Amputation Injury Law Firm in Auburn, AL
The loss of a limb is one of the most serious injuries you can suffer in an accident. Whether a limb is severed during the accident or removed surgically to prevent further damage, the physical and emotional fallout can last years.
If you or someone you love has gone through an amputation because of an accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the liable party. Let us help you during this challenging time. Call Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short at 334-821-3892 to schedule a consultation.
Causes of Amputation Injuries
Almost any type of severe accident could lead to the loss of one or more limbs. Some of the most common causes of amputation injuries include:
- Vehicle accidents. A substantial number of amputations are the result of serious vehicle accidents. When a limb is caught in the wreckage of a collision or gets crushed between different vehicle components, amputation is often the only option. If a victim is thrown from the car and experiences substantial road rash that goes down to the bone, amputation may be used to limit the spread of infection.
- Workplace accidents. Workplace injuries are one of the most common sources of amputations. Those who work in industrial settings, construction zones, manufacturing facilities, or other fields that use heavy machinery are at serious risk of amputation injuries. These accidents may happen because of user error, equipment malfunction, a lack of safety training, or carelessness.
- Medical malpractice. While this outcome is fairly rare, it does happen on occasion. If an injury calls for an amputation and the surgeon removes the wrong limb, the victim then has to deal with the loss of two limbs.
Side Effects of Amputation Injuries
The impact of an amputation follows a victim long after the initial injury. First, the amount of pain that follows an amputation is unimaginable. Victims often spend a substantial amount of time recovering on heavy pain medication until they can grapple with the pain.
Additionally, individuals often struggle with the sensation known as “phantom pain” after their amputation. Many estimates indicate that more than half of individuals suffer from phantom pain after an amputation. This feeling causes a victim to feel physical pain in the missing limb. It can be very difficult to treat, since the pain doesn’t originate from an actual physical source.
Amputees often spend months or years learning how to navigate life in their different bodies. If they lose a leg, this involves learning how to move around independently, maintain balance, and perform household tasks. For victims who lose an arm, this often revolves around learning how to do two-handed tasks with just one. Those who lose their dominant hand may need more assistance and therapy than those who lose their non-dominant arm.
Victims of amputation injuries are often surprised by just how much ongoing care they need and how much time this care requires. Ongoing physical therapy, time spent with prosthetists, occupational therapy, and pain management can basically feel like a part-time job.
Costs Associated with Amputation Injuries
As you may imagine, the costs that come with an amputation injury in Auburn, Alabama can be extraordinarily high. It starts with the initial medical expenses. The surgical removal of a limb or cleaning up after an accidental limb removal is extremely expensive, often requiring multiple surgeries and a long hospital stay. From there, the costs of pain management medications, physical therapy, counseling, occupational therapy, and prosthetics can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Many amputees also require home adaptations to live independently. Home modifications may limit trips up and down stairs or otherwise make life easier for amputation victims. Depending on the injury and the individual’s preferences, they may also need to make special arrangements for transportation. Those who lose a lower extremity may need a specially designed vehicle that makes it easier to use the brake and accelerations pedals. Both home and vehicle modifications can be extremely expensive.
Furthermore, many individuals experience a substantial loss of income after an amputation injury. Some are able to continue working but must cut back on hours to accommodate medical appointments. Others must completely quit working if their amputation leaves them unable to perform their job duties or if their pain is too much to manage. This can be a financially devastating blow for a family that relies on the amputee’s wages.
Seeking Compensation with Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short
There is a lot at stake after an amputation injury, and you cannot trust an insurance company to do what is right for you. If your injury occurred at work, you may have to file for workers’ compensation. While this limits what you can recover, it does come through quickly and help you get the treatment you need. In some cases, you can file a personal injury claim against a third party even if your injury occurred at work.
If your injury was not work-related, you may need to file a personal injury claim against the liable party. You can expect their insurance company to make a lowball offer that won’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other expenses.
When you have an experienced Auburn attorney representing you, you stand a much stronger chance of getting the compensation you are owed. Your attorney can analyze your injury, compile evidence, estimate your losses, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
After such a catastrophic injury, you have a lot to manage. You’re likely in pain, trying to plan for your future, and coming to terms with your new normal. You don’t need to handle a fight for compensation at the same time. Let us take care of your legal needs while you recover.
Reach Out to Our Team Today
At Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short, we fight aggressively to help our clients get full and fair compensation. If you’ve suffered an amputation because of someone else’s negligence, don’t wait any longer to contact us. Give us a call at 334-821-3892 or get in touch with us online to schedule a consultation.
