Amputation injuries are among the most traumatic injuries an individual can experience. It is especially painful when an amputation injury is the result of someone’s negligence. They are life-altering, catastrophic injuries and can lead to long-term costs and care.
Amputation Injuries
An amputation occurs when a body part becomes completely or partially severed from the body. Common amputated body parts include arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, and toes. In some cases, an amputated body part can be reattached, but this must happen soon after the amputation. A surgical amputation occurs when a doctor removes a body part to prevent pain or disease. This can happen if there has been a crush injury or vascular disease. A traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part due to an accident or injury. Amputations are physically and emotionally traumatic. Many victims experience phantom pain where the amputated body part had been, as well as nerve pain and damage to other body parts that are overused to compensate for the loss.
Causes of Amputation Injuries
While many amputations are the result of vascular disease caused by diabetes or the result of cancer, many amputations result from negligence. Some common causes of amputation injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Defective work equipment
- Construction injuries
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Defective household products
- Defective medication
- Medical malpractice
Regardless of the cause of an amputation, the effects can be devastating and costly.
The Financial Impact
Individuals with amputations can live full lives, but their injuries take a physical, psychological, and financial toll. An individual who suffers an amputation injury will likely be hospitalized for several weeks or months. It is likely that some type of surgery will need to be performed. In addition, the cost of artificial limbs and adaptive devices such as wheelchairs can be astronomical. An individual with an amputation will also have to undergo extensive physical therapy. The cost of these procedures and equipment can quickly add up.
If you’ve sustained an amputation injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may want to pursue compensation for your injury. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping people injured due to negligence. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.