Limb Loss and Amputation Victims Attorney in Springfield, IL
Amputation is the surgical removal of all or part of a limb or extremity such as a finger, toe, hand, foot, arm, or leg. According to WebMD, the most common amputation is amputation of the leg either above or below the knee. Amputations may be the result of poor circulation due to peripheral arterial disease, frostbite, a serious infection of the limb that does not respond to antibiotics, a cancerous tumor, or severe injury.
During an amputation, the surgeon will remove diseased tissue, smooth uneven bone areas, seal off nerves and blood vessels, and shape the muscles so the limb can be fitted for a prosthesis. Recovery from an amputation will depend on the type of procedure, the age and health of the individual, and even what type of anesthesia was used.
Grief following an amputation is very common—and very normal. Physical therapy, as well as counseling, are necessary components of the healing process following an amputation. The wound itself generally heals in about 4-8 weeks, but the physical and emotional adjustment to losing a limb can be a lifelong process. During such a difficult time, having a compassionate, injury attorney from Noll Law Office can make a significant difference.
How Often Does Limb Loss and Amputation Occur?
Research by Hanger Clinic found that limb loss is more common than you might think. About 185,000 amputations occur across the United States each year. It is estimated that as many as 3.6 million Americans will be living with the loss of an arm or leg by 2050. As far as limb loss from vascular disease, Black Americans are up to four times more likely to face amputation due to their increased risk of peripheral artery disease and diabetes.
Common Causes of Limb Loss and Amputation
Trauma causes about 45 percent of all limb loss and amputations—including motor vehicle collisions, sports injuries, military wounds, and workplace incidents. Cancer causes about 2 percent of amputations in the United States, with the remainder being related to poor circulation, usually due to peripheral arterial disease or diabetes. Specifically, the following can lead to limb loss and amputation:
- Car Accidents can cause limb loss when glass or plastic shards penetrate arteries and tissue. To avoid further damage to the body, including spreading infection, amputation may be the only solution. Car collisions can also cause radical compression of passenger compartments that can destroy a trapped limb.
- Truck Accidents, like car accidents, can cause crush injuries. Glass or metal fragments can embed into a limb requiring amputation to save the individual’s life. Infection can be life-threatening making amputation a necessity.
- Motorcycle Accidents can cause limb loss and amputations from crush injuries. Motorcycle accident victims may also lose a limb from road rash. While road rash may not sound that serious, when a body slides across gravel or pavement, the protective barrier of the skin is broken. Road rash can become infected to the extent the individual’s life is threatened. Amputating the affected limb gives the accident victim a chance of survival.
- Workers’ Compensation—In some cases, a workplace accident causes limb loss and amputation. Such accidents may include heavy construction equipment, power tools, assembly line machinery, or logging machinery. Most Illinois workers are entitled to permanent partial disability following the loss of a limb in the workplace. Permanently and totally disabled workers are paid two-thirds of their former wage for life.
- Nursing Home Neglect—If an elderly patient in a nursing home has diabetes or peripheral arterial disease, they are at a greatly increased risk of amputation. This requires close monitoring by nursing home staff. Elderly patients are much less likely to adapt to the loss of a limb, therefore the amputation likely shortens their life expectancy.
Treatments Associated with Limb Loss and Amputation
The site of the amputation is likely to be extremely painful, so most patients are given painkillers. In some cases, a small tube can be used to deliver local anesthesia to the nerves at the site to help reduce pain. Exercises to prevent blood clots and improve the blood supply are taught to amputation patients. A compression garment can help the swelling and the shape of the amputated limb, possibly even reducing phantom pain and offering support for the limb.
Physical rehabilitation is an important component of the recovery process. Physical therapy is tailored to the individual’s needs and requirements. If you choose to have a prosthetic limb, your physical therapist will teach you how to use the prosthetic. Those who are frail or elderly, or those with other serious health conditions may not be good candidates for a prosthetic limb.
What Should I Do if I’m Suffering from Amputation Following an Accident?
If your limb loss and amputation were the result of an accident caused by the negligence of another, it can be extremely beneficial to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney from the Noll Law Office. Not only can its attorneys help you get the treatments you need, but they will also work hard to ensure you are paid a fair settlement for such a grave injury. You will work with fifth-generation Springfield attorneys directly throughout the process.
How Noll Law Office Can Help Those Suffering from Limb Loss and Amputation
The lawyers at the Noll Law Office understand what a difficult situation you are facing following limb loss and amputation. They believe you deserve a settlement that fully covers your medical expenses and lost wages, both current and future. They will then determine your pain and suffering damages—both for actual physical pain as well as the emotional pain and trauma.
Your life has been profoundly altered following limb loss and amputation. You should not have to also struggle financially due to another’s careless behavior. They are highly skilled negotiators and aggressive litigators who will fight for your future. They have a solid track record of successful outcomes. They will use that experience to build and shape your settlement demand. Their family will help your family as they work through the claims process. It is always free to speak with them following an accident, so contact the Noll Law Office today.