To value a clinical negligence claim it is necessary to combine an award to compensate an individual for their pain and suffering (their ‘general damages’) with an award to compensate them for their out of pocket expenses, such as loss of earnings, travel expenses and care costs (their ‘special damages’).
Solicitors, barristers and judges will calculate general damages by considering relevant court guidelines (known as the Judicial College Guidelines) and by looking at the compensation awarded in similar cases.
Below is a guide to the compensation amounts that may be awarded using the current relevant court guidelines for amputation claims. This gives an indication only as to the amount of general damages to be awarded. Every case is individual and so you could potentially be awarded a higher sum by way of general damages or a lower one. They are guidelines only and not prescriptive sums. (Remember, to be added to the figures below is the sum by way of your special damages. The sum for general damages and for special damages combined will form your total compensation).
Amputation of arms
Loss of both arms - £240,790 to £300,000
Loss of one arm at the shoulder - Not less than £137,160
Above elbow amputation - £109,650 to £130,930
Below elbow amputation - £96,160 to £109,650
Amputations involving the hand
Total or effective loss of one hand (e.g. if the hand is crushed and thereafter surgically amputated or where all fingers and most of the palm have been traumatically amputated. The upper end of the scale is where the dominant hand is damaged) - £96,160 to £109,650
Amputation of index and middle and/or ring fingers - £61,910 to £90,750
Serious hand injuries (e.g. if injuries have reduced the hand to about 50% capacity. This includes cases where several fingers have been amputated but re-joined the hand leaving it clawed, or amputation of some fingers together with part of the palm resulting in gross reduction of grip and dexterity and gross cosmetic disfigurement) - £29,000 to £61,910
Total and partial loss of index finger - £12,170 to £18,740
Amputation of the little finger - £8,640 to £12,240
Loss of part of the little finger - £3,950 to £5,860
Amputation of ring and Little fingers - In the region of £21,810
Amputation of the terminal phalanges of the index and middle fingers - In the region of £24,990
Loss of thumb - £35,520 to £54,830
Serious injury to the thumb (e.g. amputation of the tip) - £12,590 to £16,760
Amputations involving the legs
Loss of both legs above the knee - £240,790 to £282,010
Loss of both legs below the knee - £201,490 to £270,100
Above knee amputation of one leg - £104,830 to £137,470
Below knee amputation of one leg - £97,980 to £132,990
Amputations involving the feet
Amputation of both feet - £169,400 to £201,490
Amputation of one foot - £83,960 to £109,650
Very severe (e.g. traumatic amputation of the forefoot where there was a significant risk of the need for a full amputation) - £83,960 to £109,650
Amputations involving the toes
Amputation of all toes - £36,520 to £56,080
Amputation of the great toe - In the region of £31,310
Severe toe injuries (e.g. severe crush injuries leading to the amputation of one or two toes (other than the great toe necessitating only partial amputation) - £13,740 to £21,070
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence of a medical or health professional, including amputation, then we may be able to help you pursue a claim for compensation. Our leading team of experts are on hand to offer advice, so please get in touch with us on 0161 696 6165 or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you directly.
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