Amputation occurs when a limb or part of a limb is removed through surgery, illness, or in some cases, trauma. According to research originally published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1.6 million Americans were living with loss of a limb as of 2005. The study predicted that number to more than double by 2050, with 3.6 million Americans suffering from loss of limb. At the time the study was published in 2008, 1 in 190 Americans were living with loss of limb.
While amputation sometimes occurs because it is medically necessary, another major cause of amputations is trauma. Accidental amputations can completely alter a person’s life, affecting everything from their jobs to their relationships to their daily activities. The saddest part is that many accidental amputations are preventable and occur because of negligence on the part of someone else.
If you have suffered from loss of limb due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to recover compensation for costs including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more. If you are the victim of an accidental amputation in Maine, reach out to our team at Mann Law today for a free consultation. Our Maine loss of limb and amputation lawyers will review your case, discuss your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you need to financially recover in the wake of a catastrophic injury.
Traumatic amputation injuries can occur in many different environments, but many of them are the direct result of someone else’s negligence. Some of the most common causes of limb amputation accidents include:
Accidental amputations can occur in all types of traffic-related accidents, including:
In some cases, accidental amputation may occur when a limb is severed, though it can also occur when a limb is crushed as the result of a collision. If limbs are too damaged that they can’t recover, they may need to be surgically removed after an accident.
Workplace accidents can also cause traumatic amputation injuries. These types of injuries are particularly prevalent in hazardous work zones such as construction sites. Workers whose employers don’t provide them with the proper safety equipment they need to do their jobs safely or who fail to establish a safe work environment can cause their employees to sustain life-altering injuries, including loss of limb.
Dangerous equipment can cause workers to sustain amputation injuries. Falling from scaffolding or ladders or being struck by a heavy object could also cause irreparable damage to a worker’s limbs, leading to surgical amputation. Faulty machinery may cause crushing injuries that result in the need for medical amputation as well. When employers fail to secure the workplace, traumatic amputation accidents can occur.
Some cases of accidental amputation occur due to medical malpractice. If a doctor behaves in a negligent manner and causes their patient to lose a limb, then that may qualify as medical malpractice. Medical malpractice can lead to traumatic amputation injuries in a number of ways, such as:
Some amputation accidents also occur as a result of electrocution. Electrocution can occur in the workplace, such as at construction sites, but can also occur at home, or at the home of a friend or relative. When high voltage passes through a limb, the resulting burns can be so serious that amputating the limb surgically is the only remedy. High voltage electrocution can also cause spontaneous traumatic amputation.
Guns, fireworks, and other explosive devices have the potential to cause loss of fingers, hands, and other parts of the upper extremities. These types of accidents may occur because of a faulty product, the negligence of a third party, or inexperience.
Losing a limb can impact every area of your life. It may reduce your ability to do your job or disqualify you from performing your duties altogether. The physical effects can be excruciating, as amputation may result in pain, phantom limb, and other complications. But the psychological effects can be just as harrowing to deal with. You may experience loss of enjoyment of life, as well as diminished interest in doing the things you used to enjoy. If you have experienced an amputation injury it may take you a long time to fully recover from the emotional and mental toll that losing a limb takes.
Losing a limb can be one of the most traumatic experiences you will ever encounter. If you lost a limb due to someone else’s negligence, you should absolutely hold them responsible for their negligence.
Losing a limb can be a truly overwhelming experience. As medical bills pile up and you lose income due to being unable to work, you may wonder how you are going to stay financially afloat while you recover. The good news is that you could be entitled to collect compensation if you lost a limb due to someone else’s negligence.
Proving negligence can be challenging, which is why it is crucial to bring an experienced Maine loss of limb attorney on board who has the knowledge and resources to build a strong case on your behalf. The skilled team at Mann Law has more than 22 years of experience fighting for our injured clients. When you work with us, we will:
Every accidental amputation injury is unique, which means the amount of compensation you are able to receive will vary depending on numerous factors in your case. You could be entitled to recover compensation for:
By consulting with an experienced amputation injury attorney in Maine, you may be able to maximize the payout you receive via settlement or litigation. At Mann Law, we will fight aggressively for the full amount you need to financially recover after losing a limb.
If you have lost a digit or a limb in a traumatic amputation accident, don’t wait to get in touch with one of our dedicated attorneys. Our Maine loss of limb and amputation lawyers can review your case and help you determine what the best path forward is, with the ultimate goal of helping you seek the compensation you are entitled to. Contact our offices today for a free consultation.
