Amputation (Limb Loss) Claims

Losing a limb is one of the most difficult and life-changing events anyone can face. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand the impact this has not just on your health, but on your work, your family, and your day-to-day life. That’s why, for over 20 years, we’ve stood by people in Tallaght and across Dublin who’ve found themselves in this position—providing personal, expert support at every step.

We’re not part of a faceless chain. We’re a local firm based in the heart of Tallaght Village, and when you contact us, you’ll speak directly with an experienced solicitor who will listen carefully and guide you with understanding, not rush you. Our team takes the time to get to know your situation fully—because we know no two stories are the same.

With a strong record of securing fair and substantial compensation for amputation and serious injury claims, we’ll work with you to help rebuild what’s been lost—practically, financially, and with real respect for what you’re going through. We’re here to help you take the next step forward, at a pace that feels right for you.

If you’ve experienced limb loss and are considering a claim, contact John O’Leary today.

Living with Limb Loss: What You’re Really Facing

Losing a limb changes everything. It’s not just the physical aspect—it’s the disruption to how you move, work, interact, and feel. For people in Tallaght and across Dublin who’ve suffered amputation, daily routines that once felt simple—getting dressed, commuting, cooking, even playing with children—can become complex, frustrating, and exhausting. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve seen the real-world challenges our clients face, and we know how important it is to be heard and supported.

Physical Challenges

The physical effects of losing a limb go well beyond the initial injury or surgery:

  • Difficulty with balance and movement, even with prosthetics
  • Phantom limb pain, which can feel as real as the missing limb
  • Skin irritation and discomfort from prosthetic sockets
  • Increased pressure on other parts of the body, leading to back pain or joint issues
  • Frequent hospital visits, surgeries, or adjustments to prosthetic equipment

Rehabilitation often takes years. Some people regain significant function, while others live with long-term or permanent limitations. Recovery is rarely a straight path—and we never treat it like one.

Financial and Lifestyle Adjustments

The financial toll of amputation can be substantial and often ongoing:

  • Cost of private physiotherapy and medical appointments
  • Expense of prosthetics (often needing upgrades or replacements)
  • Modifying the home or car for accessibility
  • Lost income during recovery or long-term career disruption

Lifestyle changes can also affect relationships, hobbies, and everyday independence. Tasks like driving, cooking, or caring for children may require new tools or external help. These are not luxuries—they’re necessities for dignity and autonomy.

Emotional and Mental Health Impact

Amputation can trigger deep emotional shifts. Many clients experience:

  • Grief over the loss of their limb and former lifestyle
  • Depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social situations
  • Loss of confidence or self-image
  • Feelings of anger, isolation, or helplessness

It’s important to recognise these responses as valid. Mental health support, counselling, and peer connection play a key role in long-term wellbeing.

A Lifelong Journey

Living with limb loss isn’t something you “get over”—it’s something you adjust to, step by step. Some clients return to full-time work or sport, while others take on new roles, retrain, or focus on family life. Every person’s story is different, and our job is to help you protect your future, whatever that looks like for you.

If your amputation was caused by someone else’s fault—whether a negligent driver, unsafe workplace, or medical mistake—you deserve the chance to rebuild. And we’re here to help you do it with compassion, clarity, and experience.

How Amputation Injuries Happen (and When a Claim May Arise)

In our work with clients across Tallaght and greater Dublin, we’ve seen that limb loss doesn’t just happen in hospitals or from extreme accidents. Many amputations result from avoidable incidents—events that could and should have been prevented. If someone else’s carelessness played a role, whether through an act or omission, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

Below are the most common causes of amputation-related injuries we encounter, along with when a claim may be justified.

1. Road Traffic Accidents

A large proportion of limb loss claims in Ireland stem from severe road collisions. This includes: Motorcyclists struck by cars, often sustaining crush injuries Pedestrians or cyclists hit at crossings or on rural roads Drivers trapped in rolled or compressed vehicles Accidents involving uninsured or dangerous drivers In such cases, the traumatic force can damage tissue and blood supply beyond repair, leading to emergency or later-stage amputation. Where another road user was at fault—even partially—a personal injury claim can usually be brought.

2. Workplace Incidents

We’ve represented tradespeople, labourers, and transport workers who lost limbs in the workplace due to: Machinery entanglement Lack of training or supervision Inadequate safety barriers Falls from height on scaffolding or unstable surfaces Forklift or heavy vehicle accidents Employers in Ireland are legally required to ensure the safety of their workers. If they fail in that duty and it results in an avoidable amputation, you have a right to seek compensation.

3. Accidents in Public or Commercial Spaces

Though less common, amputations have also occurred due to: Falls on poorly maintained pavements or staircases Heavy objects falling from height in retail or warehouse environments Electric gate malfunctions or crushed limbs in automated systems Agricultural equipment in public areas without proper warning or access control In these cases, public liability may apply if the space wasn’t properly maintained or hazards weren’t addressed.

4. Surgical or Medical Negligence

Medical treatment that falls below accepted standards can lead to avoidable amputations. Examples include: Failure to treat or diagnose infections like cellulitis or sepsis Delayed intervention in cases of vascular disease or diabetes Surgical errors damaging nerves or blood supply Complications after elective or routine procedures Just because an amputation occurred in a hospital doesn’t mean it was unavoidable. If earlier treatment could have preserved the limb, the law allows you to seek redress.

Do I Have a Valid Claim?

