosie Dodds
Rosie DoddsSenior Associate Solicitor
Photo of Emma Beazley
Emma BeazleyAssociate Solicitor
Katrina Elsey
Katrina ElseyDirector and Serious Injury Manager
View more

What you need to know

Legal Resources

Claiming on behalf of someone who has died

In some cases, you can make a compensation claim on behalf of a loved one who died from or injuries that were caused by an accident. Even with legal and emotional support from Switalskis, these situations can be difficult. Our experts have put together this bereavement guide to help you cope during your period of grief.

Switching to Switalskis from your current solicitor

If you’ve started the process of making a personal injury claim and are unhappy with your solicitor, the good news is that it’s easy to switch. Switalskis will handle the process on your behalf, and pick up your claim where it left off. Find out more about how we can help in our guide to switching solicitors.

Why Switalskis?

Legal action might not be your first thought following your accident, but making a claim can aid your recovery in many ways. With Switalskis’ team of expert and compassionate amputation claims solicitors at your side, you can be confident that you have a support network behind you while you recover.

Here’s what you can expect from working with us:

Clarity in complexity

Loss of limb claims can seem complicated, but the process doesn't need to be. Switalskis is committed to explaining the confusing aspects of making a claim, helping you to understand what’s required of you in practical terms.

Empathy at every step

Our team is invested in understanding your unique circumstances. We listen to your worries, respect your feelings, and offer mindful advice for your specific situation. To us, you're not just a client; you're a person undergoing a life-changing experience, and we’re here to provide you with the expert legal advice and support you need.

Expertise you can trust

When coming to terms with losing a limb, you don’t need solicitors who are going to distract you from your recovery and bombard you with questions. Our team has decades of experience in handling serious personal injury claims, and we understand the sensitivity needed. Many of our solicitors are recognised specialists in their field, accredited by the Law Society .

Championing your rights

Our team is motivated to defend your rights and make your voice heard. We'll guide you at each step of the loss of limb claims process, making sure you're well-informed and feel confident to make the right decisions.

FAQs about loss of limb claims

What are the time limits for making a loss of limb claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a loss of limb compensation claim.

However, there are important exceptions:

Children
If the injured person is under 18, a claim can usually be brought at any time before their 18th birthday. After this, they typically have until their 21st birthday to start a claim themselves.

Mental capacity
If a person lacks the mental capacity to manage a legal claim, there may be no time limit. A claim can often be brought at any point on their behalf.

Criminal injury claims (CICA)
If the injury was caused by a violent crime, a claim may need to be made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). These claims usually have a two-year time limit, although exceptions can apply.

If you are unsure about time limits, it is important to seek legal advice as early as possible. Evidence can become harder to obtain over time, and early advice helps protect your position.

What will loss of limb compensation cover? How much compensation can I claim?

The value of a loss of limb compensation claim depends on how the injury has affected your life, both now and in the future. There is no fixed amount, as every case is assessed individually.

Compensation is generally divided into two parts:

General damages
This covers the pain, suffering and impact of the injury on your life. It includes both physical injury and effects such as trauma, anxiety, or loss of independence.

Special damages
This covers the financial impact of your injury. It may include:

  • Medical treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care
  • Prosthetics and mobility aids
  • Loss of earnings and future loss of income
  • Travel costs for medical appointments
  • Care and support needs, including assistance at home
  • Adaptations to your home or vehicle
  • Future treatment and long-term care costs

The overall value of your claim will depend on factors such as the level of amputation, your recovery needs, your ability to work, and the long-term impact on your independence and quality of life.

At Switalskis, our serious injury solicitors will assess the full impact of your injury to ensure your claim reflects your current and future needs.

Can I make an amputation claim on behalf of a loved one?

Yes, in certain circumstances you may be able to bring a loss of limb compensation claim on behalf of a loved one.

If a person lacks mental capacity, a family member or trusted individual may be appointed as a litigation friend. This means they can manage the claim and make decisions in the person’s best interests throughout the legal process.

This is often necessary where someone has suffered a brain injury, has a condition affecting their decision-making ability, or is a child.

If the injured person has passed away, it may still be possible to bring a claim on behalf of their estate or dependants. This can include compensation for pain and suffering before death, as well as financial losses such as lost earnings or funeral expenses.

Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, certain family members may also be able to claim for loss of financial dependency, services, or companionship where a fatal injury has occurred.

We can guide you through these processes with sensitivity and clarity, helping you understand your options at a difficult time.

What are the types of personal injury claims?

Personal injury claims come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own set of rules, challenges and considerations. At Switalskis, we've got the expertise to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of personal injury claims we can help you with:

Find out how Switalskis can help you

Find out more about how we can help you to claim compensation following the loss of a limb. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, so you feel in control.

Call our team today on 0800 1380 458 , or get in touch with us via our website to discuss your concerns confidentially with a legal specialist.

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