Compensation for loss of limb
Lawyers for amputation and serious limb injury claims in the Glasgow area of Scotland.
At Austin Lafferty Solicitors, our personal injury team supports individuals who have suffered an amputation or loss of a limb as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Where a serious injury or incident has led to the surgical removal or traumatic loss of a limb, we can provide clear advice on your legal options and the compensation you may be entitled to claim.
The loss of a limb is a profoundly life-changing experience. An amputation can impact movement, independence, employment, and even the simplest daily routines. Alongside the physical consequences, many individuals face emotional and psychological difficulties as they adapt to altered circumstances and a different way of living.
Limb loss can arise in various situations. High-impact road traffic collisions may result in severe crush injuries. Accidents at work involving dangerous machinery, unsafe practices, or falling objects can also lead to traumatic amputation. In some cases, complications following a serious injury or infection make surgical amputation medically necessary to protect a person’s health.
We offer a complimentary first consultation with an experienced solicitor. During this meeting, we will discuss how your injury occurred, assess the strength of your claim, and outline the funding options available to you.
Types of claim
The extent of limb loss can vary. Some individuals undergo partial amputation of fingers or toes, while others may lose a hand, arm, foot, or leg. Each type of injury brings its own practical, medical, financial, and emotional consequences.
In the most serious cases, multiple limb amputations may occur, or complications such as nerve damage may develop. These injuries often require long-term rehabilitation, specialist prosthetics, and ongoing medical support. The emotional effect can be profound, particularly where independence and employment are significantly affected.
You may be entitled to seek compensation for loss of limb to reflect both the immediate pain and suffering and the long-term impact on your life. A solicitor will assess how the injury has affected your mobility, daily routine, hobbies, and relationships.
Compensation can include the cost of surgery, hospital treatment, prosthetic limbs, physiotherapy, and specialist rehabilitation. Future expenses, such as replacement prosthetics, home adaptations, mobility aids, and personal care support, can also form part of the claim.
If your amputation has affected your ability to work, your claim may include loss of earnings and any reduction in future earning capacity. In serious cases, compensation may reflect lifelong care needs and the cost of ongoing assistance.
Why choose us as your loss of limb lawyer?
At Austin Lafferty Solicitors, we understand that amputation affects far more than physical health. It can change your confidence, your career plans, and your sense of independence, creating uncertainty about the future.
Our team approaches loss of limb claims with sensitivity, detailed preparation, and a strong focus on medical and rehabilitation evidence. We aim to secure compensation that properly accounts for your current condition and your long-term requirements, while guiding you through the legal process with clarity and support.
Frequently asked questions about loss of limb claims
Yes. You may be able to claim compensation for loss of limb if negligent medical treatment contributed to the need for amputation. A solicitor will review your medical records and expert evidence to determine whether substandard care caused avoidable harm.
Not usually. Most compensation for loss of limb claims is resolved through negotiation without a court hearing. If court proceedings become necessary, your solicitor will prepare your case thoroughly and represent your interests throughout.
Yes. Interim payments can often be secured in compensation for loss of limb claims before a final settlement is reached. These advance payments help cover urgent costs such as prosthetics, rehabilitation, home adaptations, or lost income.
Yes. You can still claim compensation for loss of limb even if you were partly responsible for the accident. Your award may be reduced to reflect shared fault, but you may still be entitled to financial recovery.
Yes. Compensation for loss of limb can include the cost of adapting your home or vehicle. This may cover ramps, accessible bathrooms, vehicle modifications, and specialist equipment required for day-to-day independence.
Yes. Compensation for loss of limb can include psychological treatment such as counselling or psychotherapy. Emotional recovery is an important part of rehabilitation, and future therapy costs can be factored into your claim.
Yes. Compensation for loss of limb can account for the long term cost of prosthetic limbs, including maintenance, repairs, and future replacements over your lifetime.
Yes. If family members provide care or assistance following amputation, the value of that support can be included in your compensation for loss of limb claim, even where the care is unpaid.
The claims process
Broadly speaking, you have three years from the incident or from when you reasonably became aware of your condition (such as after a stay in hospital) to make a claim. After this point, the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit has passed.
During the case, you must present evidence including medical reports, witness statements, wage confirmations and expense receipts. Medical evidence from your GP and relevant specialists is also essential for injury claims. Our personal injury solicitors will explain what is needed for your specific case and support you in compiling the relevant information.
Court cases typically take months or years to complete. If settled out of court, the opponent's insurer pays legal fees and outlays, though some costs may be deducted from your award. When cases proceed to court and you win, the losing party usually pays your costs. Your solicitor will explain all fee and financial arrangements at the outset and put everything you need to know in writing.