Foot Amputation from Diabetes
If you have undergone an amputation because of negligent diabetes care, you need to talk to a solicitor about your options.
If your amputation could have been avoided with better medical care, you could be entitled to claim compensation for the physical, emotional and financial damage that you have suffered.
For more information on claiming compensation for a diabetes foot amputation, please contact us at Glynns Solicitors.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Diabetes foot amputation
It has recently been reported that 135 foot amputations occur every week in the UK as a result of diabetes. This equates to 7,000 each year. The charity Diabetes UK say this figure is at an all-time high, with amputation rates rising due to the increasing number of people developing diabetes.
Why does diabetes result in an amputation?
Diabetics are particularly prone to amputation because the condition can cause neuropathy and poor blood circulation. Neuropathy is when the peripheral nerves becomes numb or weak. The peripheral nerves are present across the body, including in the legs and feet.
Having poor circulation means that certain areas of the body will have a deficient blood supply. The feet are especially effected by poor circulation. The blood carries oxygen across the body; thus a poor blood supply will mean that the feet do not receive enough oxygen. This can cause the tissue to break down, resulting in a condition called gangrene. If gangrene is not treated quickly enough, a large area of tissue will die and the foot will have to be amputated.
Furthermore, neuropathy can make it difficult for a patient to feel their feet due to the numbness. Therefore if a cut or other wound is sustained, the individual may not notice and leave it untreated. Bacteria can readily get into the injury, leading to an infection.
Diabetic foot care
It is well known that diabetes is associated with foot amputations. In order to prevent an amputation people with diabetes should have regular foot checks. If someone with diabetes presents to their GP or hospital with any sign of foot infection, immediate action should be taken in order to avoid the situation rapidly deteriorating.
If medical practitioners fail to achieve this standard of care, resulting in a foot amputation (that could have been avoided with the correct medical treatment) there may be grounds for a compensation claim.
If you or your loved one has had an amputation because of poor diabetes care, please get in touch with our solicitors today.
Free, no obligation enquiry
We offer everyone a free, no obligation enquiry. This means you can talk to a solicitor completely free of charge. After this consultation you will be given expert legal advice, during which you will be told whether you have grounds to make a claim.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
Free Medical Negligence Guide
'7 Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing A Medical Negligence Solicitor'