New FOI data reveals 38% surge in compensation payouts for avoidable amputations
The NHS paid out more than £22 million in compensation to patients who underwent amputations due to clinical negligence in 2024/25, according to new data obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by national law firm Stephensons.
The figures, released by NHS Resolution, show a 38% increase in damages compared to the previous year, when payouts totalled £15 million. The rise reflects a growing number of claims involving surgical errors and delays in diagnosis or treatment that ultimately led to life-altering amputations.
In the last financial year alone, 83 lower limb amputation claims (orthopaedic and vascular) were reported, an 11% increase year-on-year. Of these, 63% resulted in compensation being awarded to patients.
Between 2017 and 2022, NHS Resolution settled 605 amputation-related claims, equating to two patients per week undergoing avoidable, life-changing surgery. Over that five-year period, total damages paid reached £189 million, with the average payout exceeding £300,000 per case.
Claire Stockley, Partner in the clinical negligence department at Stephensons, commented:
“These figures are deeply concerning. Behind every statistic is a person who has undergone a life changing injury by an avoidable medical error. Amputations are among the most devastating consequences of clinical negligence, and the rising number of cases should serve as a wake-up call for the NHS.
“There must be urgent improvements in diagnosis, referral and timely intervention, particularly for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes or vascular conditions. Without decisive action, both the human and financial cost will continue to escalate.”