Amputations due to negligence affect victims physically, emotionally and financially

The number of individuals living with limb loss and other types of amputations is surprisingly high. According to the Amputee Coalition of America there are currently 1.2 million persons living with limb loss in the United States, and “it is estimated that one out of every 200 people in the U.S. has had an amputation.”

Surgical amputation of digits and limbs is a risky procedure and is most common for the following reasons: complications affecting the vascular system arising from Diabetes mellitus or Buerger’s disease, cancer-related removals of diseased body tissues, or traumatic injuries obtained in the workplace and through motorized highway accidents.

Living with the effects of amputations extends beyond the physical adjustments and challenges. Individuals may be subject to discrimination, limited employment opportunities, generalized depression, and an emotional sense of loss for the amputated body part. These factors can result in poor mental health and extreme adaptive challenges, which in turn affect the individual’s ability for successful rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation is a costly and arduous process. Amputation is major surgery, which carries all the risks associated with the administration of anesthesia, along with the possibility of heavy blood loss, risks of infection, and the development of blood clots. Medical experts agree that aftercare is essential to a successful recovery process. According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, the “five year survival rate for all lower extremity amputees is less than 50%.” The most effective aftercare treatments begin within 48 hours of amputation and include daily physical therapy, the administration of antibiotics, participation in self-help groups and individual psychological counseling. Potential amputation patients are encouraged to enter surgery in the best possible health, with aftercare support plans and preparations in place.

Tragically, not everyone has that option. Many of the amputations occurring in the United States are preventable, and are a result of someone else’s negligence. Individuals suffer digit and limb loss due to workplace hazards, where implemented safety measures and equipment maintenance do not meet the standards put forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A significant proportion of trauma related amputations occur because of reckless highway driving. Someone else’s negligence can result in sudden incidences of amputation, preventing victims and their families from getting the best possible recovery strategies physically, emotionally, and financially.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an amputation due to preventable workplace hazards or resulting from a negligent motorist, contact the Personal Injury attorneys at Jim S. Adler and Associates to find out your rights. We have the expert experience to ensure that you receive the compensation that you need to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages and the continuous therapy required in amputation cases. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Jim S. Adler and Associates today for a free case review and receive the full settlement that you are entitled to.

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