Amputation Injuries

An estimated 1.9 million people are currently living with the consequences of amputation injuries. In addition, an additional 185,000 people will undergo an amputation this year alone.

After a car accident or motorcycle accident, a victim may have sustained a crushing injury to an arm or a leg. While orthopedic surgeons can treat the majority of fractures and injuries, there are times when a fracture or injury to an extremity is so severe; the patient is forced to undergo an amputation of the injured extremity. This is life altering and can create long-lasting consequences for the victim and his or her family.

Losing a limb is not easy. Even though medical technology has improved in recent years, amputees are still forced to re-learn many of their daily skills, such as walking, riding a bike, brushing their hair, and even opening a jar. Simple everyday tasks that we take for granted are increasingly more complicated for someone who has just lost an arm or a leg. Even worse, amputees can suffer phantom pain in their extremity and go through depression after the accident.

Treatment Options for Amputation Injuries are Costly

In recent years, technological advancements have improved the quality of life for individuals living without a limb. Yet, this technology has a price – and it isn’t cheap. The John Hopkins Center for Injury and Research and Policy concluded that the cost of an amputation is well over a half million dollars throughout the patient’s lifetime. This does not include lost wages, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering.

Prosthetics are expensive, especially custom fitted and lightweight ones. In addition, most prosthetic devices need to be refitted every 3-5 years and this can range from $5,000 to $50,000 per device. In addition, each time you receive a new prosthetic, you must go through physical therapy and rehabilitation to learn to use your device safely.

When Someone Else’s Negligence Leads to Your Injury

When another person’s negligence has led to your injury and subsequent amputation, they can –and should—be held responsible. You and your family will need money to pay the mounting medical expenses, rehabilitation fees, and prosthetic devices. Also, you will need to be compensated for lost wages, loss of future earnings, and for modifying your home and/or car to accommodate your injury.