amputations

Failures in medical treatment sometimes mean that the only treatment option left for the patient is amputation.  Aside from the physical consequences, patients have to cope with the emotional trauma of the surgery and altered body image.

Requirements for amputation may be caused by:

• negligent treatment of trauma/ fractures
• infected surgical metal work in orthopaedics
• non-union of fractures
• damage to major arteries during surgery
• incorrect management of peripheral vascular disease
• arterial trauma during cannulation of blood vessels for investigations and monitoring
• failures in interventional radiology
• failures to diagnose arterial damage or emboli and intervene within an appropriate timescale

Most frequently we see lower limb disorders leading to amputation.  These may be classified as: below knee amputation; and above knee amputation.  There are implications according to the level of amputation for rehabilitation and energy requirements to maintain mobility.

These are high value catastrophic injury claims.  We would seek to obtain damages for the injury itself, known as general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for financial losses.

The financial losses claimed would include, expenses, lost earnings, care, equipment and if needed claims for suitable transport and accommodation.  The costs of prosthetics can be claimed and these would be funded at private rates allowing greater attention to cosmetic issues as well as to obtain good function and regain mobility.

The nature and seriousness of these cases needs expert advice on funding, care assessment, pursuing liability and correctly quantifying the claims.  These are serious psychological aspects and we will be happy to provide expert advice.

For further information please contact Alison McClure in the Clinical Negligence team on 023 8085 7345 or email alison.mcclure@bllaw.co.uk.