An accident can be devastating — even more so when there is an amputation suffered. The amputation may occur at the time of the accident or may become medically necessary in the future if the limb cannot be saved.
If you or a loved one is involved in a traumatic accident that includes amputation injuries, the team at Walton Telken Injury Attorneys can help. You need someone on your side that can fight to get you the compensation you deserve to help you manage the rest of your life after losing a limb.
Common Accidents that Result in Amputations
There are two types of amputation: traumatic and medically-necessary. A traumatic amputation happens during the accident, while a medically-necessary amputation happens later if the limb cannot be saved.
In most traumatic injury cases, amputation is the direct result of negligence on the part of the defendant. Some common amputation accidents include:
- Vehicle crashes
- Crush injuries at construction or manufacturing sites or workplaces that use press machines
- Medical malpractice when an undiagnosed infection/illness spreads making amputation necessary. In some very rare cases, a medical professional may make a mistake and amputate the wrong body part
- Falling objects at work zones and warehouses that use heavy machinery materials
Body parts impacted by traumatic amputations
The most common amputation injuries caused by traumatic accidents include the:
- Foot
- Hand
- Leg
- Arm
- Fingers
- Toes
- Ear
How are Amputation Injuries Treated?
In some cases, an amputation injury that happens at the time of the accident is a clean amputation, which means the limb is entirely removed from the body. Unfortunately, many times, the limb is only partially removed. When this happens, a medically-necessary amputation is required.
This often requires extensive surgery and a lengthy hospital stay. This can result in medical costs of over $500,000 throughout a lifetime. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consult with an amputation injury lawyer if you or a loved one is involved in an amputation accident.
Complications of Amputation Injuries
Most of the time, the trauma doesn’t end with the amputation. Losing a limb can have many side effects, most of which require additional medical intervention and pain management. Some of the most common complications associated with amputation injuries include:
Phantom limb pain
Many times, after an individual loses a limb, they experience pain in the amputated limb for up to many years following the accident. This neuropathic pain can be severe and may last the rest of your life.
Edema
Edema is the result of fluid being absorbed in nearby tissues, causing significant pain and discomfort. This is very common at the amputation site.
Physical weakness
When someone loses a limb, they must compensate for the loss by using other body parts to perform common activities of daily living. This often puts significant strain on these other body parts, leading to pain/stiffness.
PTSD
PTSD is common in traumatic injury accidents, especially amputation injuries. In addition, victims often suffer from significant grief, low self-confidence, and hopelessness for the future.
Systemic infection
Traumatic injuries, such as amputations, increase the risk of systemic infection. These can spread to other areas of the body including the heart or brain and be fatal.
Damages Available for Amputation Injuries in Missouri
If you or a loved one suffers an amputation due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you can file a lawsuit against the responsible party. While compensation won’t undo the damage, it can help with your recovery and future.
Most of the time, when someone loses a limb, they require extensive, expensive medical care, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and prosthetic devices. Some of the most common damages available for amputation injuries in Missouri include:
- Medical costs associated with the amputation (past, current, and future)
- Lost past wages
- Lost future earning ability
- Emotional distress and trauma due to the loss of a limb
- Loss of household services due to the limb loss
- Punitive damages, if the defendant was extremely reckless and had no regard for the safety of others
An amputation injury can be worth significant compensation, which is why you should never try to do it on your own. An amputation injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. We understand how debilitating these types of injuries can be and we know how to negotiate and fight with the insurance companies for maximum compensation.
How a St. Louis Amputation Injury Lawyer Can Help
An amputation injury lawyer from Walton Telken Injury Attorneys can help you make your claim and recover the compensation you deserve in your case. We offer responsible legal advice and effective representation in your case. We represent clients in a variety of personal injuries, amputation injuries, workplace injuries, wrongful death, and more.
There is a statute of limitations of 5 years from the date of injury on these types of cases, with a few exceptions. If your injuries are so significant that they prevent you from acting, your clock starts when you are able to function. However, once the clock runs out, you will not be able to recover damages.
Act now to hire an amputation lawyer and fight for your right to compensation. We are available to meet you at your convenience. Contact us online or by phone today.
