Amputation is a life-altering event that can result from illness, injury, or medical complications. While many amputations are medically necessary, there are instances where mistakes in medical care may lead to the loss of a limb. In such cases, it’s important to know how to spot medical negligence and understand your rights as a patient.

In this article, we’ll explain what could lead to amputation, how to recognise if negligence played a role, and how Tomlin & Partners' expert medical negligence solicitors can help you pursue compensation.

What is an Amputation?

Amputation is the removal of a limb, such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot. It can occur due to:

• Trauma or injury: Severe accidents, like car crashes, can lead to an immediate need for amputation.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or severe infections can require the removal of a limb.
• Surgical errors or misdiagnoses: Sometimes, amputations result from mistakes in surgery, delayed diagnoses, or failure to provide appropriate treatment, leading to a situation where amputation is the only option.

You can find more information about amputation causes and treatments on the NHS amputation page.

How Medical Negligence Can Lead to Amputation

In some cases, amputation is the result of medical negligence, which occurs when healthcare providers fail to offer an acceptable standard of care. Here are some common scenarios where negligence could lead to amputation:

• Failure to diagnose or delay in diagnosing a condition: For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose an infection or circulatory condition in time, it could worsen to the point where amputation is required.
• Inadequate treatment: If a healthcare provider doesn’t provide appropriate treatment for diabetes, infections, or circulation issues, it could lead to complications that require amputation.
• Surgical errors: Mistakes during surgery or post-surgical care that result in poor blood flow or severe infections could necessitate amputation.
• Inadequate follow-up care: After an injury or surgery, poor follow-up care may allow complications to develop, leading to the need for amputation.

If you or a loved one has undergone an amputation and believe it was caused by inadequate care, you may have grounds to make a medical negligence claim.

How to Spot Medical Negligence

Recognising when an amputation resulted from medical negligence can be challenging. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Did the medical team miss early warning signs of an infection, circulation issue, or other condition?
• Were there unnecessary delays in diagnosing or treating your condition?
• Did the doctor or surgeon fail to provide alternative treatments that could have saved the limb?
• Did the medical team offer clear communication about your diagnosis and treatment options?

If you suspect that any of these situations apply to you, it’s crucial to consult with a clinical negligence solicitor who specialises in these kinds of cases.

How Tomlin & Partners Can Help You

At Tomlin & Partners, our experienced team of clinical negligence solicitors is here to help you navigate the legal process. We understand how devastating an amputation can be, especially if it could have been prevented with better medical care.

We offer a no win no fee medical negligence service, so you won’t need to worry about legal costs unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

Why Choose a No Win No Fee Agreement?

With a no win no fee medical negligence UK agreement, you can pursue your claim without any financial risk. This means you won’t have to pay upfront fees, and you only pay if your claim is successful.

Get in Touch with Tomlin & Partners Today

If you’ve undergone an amputation and believe it was caused by medical negligence, time is of the essence. There are strict time limits for making a medical negligence claim, so it’s important to act quickly.

Contact Tomlin & Partners today for a free consultation. Our team of medical negligence lawyers will assess your case and help you understand your rights. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, ensuring you can focus on your recovery while we handle your case.