Loss of Leg – Injury Claim Worth_.

Based on the following sampling of case law, the range for general damages awarded for suffering from the loss of a leg as a result of an accident is between $220,890 – $313,683 [adjusted for 2023 inflation rates]. The general damage award amounts for each individual case below have not been adjusted for inflation. For your convenience, the Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator can be accessed here.

As described in our General Damages Guide, these awards are only for general damages which compensate you for your pain and suffering. There are other types of damages that you may be entitled to claim, such as lost income and medical care costs, depending on the circumstances of your case. To assess the total value of your injury claim, try our Injury Claim Calculator or book a free consultation.

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The case law

Bye v. Newman, 2017 BCSC 1718

• The plaintiff, a 31-year-old carpenter, suffered injuries when he was involved in a collision with the defendant’s all-terrain vehicle while he was riding his dirt bike. As a result of the accident, he suffered a fracture to his neck and multiple fractures to his legs. His left leg could not be repaired, and was amputated at the knee. At the time of the accident, he was a young man who had enjoyed various physical recreational pursuits. The injuries from the accident changed his life dramatically and permanently. He now suffered from daily pain and fatigue as a result of the amputation, and was permanently disabled from returning to carpentry work, many of his recreational activities, and his interactions with his young son were negatively impacted. He was awarded $220,000 in general damages.

Barr v. Koldesk, 1996 CanLII 6677 (SK QB)

• The 23-year-old plaintiff suffered a mangled left foot, a fractured left femur, a fracture of the right elbow, and a broken finger. His left leg had to be amputated 7 inches below the knee. Due to the elbow injury, he could not use crutches. There were varying degrees of risk of arthritis developing in the injury sites. He was awarded $145,000 in general damages.

Gallson v. Butzow, 1995 CanLII 277 (BCSC)

• The plaintiff suffered crush injuries to both legs as a result of a motor vehicle incident. Both legs were amputated. The plaintiff was able to walk and drive after lengthy rehabilitation, but could not keep the prostheses on for long periods of time. He continued to experience pain from the knee down, as well as problems with infection and soreness. He was awarded $175,000 in general damages.

Morrison v. Pankratz, 1995 CanLII 8901 (BC CA)

• The 53-year-old plaintiff was injured in a motor vehicle accident in which her foot and lower half of her leg was almost completely dramatically amputated. She required surgery to amputate her leg below the knee. She also suffered a comminuted fracture of her humerus and considerable muscle damage. She received $125,000 in general damages.

Savinkoff v. Seggewiss, 1994 CanLII 3196 (BC SC)

• The 57-year-old plaintiff was injured when his left leg was caught by the open door of his car and a second vehicle collided with his car. His leg was amputated above-the-knee, and his pre-existing back problem became worse as a result of the extra stress created by his prosthesis. He was no longer able to work after the accident. He received $125,000 in general damages.

Appel (Guardian ad litem of) v. Appel (June 7, 1994), Doc. Nanaimo 12811 (B.C.S.C.)

• The three-year-old plaintiff was injured when his right leg was run over by a ride-on lawnmower. The leg had to be amputated below the knee. The plaintiff suffered pain that woke him up every night. He adapted well psychologically and was able to play some sports. He received $120,000 in general damages.