A WOMAN is suing a hospital after they amputated her legs because she sat with them folded for up to 12 hours while passed out drunk.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Shanna Hiles says her legs could have been saved if a doctor had not overlooked an acute medical condition "because she was drunk".

In a lawsuit filed by her lawyers, the 20-year-old claims she had passed out "seated on the floor with her legs tucked under her" while celebrating her birthday.

She remained in that position for up to 12 hours.

Once awake, Ms Hiles complained of pain in her lower legs and was taken to hospital.

Lawyers claim Ms Hiles had signs of a reversible condition known as "acute compartment syndrome", but was waiting six hours for another hospital transfer.

The Tribune-Review reports that the transfer began by ambulance, but a medical helicopter was dispatched while Ms Hiles was enroute because of her "deteriorating health".

Soon after arriving at the medical centre, Ms Hiles was diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome and had bilateral knee amputations because of damaged nerves, muscles and impaired blood flow.

A hospital spokeswoman declined to comment according to the Tribune-Review .

Originally published as Birthday bender leaves woman legless