Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How amputation claims are valued
Amputation — whether traumatic (caused directly by the accident) or surgical (where a badly injured limb cannot be saved) — is a permanent, life-changing injury, so it sits at the top of the compensation scale. In England and Wales, the figure comes from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), which set separate brackets for each limb. Because the calculator above uses general injury categories, choose the nearest body part (arm/wrist, or leg) and set severity to Severe, then read the figures here for the specific amputation.
Arm amputation
Loss of one arm is valued from roughly £110,000 to £160,000 depending on whether it is above or below the elbow and the effect on the remaining limb. Loss of both arms is far higher — approximately £293,000–£366,000 — reflecting the profound loss of independence.
Leg amputation
Loss of one leg below the knee is indicatively £104,000–£138,000, and above the knee higher still, while loss of both legs reaches approximately £240,000–£282,000. The figure reflects the level of amputation, phantom pain, the success of prosthetic fitting and the effect on mobility.
Finger, thumb and toe amputation
Losing a single finger or toe is a much smaller claim, typically £5,000–£40,000 depending on which digit and the effect on grip or balance. Loss of a thumb is valued more highly, often £39,000–£61,000, because of its importance to hand function.
What affects an amputation payout
- Level of amputation — the higher up the limb, the greater the loss of function and the higher the award.
- Phantom and stump pain — ongoing pain raises the general-damages figure.
- Prosthetics — the cost of advanced prosthetic limbs, replaced over a lifetime, is a major special-damages item.
- Effect on work and independence — loss of a career or the need for help at home generates large future losses.
Special damages for amputation
Amputation claims carry very large special damages: prosthetic limbs and their lifetime replacement and maintenance, home and vehicle adaptations, mobility equipment, rehabilitation, lost earnings and ongoing care. Modern prosthetics are expensive and must be renewed every few years, so the future-loss element alone can dwarf the injury figure. Enter your losses in the calculator and they are added on top.
Amputation claims in practice
Amputation cases are handled by specialist serious-injury solicitors, usually on a no-win-no-fee basis, with interim payments used to fund prosthetics and rehabilitation early. Limb-loss charities such as the Limbless Association support claimants through recovery. This page gives an estimate only and is not legal advice.
Amputation compensation calculator — frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I get for an amputation in the UK?
Under the Judicial College Guidelines, loss of one arm is valued from roughly £110,000 to £160,000, loss of both arms at about £293,000–£366,000, loss of one leg below the knee at around £104,000–£138,000 (above the knee higher), and loss of both legs at approximately £240,000–£282,000. Large special damages for prosthetics, care and lost earnings are added on top.
How much is a finger or thumb amputation worth?
Losing a single finger is typically valued at £5,000–£40,000 depending on the digit and the effect on grip, while loss of a thumb is higher, often £39,000–£61,000, because of its importance to hand function. The exact figure depends on which digit, the level of amputation and any ongoing pain.
How much is an amputation settlement in the US?
US amputation settlements range from about $80,000 for a single-digit loss to several million dollars for the loss of an arm or leg with significant lost earnings and lifetime prosthetic costs. The figure depends on your state, the at-fault party's insurance and the cost of your future care.
Does the cost of prosthetic limbs get included?
Yes. The cost of suitable prosthetic limbs, together with their lifetime replacement and maintenance, is a major special-damages item in any amputation claim. Because advanced prosthetics are expensive and must be renewed every few years, this future cost is often the largest single part of the settlement.
Is this amputation calculator accurate?
It gives a realistic guide based on Judicial College bracket figures and typical US settlement ranges, but it is not a guarantee. Amputation values turn on the level of amputation, phantom pain, prosthetic needs and your proven losses. Because the tool uses general injury categories, set severity to Severe and treat the figures here as the guide. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney.