Amputation Injury Attorney

Amputation injuries can occur in many types of accidents. In some cases, another party’s negligence is to blame, while other amputation injuries may result from a defective product or equipment. If you or someone you love suffered an amputation injury, it is important to seek advice from an injury attorney. As a highly experienced catastrophic injury attorney in Cleveland, I have represented clients for more than 40 years with cases involving limb amputations. I can help you with your amputation case, and recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Call me as soon as possible for a free consultation.

What is a Traumatic Amputation? 

Traumatic amputations refer to the loss of a body part as a result of a traumatic accident, according to Medline Plus. In some cases, a complete amputation will occur, which results in a body part being totally severed. In other situations, an amputation may be partial. Depending upon the severity of the traumatic amputation, along with a number of other factors, it may or may not be possible to reattach the body part.

Many people who suffer from amputations are at greater risk of medical complications, including a severe infection and post-traumatic stress disorder.

How Do Traumatic Amputations Occur?

There are many types of accidents and incidents that may lead to a traumatic amputation, including but not limited to:

Workplace Accidents: Negligence by an employer or coworkers can result in accidents involving heavy machinery, tools, or unsafe working conditions. In cases of severe crush injuries, if prompt medical attention isn’t provided, or proper safety measures aren’t in place, the injuries may lead to irreparable limb damage. You may require amputation to prevent infection or further complications due to a workplace accident.

Car Accidents: Reckless driving, impaired driving, or failure to follow traffic rules can cause severe car, motorcycle, or pedestrian accidents. Serious limb injuries sustained in accidents may result in a crush injury, extensive damage, severe fractures, or tissue loss. If the wounds are left untreated or improperly managed, amputation could be required to prevent infection, alleviate pain, and maintain your health.

Medical Malpractice: Mistakes made by healthcare professionals during surgery, treatment, or post-operative care can result in severe complications. When medical negligence leads to inadequate blood supply, infections, or severe tissue damage that cannot be reversed, amputation may be necessary to prevent further harm and to save your life.

Defective Products: Malfunctioning or defective products, such as machinery, tools, or medical devices, can cause a catastrophic accident resulting in catastrophic injuries. In cases where a defective product causes serious injuries, such as limb entrapment or severe trauma, the damage may necessitate amputation.

Construction Site Accidents: Negligence maintaining safe construction sites or improper use of equipment can lead to accidents involving falls, collapses, or falling objects. If the accident results in a severe limb injury with compromised blood flow, extensive tissue damage, or risk of infection, amputation may be considered to prevent life-threatening complications.

Recreational Accidents: Negligence during recreational activities such as boating, swimming, or sports can lead to really horrific injuries. The accident may result in severe limb injuries, extensive tissue damage, or compromised blood circulation. Amputation may be required to prevent infection, alleviate pain, and improve the person’s overall well-being.

As a leading amputation injury attorney, I hold the negligent parties accountable. Losing a limb changes how you approach your daily life, and medical care is ongoing and expensive. I am here to help you recover fair compensation to help with medical costs, assistive devices, therapies and additional ongoing expenses. I’ve helped thousands of injured clients over the course of more than 40 years practicing personal injury law. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Day-To-Day Changes Resulting From Amputations

 When a person suffers a traumatic amputation, the affected body part can be:

One or More Fingers

Fine Motor Skills: The loss of a finger can impact your ability to perform delicate tasks that require precision, such as buttoning clothes, typing on a keyboard, or using small tools.

Grip Strength: Your grip strength may be reduced, affecting tasks that require a firm hold, such as carrying objects or opening jars.

Dexterity: Activities that involve manipulating objects or tools may become more challenging.

Self-Care: Basic self-care tasks such as grooming, tying shoelaces, or fastening jewelry may become more complex.

Instrumental Activities: More complex tasks such as cooking, playing musical instruments, or woodworking can be impacted by the loss of a finger.

Sensory Feedback: Fingers provide sensory feedback that helps with tasks requiring touch and manipulation. The loss of a finger may affect your ability to sense textures, temperatures, and other tactile sensations.

Psychological Adjustment: Coping with physical and emotional challenges can be extremely difficult. Feelings of loss, frustration, and self-consciousness are common. Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can be beneficial.

Prosthetic Consideration: Depending on the level of amputation and your lifestyle, you may opt for a prosthetic finger. Learning to use and maintain a prosthetic can take time and effort.

Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation, including physical therapy and occupational therapy, can play a crucial role in helping you adapt to the changes, and regain functionality to the best extent possible.

Arm

Mobility and Independence: The loss of an arm can affect your mobility and overall independence. Tasks such as dressing, bathing, and using the restroom may require assistance or modified techniques.

Fine Motor Skills: Fine motor tasks such as writing, using utensils, and handling small objects may become challenging or require adaptations. You may need to explore tools and techniques that allow you to continue performing these activities.

Personal Care: Self-care such as grooming, brushing teeth, and putting on makeup may need to be modified to accommodate the loss of an arm. .

Household Activities: Everyday chores such as cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry may require adjustments to your techniques, or the use of adaptive devices to compensate for the loss of arm function.

Driving: Depending on the arm amputation level and whether it was your dominant arm, driving may need to be reevaluated. Vehicle modifications or adaptive driving techniques may be necessary.

Prosthetic or Assistive Devices: You may choose to use a prosthetic arm or other assistive devices to regain some functionality. Learning to use and maintain these devices can take time and practice.

Work and Hobbies: Depending on your occupation and hobbies, you may need to adapt your techniques or consider alternative approaches. Vocational rehabilitation and adaptive tools can be helpful in maintaining your work and leisure activities.

Psychological and Emotional Adjustment: Coping with the loss of a limb can be emotionally challenging. You can experience grief, frustration, and changes in body image. Seek out counseling or support groups to aid in your emotional adjustment.

Physical Fitness: Staying physically active may require changes to your exercise routine. Adaptive sports and recreational activities tailored to your abilities could help maintain your fitness and overall well-being.

Severed limb injuries resulting in the loss of a finger or your entire arm not only requires life changes, but the cost to do so can be expensive. As an experienced personal injury attorney, I’ll work to recover compensation for ongoing medical care, assistive devices, household modifications to make life tasks possible, and for lost wages due to missed work. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

One or More Toes

Balance and Gait: The toes play a crucial role in maintaining balance and providing stability for walking and other activities. The absence of a toe will often affect your balance and walking pattern, potentially requiring adjustments to your gait.

Footwear and Comfort: The loss of a toe can impact the fit of shoes and footwear. You may need to explore footwear options that accommodate your altered anatomy and provide proper support.

Foot Functionality: Toes contribute to foot function, aiding in activities such gripping objects and maintaining balance. With a toe amputation, you may need to develop new ways to accomplish tasks that involve foot dexterity.

Foot Alignment: The alignment of the remaining toes and arch of the foot can be affected by the absence of a toe. Foot and ankle exercises, or orthotic inserts can help maintain proper foot alignment.

Gait and Biomechanics: Your walking and running biomechanics might change due to the altered foot structure. This could potentially lead to compensatory movements, which might need to be addressed through physical therapy.

Footwear Selection: The loss of a toe can influence the type of footwear you can comfortably wear. Choosing shoes with a wider toe box and consulting a podiatrist might be necessary.

Weight Distribution: Toes contribute to distributing weight during various activities. Adjusting to the altered weight distribution might require time and practice, an could cause other injuries.

Balance and Proprioception: Toes provide sensory feedback that contributes to balance and proprioception. The absence of a toe might affect these aspects, potentially requiring adjustments in activities that rely on balance and coordination.

Physical Activities: Sports and physical activities that involve foot movement might require adaptations to your techniques. Consulting a physical therapist could help you modify your approach to these activities. In some cases, you may have to give up the activity altogether.

