Losing an arm or a leg is more common than people, many think. Over 2.1 million people in the United States live with limb loss. Many experts believe that by 2050, this number will double. The amputation occurs when someone’s limb becomes severed in an accident. A loss of a limb can also result from a planned surgery. Every year, over 185,000 people undergo a limb amputation, meaning 300 to 500 amputations occur daily.
Those who have suffered an amputation due to an accident may be able to receive compensation for their injuries. If you have lost a limb due to the negligence of another person, you may be able to seek compensation through a New York personal injury lawsuit.
Car Accidents are a Leading Cause of Traumatic Amputation of a Limb
Traumatic amputation of a limb occurs when trauma to a limb causes an accidental amputation. The extreme force of a car accident can cause the traumatic amputation of a limb. Sometimes the metal areas of vehicles can cause severe a limb during the impact of a car accident. If another driver’s negligent or reckless actions caused a car accident that resulted in your severed limb, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Surgical Amputations can be Related to Medical Malpractice
There are varied medical conditions that result in limb amputation. Diabetes, bone infection, cancer, circulatory diseases, and other medical issues can indicate surgical amputation. In some cases,s however, medical malpractice is the cause of limb amputation.
If a medical professional negligently failed to diagnose or adequately treat a condition before it necessitated amputation, he or she may have committed medical malpractice. In rare cares, a doctor has amputated the wrong limb. Surgeons have even amputated a limb on the wrong patient. In 1995, a surgeon amputated the wrong leg of a diabetic man. Instead of removing his left leg below the knee, the surgeon wrongful amputated his right leg below the knee. The patient ended up becoming a double amputee due to the medical malpractice of his surgeon.
Our New York City Personal Injury Lawyers can Help
Living without a limb can be extremely challenging. Amputees must learn to do nearly everything in their daily lives differently. Often, amputation results in depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. In other cases, amputees will need permanent assistance with daily tasks. Additionally, some amputees suffer ongoing pain and suffering as a result of nerve damage or a condition known as a phantom limb.
No matter your circumstances, if you have lost a limb due to an accident, it is wise to speak to an attorney. We will carefully review the facts of your case and advise you as to the best path forward. Our New York personal injury attorneys fight hard for the best interests of our clients. Contact us today to set up your appointment.
