Laura’s Story: An Amputee’s Journey Through Pain, Perseverance, and Justice

7th Oct 2025

Image of client has been changed for the purpose of anonymity

In 2015, Laura, a vibrant and active woman, began experiencing discomfort in her left foot. What started as a nagging pain soon became a life-altering ordeal. After two years of uncertainty, an MRI revealed a large mass in her foot. The initial diagnosis was a suspected soft tissue or periosteal bone sarcoma. A biopsy followed, suggesting a low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma. 

This diagnosis set off a chain of events that would change Laura’s life forever. 

A Devastating Decision

Before the biopsy results could be fully reviewed, Laura’s case was discussed by specialists. Based on the mistaken belief that she had a malignant tumour, the team recommended a below-knee amputation. Trusting the medical advice, Laura underwent the surgery. But the truth was far more complex. 

Following the surgery, it was revealed that Laura did not have a sarcoma at all. Instead, she had a desmoid-type fibromatosis. This is a non-cancerous, but locally aggressive tumour. This meant the amputation had been totally unnecessary. 

The Aftermath 

The physical and emotional toll was immense. Laura endured phantom limb pain, burning sensations, and struggled with mobility. Her journey through prosthetic rehabilitation was fraught with complications and persistent pain. Six years after the amputation surgery, Laura underwent revision surgery to remove neuromas and improve her condition, but the relief was only partial. 

Her suffering extended beyond the physical. Laura had agreed to the amputation under the belief she had a life-threatening cancer. The psychological impact was profound. She developed chronic, moderate to severe depression, an emotional wound that mirrored her physical loss. 

A Glimmer of Hope: The Amputation Foundation  

In 2017, Laura turned to the Amputation Foundation, a charity providing a community of support, empowerment and resources to help individuals confidently adapt to life after limb loss. She has been an ambassador from the start, as it was here that Laura gained an incredible amount of support and resources.  

Deborah Boardman from the Amputation Foundation, said: “Given the Charity’s wealth of lived experience, it became apparent over time that Laura needed more than just our Peer Support and in fact required some solid legal advice around her circumstances.  

“Whilst Team AF has a decent understanding of both personal injury and clinical negligence practice, it relies on a solid partnership with a small, select and fully vetted Legal Panel. Our Charity is managed by great people, but they are not lawyers. 

“HCC is a leading member of the AF Legal Panel and has looked after and indeed is looking after a number of ongoing cases on behalf of Amputation Foundation members.” 

HCC Solicitors Step In 

When Laura contacted HCC Solicitors, from the outset, Mike Molloy and the clinical negligence team at HCC treated her with compassion and determination. They meticulously built her case, alleging that the NHS had failed to properly investigate her condition and had proceeded with radical surgery without justification. 

Despite their initial resistance, the NHS eventually admitted liability. They conceded that but for their negligence, Laura would not have lost her leg. 

The Fight for Justice 

With liability admitted, the case moved to the complex issues of causation and compensation. Laura’s condition had worsened over time and she developed further desmoid fibromatosis in her thigh and hip, complicating her mobility and pain management. Experts debated whether these developments were linked to the amputation. Some believed they were; others disagreed. 

The pain management consultants agreed that much of Laura’s current suffering was due to the new fibromas. Yet oncologists maintained that the amputation remained the primary cause of her diminished quality of life. 

Despite these complexities, Mike and the team at HCC Solicitors remained steadfast. They prepared for a 10-day trial, but a month before the trial, at a Joint Settlement Meeting, they settled Laura’s case for £4.5 million.  

Amputation Foundation’s Deborah Boardman said: “We are delighted that HCC has been able to secure a fair and just outcome for Laura. It will mean that her life as an amputee will be much improved. Mike Molloy deserves huge thanks! His expertise, compassion and drive to fight on behalf of the individual is second to none. 

“As a registered Charity working only on behalf of the Amputee Community, we sleep easy knowing that when we recommend that people speak with HCC, we know that they will be well looked after and cared for in a world of legislation and language that not everyone can understand.” 

Deborah continued: ”Mike and the wider HCC team also take the time out to support the AF Community outside of the Law Courts. Our Founder, Ste Cruse insists on one thing primarily, and that is that Amputation Foundation’s priority is the amputee! HCC pass muster on all fronts (seen and unseen) and their team goes beyond the basics from the paralegal to the partner levels. We cannot thank them enough and we would not hesitate to recommend them to our future members as and when the need arises”  

Looking Ahead 

Today, Laura faces daily challenges. She continues to battle chronic pain, altered posture, and emotional trauma. But her compensation has enabled her to move forward without financial worry. Her compensation covers her lost earnings, rehabilitation, care, prosthetics, equipment, and home adaptations now, and for the rest of her life.  

Thanks to the unwavering support of Mike and the team at HCC Solicitors, Laura’s voice has been heard. Her story is one of resilience in the face of medical failure. 

“I can’t thank Mike and his team at HCC enough”, says Laura. “For the past eight years, they dedicated their time, care, and expertise to my case, which not only led to a huge success but also uncovered vital medical information I wasn’t aware of. Their professionalism was second to none. They kept me fully updated every step of the way and made me feel comfortable reaching out to them at any time. Mike, in particular, became more than just my solicitor. He became a friend. 

“Thanks to their hard work, they helped me successfully win my case and secure a seven-figure settlement that will support me for the rest of my life.  

“I cannot recommend or thank HCC enough for everything they’ve done.” 

About the Amputation Foundation, Laura also says: “I also want to express my gratitude to the Amputation Foundation charity for their incredible support over the years. Without them, I would never have known about HCC or had the chance to meet the amazing amputees who shared their guidance and advice with me.”