We take a look at how much compensation you may receive as a result of losing an arm due to medical negligence.
The starting point for judges in England and Wales when determining how much money a victim should receive for a particular type of injury is the Judicial College Guidelines. Those Guidelines specify a range of figures that a judge should take into consideration when awarding compensation for losing an arm due to medical negligence.
When considering a loss of limb negligence claim, the court will look at a number of individual factors which will vary from case to case. These include:
- whether the amputation is above or below the elbow. This is because loss of the additional joint adds greatly to the disability;
- the extent to which prosthetics may help in restoring function;
- whether or not the dominant arm was amputated;
- the intensity of any phantom pains;
- the age of the claimant; and
- the effect of the loss of the limb (or limbs) on the claimant’s work, domestic, and social life.
According to the 17th edition of the Guidelines (applicable in 2024) the average compensation for losing an arm is broken down between amputations at the shoulder, amputations above the elbow and amputations below the elbow.
For an amputation at the shoulder compensation starts at £167,380.
For an above-elbow amputation the range is £133,810 to £159,770. The court will take into consideration the fact that a shorter stump is likely to make the use of a prosthesis more difficult. An amputation through the elbow will usually merit an award at the bottom end of the bracket.
Compensation for a below-elbow amputation has a bracket of between £117,360 and £133,810.
The recommended bracket for the loss of both arms is between £293,850 to £366,100.
All of these figures are for what lawyers call, ‘pain, suffering and loss of amenity’. Additional compensation can be claimed for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical care and prosthetics. When we deal with your claim we will work closely with you to identify precisely how the amputation will impact on your life and construct a compensation package that truly reflects your situation, both now and in the future.
For further guidance on the average compensation for losing an arm contact our free medical accident helpline on 0333 888 0412 or email details of your case to us in complete confidence at [email protected].
We will assess your case free of charge, tell you what it is likely to be worth, and provide you with details of No Win, No Fee funding.
What our clients say about us
We have over 1,200 reviews and an overall five-star rating on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors.
Here is just a short selection of some of the reviews that our clients have left for our clinical negligence team:
Maddy Lawrence
“With the premature death of our eldest daughter, as it turned out, by clinical negligence, we were facing a very difficult journey both in proving fault and keeping heart and soul together. That we were able to, in terms of the fault element, was down to our professional legal team. They provided clear, calm and compassionate advice which got us through a horrendous inquest and subsequent legal maneuverers. They, in short, were magnificent and we are extremely grateful that we had them on our side.”
Great firm!
“I had an experience with Oliver Thorne who was nothing but helpful with settling my claim. He was very patient and professional as well as making sure I was happy and content throughout the whole process! Would highly recommend him if you’re looking for a solicitor!”
Compassionate, thorough, and outstanding legal support thus far
”Jade was incredibly friendly, taking the time to ask all the right questions and thoroughly investigate our case. Unlike previous solicitors, who dismissed us, Jade and the team at Slee Blackwell delved deeper and gave us renewed hope. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism in fighting for us. I would recommend Slee Blackwell to anyone in need of legal assistance.”
Mesh claim
“I cannot thank the team enough there understanding and empathy and the knowledge is outstanding. Caroline has been supportive every step of the way, she has informed me and kept me updated how the claim has progressed she has also had great understanding around my mental health and the physical damage I have occurred. I cannot thank the team enough. The team made this experience easier for me to deal with my emotional distress and pain.”
Thank you
“On behalf of all of us, we would like to thank you for your guidance, professionalism, humanity and kindness you have shown us all throughout this process. You have explained everything to us in clear and concise terms throughout and we are extremely grateful. We would have no hesitation recommending you and using your services in future. Thank you.”
Exceptional Service
“I have received expert advice throughout my case, the attention to detail is second to none. Their professional outlook and relatability means that I always recommend the firm. When I was unclear of any information or possible outcomes they took the time to speak with me on a personal level, confirming our conversation through email, I feel supported and understood and most of all they are empathetic, something that is often missing from large firms.”
Friendly, professional, knowledgeable.
“Oliver assisted me in the aftermath of my father’s sudden death in hospital. He helped me to draught my initial letter of complaint to the health authority, represented me and my mother at the inquest and ultimately succeeded in bringing a successful claim. I always felt I could approach Oliver with any questions and he would explain the legal processes in an understandable way. I would not hesitate to recommend him should anyone find themselves in a similar unfortunate position.”
Excellent solicitor
“I cannot recommend this firm highly enough and especially Caroline who is professional approachable and thorough, she works tirelessly and is a real credit to the firm, you are not made to feel like just a number as with other firms, it’s a pleasure to have such an excellent solicitor to represent you when you have gone through so much she is so understanding and knowledgeable.”