Foot Pain and Comfort: The altered foot structure might lead to discomfort or pain in other areas of the foot. Wearing orthotic devices, performing foot exercises, and seeking medical guidance can aid in managing pain.

As an amputation injury lawyer, I know how serious these lifestyle changes are. The need for specialized shoes, adjustments to your gait can affect your work, and getting help from medical professionals are all costly. If this has happened to you or someone you know, call me, and we’ll file an amputation injury case.

Leg

Mobility and Independence: The loss of a leg can impact your mobility and overall independence. Walking, standing, and performing daily activities may require the use of assistive devices or prosthetics.

Gait and Balance: Walking with a prosthetic limb or crutches may necessitate adjustments to your gait and balance. Physical therapy can help you learn to walk with a new prosthetic limb and maintain stability.

Prosthetic Consideration: Choosing and adapting to a prosthetic limb can be a significant aspect of post-amputation life. Learning to use and care for the prosthetic, as well as regular adjustments, are important.

Physical Activities: Engaging in physical activities, including sports and exercise, may require modifications. Adaptive sports, exercises, and consulting with physical therapists can help you maintain an active lifestyle.

Daily Tasks: Activities such as climbing stairs, getting in and out of vehicles, and navigating uneven terrain may require new strategies or assistive devices.

Personal Care: Self-care activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming may require adjustments to accommodate your mobility and balance changes.

Driving: Depending on the level of amputation and type of vehicle, you may need to modify your driving techniques or explore adaptive driving solutions.

If you have had a surgical amputation, you should file a personal injury lawsuit. These changes to your life are serious, and costly. Call me today for your free initial consultation.

Prosthetics

Many trauma related amputations require a prosthetic to help you return to as normal of a life as possible.

Below-Knee Prosthetic:

A below-knee prosthetic replaces a missing lower leg. It typically includes a socket, a pylon, and a foot component. This prosthetic allows for improved mobility, weight-bearing, and walking. The cost can vary widely depending on the materials used, design complexity, and additional features, ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

Above-Knee Prosthetic:

An above-knee prosthetic replaces a missing thigh and part of the lower leg. It includes a socket, a knee joint, a pylon, and a foot component. This enables more natural walking and helps the patient regain functional independence. The cost can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

Arm Prosthetic:

Upper limb prosthetics can replace missing hands, forearms, or entire arms. They offer patients improved dexterity, grip, and manipulation capabilities. Depending on the level of amputation and the complexity of the prosthetic, the cost can be thousands of dollars.

Myoelectric Prosthetics:

Myoelectric prosthetics use muscle signals from the residual limb to control the movements of the prosthetic limb, providing a more intuitive and natural interaction. These advanced prosthetics can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life but tend to be more expensive, often ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.

Prosthetic Feet:

Various types of prosthetic feet cater to different activity levels, offering stability, shock absorption, and energy return for walking, running, or sports. Basic prosthetic feet may start at a few hundred dollars, while more specialized and technologically advanced options can cost several thousand dollars.

If you have suffered limb loss, it is very important to call me. You deserve to have your life returned to as normal as possible, and prosthetics can help. As an amputation lawyer, I have helped victims of traumatic accidents for more than 40 years. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Statute of Limitations in an Amputation Injury Claim 

How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim after suffering a catastrophic amputation injury? Generally speaking, Ohio law gives plaintiffs two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, if you wait too long, even if you are still eligible to file a claim, a significant amount of evidence may be lost. Do not take a chance because I can help you to get started on the claims process today.

Contact Tim, a Cleveland Catastrophic Injury Attorney for Help 

Did you recently suffer an amputation injury on the job or in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence? No matter how or where your amputation injury occurred, I can help you to seek the compensation you deserve. I serve clients who have suffered devastating catastrophic injuries, and I know how important it is to hold the at-fault party accountable for your permanently disabling injury. When it comes to seeking the financial recovery you deserve, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Contact me today for free consultation. You will not have a single out of pocket expense..