In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start the claims process. This won't always start from the date of the accident - for example, if the loss of your limb was related to complications that arose later, the limitation period for making a claim may begin from the date that you connected this event to your injury.

There are also some specific exceptions to the time limit:

• Children: if you are claiming on behalf of a child, you can make a claim at any time before they turn 21.
• Mental capacity: for people who lack the mental capacity to make a claim, there may be no time limit.
• Criminal injury claims: you’ll need to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which has different rules regarding personal injuries caused by criminal activity (e.g. claims must be made within two years). We can help you to navigate this process too.

To have the best chance of success, contact us as soon as possible. It is much easier to make a claim soon after an accident happened, because evidence is more accessible and memories are clearer in people's minds. Your solicitor can also help to make sure that you do not miss any relevant deadlines.

A successful amputation compensation claim can deliver a significant award at the end of the process, but in terms of the specific amount, there are lots of factors that affect how much compensation for loss of limb represents. As such, it is impossible to estimate how much loss of limb compensation claims are worth, but we can explain the different factors that are considered to arrive at an appropriate award.

Compensation amounts depend on the effects of your injury on your life and wellbeing, your ability to work and your mental health. It will also take into account any financial losses associated with losing your limb in an accident, which can range from the costs of travel to medical appointments to expenses for prosthetic limbs or other devices.

The compensation you’ll receive can be broken down into two categories:

• General damages: these cover the pain and suffering you experienced due to the injuries sustained and their effects, including psychological trauma. If you have lost the ability to take part in activities you once enjoyed, this loss of amenity will also contribute to your compensation amount.
• Special damages: these cover the financial losses you have experienced due to your injuries. These may include:
• Medical expenses: including the cost of healthcare treatments, prostheses, therapy, counselling, or any other treatments linked to your injuries.
• Loss of earnings: any wages you’ve missed out on due to being unable to work, including projected future losses.
• Travel expenses: travel costs associated with your injuries, such as trips to and from appointments.
• Care and assistance: help with daily activities or personal care due to your injuries.
• Modification to your home or vehicle: supported by evidence
• Future losses: this might include future loss of earnings, future medical expenses, or costs for ongoing care or assistance.

Your compensation amount will depend on the impact your injury has had on your life and the specific financial losses you have suffered. In most cases, losing a limb will be a life-changing injury, so the compensation you’ll receive should reflect that. At Switalskis, our expert personal injury solicitors will fight to secure the maximum compensation for you based on the severity of your injury and the financial losses you have experienced.

There are some cases in which you can make an amputation claim on behalf of a loved one, although this depends on specific circumstances. If your loved one lacks the mental capacity to handle their own legal affairs, you may be able to act as their litigation friend and make a personal injury claim on their behalf. A "litigation friend" is a legal name for someone who acts on behalf of a claimant who is unable to manage their own legal case. This may be necessary if the person has suffered a brain injury, has a condition that affects their ability to make legal decisions, or is a child. The litigation friend must act in the best interests of the claimant and will be responsible for making decisions throughout the case.

If a loss of limb injury is experienced alongside an injury that affects mental capacity, or if the person lacked mental capacity to begin with, a relevant person may apply to the court to become a litigation friend and make a claim on the person's behalf.

In cases where a person has passed away due to their injuries, you may be able to bring a claim on behalf of their estate or as a dependent. The executor or administrator of their estate may be able to bring a claim which could include compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced before their death, as well as financial losses, such as lost earnings or funeral expenses. Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, certain family members may be able to make a claim for loss of financial dependency, loss of services, or loss of companionship if the amputation and subsequent complications resulted in the death of their loved one.