Recovering Financially After Amputation Injuries
April 30, 2019
Amputation Impact and Statistics
On average, about 30,000 traumatic amputations will occur annually throughout the nation. These types of amputation injuries happen when a victim is so severely injured that they are forced to lose a body part. While many assume amputations only include legs or arms, many other body parts may be amputated including ears, fingers, the nose or any other body part. Losing these important appendages is often life-altering. Amputation injuries can happen in a number of situations, but victims are able to pursue compensation in many cases.
Common Causes of Amputation Injuries
Amputations may be medically necessary in a number of situations including:
- Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and any other type of motor vehicle accident
- Aviation accidents
- Electrocution
- Construction accidents or other workplace accidents
- Agriculture accidents
- Accidents caused by explosives, fireworks or firearms
- Building accidents
- Defective products
- Disease
Of all the causes for amputation, motor vehicle accidents are the most common. About one of every four traumatic amputation procedures occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents.
Recovering Financially from Amputation Injuries
Amputation is usually seen as a last resort, and surgeons will rarely undertake such an endeavor unless it is necessary to preserve the person’s life. Regardless of what caused the amputation, these types of surgeries usually require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. These expenses, alongside a loss of income, can be devastating to an already recovering amputation victim. In addition, victims suffer a host of pain and suffering issues due to amputation injuries. In many cases, victims experience what is called phantom limb syndrome, which means the victim’s brain still perceives the limb attached to the body. This syndrome makes it increasingly difficult to learn to cope with living without the lost appendage.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the amputation injury, victims may be able to recover financially from these losses in court. Liability for the losses associated with an injury hinges on where the accident occurred and each party’s respective negligence. If the accident was work-related, then the victim may need to pursue compensation through workers’ compensation. If the accident occurred outside of the workplace, then it may be possible to sue the negligent party in court. Keep in mind that courtrooms may analyze how your own carelessness contributed to your injury before awarding compensation.
Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Amputation Injury Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one have to endure amputation in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent amputation victims in Pittsburgh and all of the Western Pennsylvania counties. Call 412-837-8426 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
