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“You don’t realise how hard life can become with an injury”

Chris’s Story

Workplace Amputation Claim: How Chris Accessed Life-Changing Prosthetics After Losing Two Fingers

If you’ve suffered an amputation injury at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Workplace accidents involving machinery can have life-changing physical, emotional and financial consequences, particularly when they affect your ability to earn a living.

Chris’s story shows how a serious accident at work led to the loss of two fingers, the end of his career in joinery and a successful compensation claim worth more than £1 million.

Watch the full video below to hear how Chris’s injury affected his life and how his claim helped him move forward.

Watch Chris’s Story:

What happened?

In February 2022, Chris was working as a subcontractor for a joinery company when he was asked to complete an urgent job. While feeding timber through a saw, a piece of wood became trapped and pulled his hand towards the blade. The machine had allegedly not been assembled correctly before use.

The accident resulted in the traumatic amputation of two fingers on Chris’s dominant hand.

At the time, life had been going well. Chris and his partner had recently bought a house, welcomed a new puppy and were preparing for the arrival of their first child. The accident changed everything in an instant.

What was the impact on his life?

The physical and emotional impact of the injury was devastating.

After leaving hospital, Chris was unable to perform basic everyday tasks. Simple activities such as getting dressed, washing up, hanging out laundry and even using the toilet became difficult because of the loss of function in his dominant hand.

Just ten weeks after the accident, Chris and his partner welcomed their first baby. While the family should have been enjoying those precious early weeks together, Chris was still recovering from his injuries and much of the responsibility fell on his partner.

The accident also threatened his livelihood. As a skilled joiner who relied on the use of both hands, Chris faced uncertainty about whether he would ever be able to return to the career he loved.

The challenges after an amputation injury

Chris received excellent treatment from NHS surgeons and hand therapists, but the prosthetic options available to him were limited.

Through his claim, funding was secured for advanced prosthetic solutions, including:

  • Functional prosthetic fingers designed to improve grip and dexterity
  • Specialist devices for lifting and manual tasks
  • High-definition silicone prosthetics designed to closely match the appearance of his hand

These prosthetics helped Chris regain confidence and independence while adapting to life after his injury.

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How did we help?

When Chris first approached Express Solicitors, he was struggling physically, financially and emotionally. His future employment prospects were uncertain and he had a young family to support.

Our team immediately focused on ensuring Chris received:

  • The best available medical evidence
  • Access to specialist prosthetics
  • Rehabilitation support
  • Vocational rehabilitation to help secure future employment

A vocational rehabilitation consultant worked with Chris to identify a sustainable long-term career path. While Chris was determined to return to joinery, ongoing pain, cold intolerance and strain through his remaining finger meant this was no longer realistic.

As a result, support was secured to help him transition into a new role as a resource assistant at a technical college, giving him a stable future and career progression opportunities.

What was the outcome?

The defendant admitted liability and initially offered Chris £50,000 in compensation. 

However, our team believed this significantly undervalued the true impact of his injuries and future requirements.

The offer was rejected and further negotiations followed. At a joint settlement meeting, Express Solicitors successfully secured compensation in excess of £1 million.

The settlement enabled Chris to access:

  • Advanced prosthetic technology
  • Ongoing rehabilitation and treatment
  • Vocational support and retraining
  • Financial security for himself and his family

Most importantly, it gave him the support he needed to move forward after a life-changing accident.

You’ll claim more with us.

We have recovered an additional £21.2m more in compensation for clients who switched to us from their previous firm.

Contact us now to discover the real value of your claim.

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Key moments from Chris’s story

  • 0:00–0:45 — Life before the accident
  • 0:45–1:20 — The saw accident and finger amputations
  • 1:20–2:15 — Recovery and adapting to life with one hand
  • 2:15–3:30 — Prosthetics and rehabilitation
  • 3:30–4:30 — Career challenges and retraining
  • 4:30–end — Rejecting a £50,000 offer and securing £1 million+

Speak to our team

If you’ve suffered an amputation injury at work, our specialist solicitors can help you understand your rights and access the compensation and rehabilitation support you may be entitled to.

We handle most workplace accident claims on a no win, no fee basis and offer free, no-obligation advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim compensation for a finger amputation at work?

Yes. If your injury was caused by unsafe machinery, inadequate training, defective equipment or employer negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

What compensation can be claimed after an amputation injury?

Compensation can cover pain and suffering, loss of earnings, future loss of income, rehabilitation costs, prosthetics and specialist equipment.

Can compensation pay for advanced prosthetics?

Yes. Serious injury claims often include funding for specialist prosthetics, medical treatment and future care needs.

What if I can't return to my previous job?

Compensation can include vocational rehabilitation, retraining and future loss of earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to your original career.