Compensation for Loss Of A Limb

Anybody who loses a limb from their body due to injury will undoubtedly have to make considerable changes to their lives. Even though technology has developed further to allow false limbs to be put in place, these are far from the same and also do not help the emotional state which individuals are left in after the amputation. Amputation often happens due to a number of reasons; sometimes this is due to somebody being at fault, for example an injury at work or a car accident. Such occurrences would leave the individual with the injury in a position to make a compensation claim for the loss of their limb. The level of compensation which is awarded quite clearly depends upon the seriousness of the case and also how much the amputation will change an individual’s lifestyle. For example if both legs are amputated from above the knee, compensation claims in the past have been between £150,000 and £180,000. Although it must be considered that this compensation will provide some help, the money is unlikely to help individuals to come to terms with the loss of their legs. The person is likely to need extensive care, may require to move house and may even have to change jobs. The trauma which is associated with such amputations can not be underestimated. Some people may have to have a full arm or potentially two arms amputated; past cases have required this due to machinery faults within factories. Often in these cases, employers have been proved to have broken their duty of care, failing to provide a safe working environment. The amputation of an arm may bring compensation of around £45,000 and the compensation will rise considerably if an individual has to have both arms amputated. Hand amputations are also common with machinery related injuries, if a compensation claim is to made then evidence will be required to prove that the employer has failed to provide a safe environment. In terms of evidence this would mean proving that the amputation was the result of faulty machinery if that was the case. Having a hand removed may bring compensation of around £65,000. Quite obviously the loss of a hand is likely to require large change within an individuals life, it may also mean they are no longer permitted to drive. The amputation of two hands is likely to bring a considerable amount of compensation of around £125,000. The amount of compensation awarded is likely to depend on how the injury occurred and also who is responsible for the injury resulting in amputation. Compensation is also available for the common amputation of losing a finger; considerably more compensation is awarded for having a thumb amputated. Anybody wishing to make a claim for the loss of limb should first seek medical advice to gather full information. The case should be then taken to a legal professional such as a solicitor or claims specialist in order to pursue a claim.