Amputations

Amputation, the loss of a limb or part of a limb, can occur due to various reasons, including major injuries, diabetes, and vascular disease. Amputations can lead to numerous complications, both physical and emotional. The lifetime medical costs associated with an amputation are estimated to exceed $500,000. If you or a loved one has experienced an amputation due to someone else’s negligence, our amputation lawyers at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD can help you recover damages to cover medical treatment and other injury-related expenses.

Amputation is the loss of a limb or part of a limb, and it is a life-altering event that can result from various causes. In the United States, approximately 185,000 amputations are performed each year, ranging from the loss of a fingertip to the loss of an entire limb or even both limbs.

If you’ve suffered an amputation injury due to negligence, contact us today at (847) 944-9400 to speak to one of our aggressive Amputation Injury Attorneys.

Types of Amputation

Amputations are categorized based on which specific limb or part of a limb is lost. The major types include:

Lower limb amputation: This involves the loss of a toe, foot, lower leg, or the entire leg, and in some cases, part of the pelvis may be affected.

Upper limb amputation: This includes the loss of a finger, hand, lower arm, or the entire arm, with potential involvement of the shoulder blade.

Lower limb amputations are more common than upper limb amputations, with approximately 150,000 lower limb amputations occurring in the United States each year. While some amputations involve the loss of a toe, others entail the loss of the entire foot or lower leg.

Causes of Amputation

There are several reasons why individuals may undergo amputation, including:

Injuries: Car accidents, work-related accidents involving sharp tools or heavy machinery, and combat-related injuries are common causes of amputations, particularly when safety protocols are not followed.

Medical Negligence: Medical malpractice, such as misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, medical device errors, and medication errors, can lead to preventable amputations.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow through the arteries in the legs, often caused by atherosclerosis, can lead to tissue death, necessitating amputation. Conditions like high cholesterol and smoking increase the risk of PAD.

Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk for peripheral arterial disease. High blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels in the feet, hinder wound healing, and cause nerve damage that may result in unnoticed injuries and serious infections.

Tumors: Certain types of cancers, such as sarcomas that form in bone or soft tissues, may lead to limb amputations, although this is relatively rare.

Severe infections: Infections that enter the bloodstream can reduce blood flow in the limbs, causing tissue death and requiring amputation.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, injuries account for approximately 45 percent of amputations, while around 54 percent are attributed to causes like diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.

Complications of Amputation Injuries

After an amputation, individuals may experience various complications, including:

Infections: Infections at the surgical site can become severe or life-threatening, potentially necessitating additional amputation procedures. Nearly 30 percent of patients with post-amputation infections die within a month.

Edema (swelling): Significant swelling in the stump may persist for months or even years after the amputation, potentially interfering with the use of prosthetics.

Phantom limb pain: A neurological condition in which individuals feel pain or other sensations in the missing limb, affecting their quality of life. Treating phantom limb pain can be challenging.

Residual limb pain: Pain at the amputation site, also known as “stump pain,” may result from skin breakdown, nerve damage, infections, or changes in blood flow.

Contracture: Soft tissues near the amputation site may gradually shorten and tighten, restricting nearby joint movement.

Muscle weakness: Changes in body movement patterns following an amputation can lead to muscle weakness, increasing the risk of falls and additional injuries.

Mental health challenges: An amputation is a traumatic event, and studies indicate that a significant percentage of individuals who have undergone amputation experience conditions like PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Costs Associated With Amputation Injuries

A study published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that the short-term medical costs for lower-limb amputation, including prosthetic limbs, can exceed $90,000. The lifetime medical costs for such an injury can surpass $500,000.

It’s essential to note that the same study also revealed that the lifetime costs for limb reconstruction are approximately $160,000. Proper medical decision-making can significantly impact a patient’s lifetime medical costs and overall well-being after a major injury like amputation.

Put Your Trust in Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD’s Amputation Lawyers

In cases where amputation results from someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident caused by another driver, a workplace incident due to improper safety measures, or medical malpractice, you deserve justice and compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the loss of quality of life.

Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD’s experienced amputation attorneys have successfully represented clients who have endured amputation and are prepared to fight for your rights. With many years of experience in personal injury and medical malpractice cases, we know what it takes to secure justice for our clients.

If you’re seeking an amputation lawyer in Schaumburg, please contact us for a free case review at (847) 944-9400.
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