Amputation and Loss of Limb Accidents

Roughly two million people in this country have had an amputation of a limb. While some of these are from medical issues, one in every four amputations results from a traumatic accident.

The loss of a leg or foot is the most common type of amputation, followed by the loss of an arm. Trauma can cause severe damage to a limb that can be so bad that it is impossible to save.

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in an accident and you have suffered an amputation, call the attorneys at the Aramjoo Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers.

Accidents That Can Result in an Amputation

Some types of accidents can cause severe enough damage to a limb that an amputation is necessary:

• Car accidents: Limbs may be seriously injured by extreme pressure. The traumatic force of an accident can cause the limb to be severed from the body
• Electrocutions: The electric current can permanently kill nerves in a certain part of the body that require it to be amputated
• Work accidents: Defective work tools or safety guards can fail to protect limbs (usually hands) from sharp power tools
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: The force of the accident and lack of protection for the body can cause catastrophic damage to a limb.

Trauma to the Limb Can Lead to an Amputation

There are some cases in which an injury will be so severe that the limb must be amputated in order for the accident victim to make even a partial recovery. In some instances, the limb will never fully recover, and the injury raises the risk of infection.

The accident victim may be better off having the limb amputated and learning to live with a prosthetic. There may be an immediate short-term threat to the victim’s life unless the limb is amputated. The doctor may have to make a quick decision in an emergency situation.

In other cases, the doctor may reach that decision (in consultation with a patient) after all other efforts and interventions appear to be failing.

You May Have to Decide to Amputate a Limb

Amputation is a decision that you will make in coordination with your doctor. You may decide that amputation is preferable to dealing with numerous surgical procedures with an uncertain chance of success. In some cases, having a limb without function is a greater threat to your long-term health and your post-accident life. Depending on your age and physical health, you can potentially regain a large part of your ability to function after an amputation.

Either way, you are looking at a long period of rehabilitation, whichever course of action you choose. You will be dealing with significant pain and suffering, and the party responsible for your injuries may need to compensate you.

Tips for Adjusting to Life After an Amputation

If you have a limb amputated, it is possible to adjust to your new life. Here are some tips for adjusting to life after an amputation:

• Set reasonable goals because there will be a long road back with ups and downs.
• Try to establish a support network, both among family and friends and others who have undergone an amputation.
• Strive to maintain a positive attitude, recognizing that there will be up and down days.
• Develop new habits, including a fitness regime that accounts for your physical condition.
• Consult with your doctor about your condition as often as possible.

Amputations Are Catastrophic Injuries with High Expenses

If you have had an amputation, your medical expenses will be considerable. Not only do you have the initial costs of your medical treatment, but you will also have expenses for medical equipment and rehabilitation.

You will need prosthetics at various points in your life, which can be complex and expensive. A basic prosthetic leg may cost $10,000, and you will need to replace it at various points. Prosthetics can run up to $70,000 in cost. If you need a wheelchair, a motorized chair can cost up to $15,000.

You will be relieved to know that medical equipment is included in the costs you can get in a settlement, as is the cost of retrofitting your home to accommodate you.

Before you file a claim for compensation, you will need to know your prognosis. It may necessary to take your case slow to determine outcome if you do not know yet if surgery will save the limb. You should reach the point of maximum medical improvement before you seek compensation. You may then have a fuller picture of your damages and know how much money to ask for in a settlement.

Your attorney will review your medical records and consult with experts to better understand the costs associated with your injury.

Contact a Liberty, Missouri, Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

The attorneys at Aramjoo Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, will closely review your medical prognosis and damages to help you get the right settlement for your case. You only get one chance to settle a catastrophic injury case. If you get too little, you cannot come back for more money in the future.

Your first step is to call us for a free initial consultation. You can message us online or call us today at (816) 479-5898. As always, you owe us nothing unless you win your case and will not pay any money out of your pocket.

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