You may have a valid amputation claim if:

  • Your injury was caused (or worsened) by someone else’s negligence
  • There is medical evidence showing the injury could have been avoided
  • You are within the legal time limit—generally two years from the date of knowledge
  • You were partly at fault, but the other party contributed significantly to the outcome

It’s important to note that the time limit clock doesn’t always start from the day of the injury—it can begin when you first realise the injury was linked to negligence. For example, if an infection was misdiagnosed, you may only realise the full extent of the mistake months later.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’re here to explore your situation without judgement. You don’t need all the paperwork or certainty upfront—just a conversation to get started. And we’ll take it from there.

What You Can Claim For

Amputation is more than a single moment in time—it creates ongoing needs, costs, and adjustments that affect almost every part of daily life. When we work with clients in Tallaght and across Dublin, our focus is on helping them secure the support they need to move forward, both financially and practically.

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, the law allows you to pursue compensation. But what does that actually cover? Below, we break it down in plain terms.

Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses

After an amputation, there are often significant medical and recovery-related costs, including:

  • Surgery (including corrective or reconstructive procedures)
  • Private physiotherapy and occupational therapy
  • Ongoing consultations with specialists
  • Pain management and mental health support
  • Skin grafts, stump care, and infection prevention

Even if some of these are provided through the HSE, private treatment is often faster or more comprehensive—particularly for rehabilitation.

Home and Vehicle Modifications

If your home or transport no longer suits your mobility, changes may be required. We’ve helped clients recover the costs of:

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrances, bathrooms, or lifts
  • Stairlifts, widened doorways, or grab rails
  • Adapted vehicles with hand controls or wheelchair access
  • Domestic assistance during recovery or ongoing support

These adjustments are not luxuries—they’re essential to preserving independence.

Prosthetics and Equipment

Prosthetics are not one-time purchases. They must be maintained, adjusted, and replaced as your needs change. You may be entitled to claim for:

  • Initial prosthesis (e.g., leg, arm, hand)
  • Replacement limbs over the course of your life
  • Specialist prosthetics for sport, water, or workplace use
  • Residual limb protectors and liners
  • Training in how to use and maintain prosthetics

For some clients, multiple prosthetic options are needed—one for daily use and another for work or exercise. These are real, valid expenses.

Pain, Suffering, and Quality of Life

Lastly, compensation recognises the personal impact of what you’ve endured. This includes:

  • Long-term pain or phantom limb discomfort
  • Loss of mobility, freedom, or hobbies
  • Impact on relationships, intimacy, or social life
  • Mental and emotional strain

We take time to understand your full picture so the claim reflects you, not just your injury.

Loss of Earnings and Future Income

Amputation often leads to:

  • Extended time off work
  • Need to change careers or work fewer hours
  • Reduced earning potential for life

If your injury affects your ability to work—or forces an early retirement—you may be entitled to recover those losses as part of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a claim if the amputation happened months after the initial injury?

Yes. Many amputations occur weeks or months after the original trauma or medical error—for example, if an infection wasn’t treated or circulation deteriorated. What matters is whether earlier intervention could have prevented the need for amputation. We look closely at your medical timeline to determine if a claim is viable.

I had diabetes—can I still claim if I lost a limb due to infection?

Possibly. While diabetes increases your risk, healthcare providers must still act promptly if you show signs of infection or tissue damage. If there were delays in diagnosis or treatment, or if your deterioration was avoidable, you may have grounds to claim—especially in cases of sepsis or missed vascular issues.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

You can still claim. Irish law allows for contributory negligence, meaning your compensation may be reduced proportionally if you were partly responsible—but that won’t prevent you from recovering damages entirely. We’ll help assess your exact circumstances.

Can I claim for psychological trauma linked to limb loss?

Yes. Emotional distress, depression, anxiety, or PTSD are all valid components of an amputation claim. These effects often last well beyond the physical recovery stage, and we ensure they are fully factored into your compensation.

Will I be compensated for future prosthetic costs?

Yes. Your claim can include not just the cost of your initial prosthesis, but future replacements, specialised models (e.g. for sport or work), and fitting/adjustment expenses. We use medical and technical reports to estimate lifetime prosthetic needs.

How long does an amputation claim usually take?

Most cases take between 12 and 24 months, depending on complexity. Medical evidence, prosthetic assessments, and expert reports can take time—but it’s important not to rush, as your full long-term needs must be understood before settlement.

Can I bring a claim on behalf of a relative who lost a limb?

Yes, if they are under 18 or lack legal capacity due to illness or disability. Parents, guardians, or next of kin can take legal steps on their behalf.

Is there extra support for clients out of work long-term?

Yes. We ensure loss of earnings, loss of opportunity, and future employment limitations are all considered. We can also refer you to local resources in Tallaght and Dublin for financial and vocational support while your case progresses.

Contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP—Let’s Talk

If you’ve lost a limb and believe someone else’s actions—or inaction—played a part, you deserve clear answers, practical support, and a legal team that truly listens. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’re based right here in Tallaght Village. We’ve been working with individuals and families across Dublin for over two decades, and we know how life-changing this kind of injury can be.

We don’t use legal jargon or rush you into decisions. When you reach out, you’ll speak directly with a solicitor who will take time to understand what’s happened and guide you through your options in plain, honest terms.

Whether your injury happened on the road, at work, or due to medical care gone wrong, we’ll explain the next steps clearly—and at your pace. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you get in touch. That’s our job, and we’ll handle it with care.

To speak directly with John O’Leary or a member of our team, contact us today. We’re here to listen, to help, and to stand by you every step of the way.