Finger Amputation Claims

The loss of a finger can be a devastating experience, affecting your ability to work, carry out daily tasks, and enjoy life as you once did. If your injury was due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation by making a finger amputation claim.

Our team of specialist solicitors have helped claimants secure compensation for losing a finger following various types of accidents. These include accidents at work, road traffic accidents, slips, trips and falls, as well as negligent medical care.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about finger amputation claims, including how to start your case, what evidence you’ll need and how much compensation you could receive.

To find out if you have a valid claim, call us today on 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to request a call back.

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Table of Contents

• Can I make a finger amputation claim?
• How do I make a finger amputation compensation claim?
• What types of evidence do I need to support my claim?
• What accidents could lead to a claim for finger amputation?
• Can I claim for finger amputation caused by medical negligence?
• Could I lose my job if I claim compensation for a finger amputation at work?
• What are the possible consequences of a finger amputation injury?
• How do I make a compensation claim for an amputated finger on behalf of my child?
• What is the time limit to claim for a finger amputation?
• How is compensation for a finger amputation calculated?
• Examples of finger amputation compensation settlements
• How long will it take to receive compensation for losing a finger?
• Can I make a No Win No Fee finger amputation claim?

Can I make a finger amputation claim?

The simplest way to determine if you can start a personal injury claim for a finger amputation is to have a brief conversation over the phone with a friendly legal adviser.

They will pair you with a personal injury solicitor who is right for your case if you can answer yes to the following questions:

• Did someone else owe you a legal duty of care?
• Did they breach this duty by acting negligently?
• Did you suffer an accident because of their negligence?
• Is your amputated finger a direct result of that accident?
• Are you within the legal time limits to start a claim (usually 3 years)?

Try our claim assessment form below to find out if you make be entitled to claim.

How do I make a finger amputation compensation claim?

The personal injury claims process begins with a free initial consultation to assess your eligibility. If your claim is valid, your injury lawyer will offer you a no win no fee agreement and will handle the next steps of the claim on your behalf:

• Gather evidence to support your claim (as discussed below).
• Arrange a free medical examination to confirm the extent of your injury and any long-term needs.
• Calculate your compensation award based on the available evidence.
• Send a letter of claim to the defendant outlining your case and the damages you are seeking.
• Help you access treatment and rehabilitation to support your recovery.
• Negotiate a settlement with the defendant if they admit liability.
• Issue court proceedings and argue your case before a judge if they deny responsibility or an agreement cannot be reached.

What types of evidence do I need to support my claim?

To secure a finger amputation settlement following an accident, you will need clear evidence to prove liability and the extent of your losses. This could include evidence such as:

• Medical records confirming your injury and prognosis
• Reports from independent medical experts
• Copies of accident reports from the police, your employer or property owners
• Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
• CCTV footage or dashcam videos
• Witness statements
• A personal statement about the incident and how it has affected your life
• Proof of financial losses, such as payslips or invoices
• Expert reports on prosthetic needs or future care costs

What accidents could lead to a claim for finger amputation?

Total or partial finger amputations can be the result of various accidents where the finger is crushed, severed or badly damaged, such as:

• Workplace accidents: Often caused by heavy machinery, power tools, falling objects and a lack of safety measures.
• Road traffic accidents: Cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to finger injuries.
• Public place accidents: Trapped fingers in defective doors, escalators, or elevators can lead to amputation.
• Animal attacks: Dog bites and other animal attacks can cause severe infections or crush injuries, leading to surgical amputation.
• Faulty products: Defective tools, machinery, and other products may lead to severe finger injuries, such as a full or partially amputated finger.

Can I claim for finger amputation caused by medical negligence?

Yes. You may be able to make an amputation negligence claim if your finger was amputated due to substandard medical treatment.

Examples of medical negligence that could lead to the amputation of a finger or thumb include:

• Failure to diagnose or treat an infection like sepsis or cellulitis
• Missed fractures that later lead to necrosis and tissue death
• Surgical errors, such as damage to blood vessels, nerves or tendons
• Operating on the wrong patient or body part
• Negligent wound care
• Failure to monitor or manage complications

Could I lose my job if I claim compensation for a finger amputation at work?

No. Making a workplace accident claim should not result in you losing your job. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, it is unlawful for your employer to dismiss you or treat you unfairly simply for asserting your legal right to compensation.

