Head of medical negligence at Blackwater Law, Jason Brady was successful in securing compensation for our client, after suffering life-changing injuries.
Posted on 5th June 2025
Losing a limb due to medical negligence is a life-altering experience. But for many amputees, the trauma doesn’t end with surgery. Phantom limb pain, the sensation of pain or discomfort in a limb that is no longer there, is a distressing and often misunderstood condition that can have serious consequences for physical and mental health.
At Blackwater Law, we understand the complex challenges of life after amputation caused by medical negligence, including the ongoing impact of phantom limb pain. We’re here to help you claim compensation and access the support you need to move forward.
What Is Phantom Limb Pain?
Phantom limb pain (PLP) refers to painful sensations felt in a limb that has been amputated. It’s not “imagined” pain rather, it’s the brain’s misinterpretation of nerve signals, resulting in real discomfort in a part of the body that no longer exists.
This condition affects a significant number of amputees and is especially common in cases where the amputation was avoidable or caused by medical negligence.
What Does Phantom Limb Pain Feel Like?
Phantom limb pain can vary widely between individuals. Common sensations include:
- Burning, stabbing, or throbbing pain
- Aching, itching, or tingling
- Feeling that the limb is still there, moving, or in an unnatural position
- Temperature changes or pressure in the missing limb
These sensations can begin soon after surgery often within the first six months and may persist for years if not properly managed.
Phantom Sensations vs Phantom Pain
It’s important to distinguish between phantom pain and other phantom sensations:
- Phantom Sensations: Non-painful feelings like pressure, itching, or movement.
- Phantom Pain: Painful sensations in the absent limb.
- Phantom Pain Syndrome: A combination of both, including touch, temperature, and vibration sensations, accompanied by pain.
Why Does Phantom Limb Pain Happen?
Though the exact cause isn’t fully understood, the leading explanation is the neuromatrix theory. This suggests that the brain has an internal “map” of the body. After amputation, the brain tries to rewire this map, but it often continues to interpret nerve signals from the missing limb, causing pain or discomfort.
Other contributing factors include:
- Nerve damage at the amputation site
- Emotional trauma and stress
- Infection or poor blood flow
- Ill-fitting prosthetics or pressure on the residual limb
Is Phantom Pain Linked to Medical Negligence?
Yes. If your amputation was the result of medical negligence, you may be at increased risk of developing phantom limb pain. Examples of negligent care that may lead to amputation include:
- Delayed treatment of infections (e.g., sepsis or cellulitis)
- Mismanaged diabetes or vascular disease
- Surgical errors or post-operative complications
- Failure to treat pressure sores or wounds
Had the condition been treated promptly or correctly, the amputation and the resulting phantom pain, might have been avoided.
Living With Phantom Limb Pain
Phantom limb pain can seriously affect your quality of life. It may:
- Disrupt sleep and increase fatigue
- Contribute to anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Make it difficult to use prosthetics
- Interfere with rehabilitation and mobility
- Affect your ability to work or carry out daily activities
If you’re experiencing these symptoms after a negligent amputation, it’s vital to seek both medical treatment and legal advice.
Treatment Options for Phantom Limb Pain
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but effective treatments may include:
- Pain management medications
- Nerve blocks or injections
- Physical therapy and mirror therapy
- Counselling and mental health support
- Prosthetic support and stump care
Blackwater Law were able to secure compensation for their client after an accident at work led to them requiring the amputation of fingers on their right hand.
Why Choose Blackwater Law?
If you’re suffering from phantom limb pain after a negligent amputation, Blackwater Law is here to help you secure the compensation and care you deserve. We provide:
- Free initial advice and case assessment
- No win, no fee representation
- A dedicated team of specialist medical negligence solicitors
- A proven track record of success in complex amputation cases
We’ll ensure your claim reflects not just the physical loss, but the chronic pain and emotional impact of phantom limb pain.
Client Success Stories
We’ve helped clients across the UK recover compensation after avoidable amputations and ongoing pain:
- Over £70,000 for Above-Knee Amputation After Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
Mrs K lost her leg after repeated GP delays. She continues to suffer phantom pain and emotional trauma. We secured a settlement to support her recovery and future care. - £50,000 for Workplace-Related Amputation and Long-Term Pain
Mr B suffered finger amputations without proper safety measures in place. We secured compensation to address his long-term discomfort and mobility needs.
Read more about these cases on our case studies page.
Talk to a Specialist Today
If you’re living with phantom limb pain after an amputation caused by medical negligence, don’t suffer in silence. Our team will listen to your experience, explain your legal options, and guide you through every step of your claim.
Call Blackwater Law today or fill out our secure contact form to speak to a specialist solicitor.
You don’t just need legal support you need a team that understands the full impact of what you’re going through.