Following an accident at work, your employer also has a duty to:

• Ensure you receive prompt medical care.
• Offer Statutory Sick Pay or paid sick leave.
• Make workplace adjustments to your role if needed.
• Investigate the accident and take reasonable measures to prevent similar future incidents.

What are the possible consequences of a finger amputation injury?

The impact of a finger amputation goes far beyond the physical injury. Some of the long-term consequences may include:

• Reduced hand function, grip strength and dexterity.
• Skin injuries, such as calluses, blisters, or irritation from prosthetic devices.
• Loss of employment or career limitations.
• Emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or body image issues.
• Phantom limb pain – sensations or pain felt in the missing digits.
• Lifestyle adjustments and loss of independence.
• Impact on social interactions and relationships.
• Financial impact due to lost earnings and medical costs.

Your solicitor will take these impacts into account to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for finger amputation.

How do I make a compensation claim for an amputated finger on behalf of my child?

If your child suffered a finger amputation due to negligence, you might be able to claim compensation for them as a litigation friend.

To do this, you must first submit a certificate of suitability to the court, stating that there is no conflict of interest and that you can make fair decisions about the case. Your solicitor will guide you through the process.

As the litigation friend, you must:

• Instruct your solicitor and take legal advice.
• Help gather supporting evidence.
• Sign legal documents.
• Attend an approval hearing if you win compensation.

You can read our guide on child accident claims to learn more about how you can make a claim on behalf of your loved one.

What is the time limit to claim for a finger amputation?

Most amputation compensation claims must be started within three years of the date of the accident or the date you became aware of the negligence (known as the date of knowledge). However, some exceptions apply:

• Children: The three-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday, meaning claims can be brought up until their 21st birthday.
• People lacking mental capacity: There is no time limit to make a claim for someone who can’t handle proceedings themselves.

It is best to seek legal advice as early as possible to gather evidence and begin the claims process while the details are still fresh.

You can read more about claim limitation dates here: How long do I have to make a claim?

How is compensation for a finger amputation calculated?

The compensation amount for a finger amputation injury is calculated based on two types of damages:

General damages: These are non-financial, subjective losses that compensate for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA). Examples include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Impact on hobbies and daily tasks
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Physical disability and disfigurement

Special damages: These are quantifiable financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses, both past and future, directly incurred following an amputation. Examples include:

• Loss of earnings
• Private treatment and rehabilitation
• Cost of prosthetics and other medical aids
• Adaptations to your home
• Travel expenses to medical appointments or therapy sessions
• Care and assistance, even if provided by loved ones

Examples of finger amputation compensation settlements

Based on the Judicial College guidelines regarding the compensation awards for general damages, you could receive the following:

• £4,820 to £7,150 for loss of part of the little finger
• £10,550 to £14,940 for the total amputation of the little finger
• £4,820 to £9,610 for the loss of the terminal phalanx of the ring finger or middle finger
• Around £26,620 for the amputation of the ring and little fingers
• Around £30,500 for the loss of the terminal phalanges of the middle and index finger
• £43,350 to £66,920 for the loss of a thumb
• £75,550 to £110,750 for amputation of index, middle and/or ring fingers

Learn more about how much compensation you could be entitled to claim by using our personal injury compensation calculator.

How long will it take to receive compensation for losing a finger?

The time it takes to settle a finger injury compensation claim varies from case to case, depending on several factors. This includes:

• Whether the other party admits liability
• The type of accident you suffered
• The extent of your injuries and recovery time
• Whether the case proceeds to court

Straightforward claims may settle in 6 to 9 months, while more complex or disputed cases may take 12 to 24 months or longer to conclude. Your solicitor can often secure interim payments if liability is admitted early and you need urgent financial support. For example, if you were struggling to pay your mortgage as a result of losing income from not being able to work.

Can I make a No Win No Fee finger amputation claim?

If you are eligible to make a claim for an amputated finger injury, you will receive a no win no fee service from our legal team. This means that:

• You do not pay your solicitor anything at the start of your claim.
• If you don’t receive compensation, you will not be charged anything.
• If you win, your solicitor will deduct a pre-agreed success fee from your compensation payout (capped at 25%).

To receive a free case review and legal advice, call 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to request a call back. The case assessment is completely free, and there is no obligation to proceed.

Last edited on 8th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.