Approximately 185,000 amputations occur each year in the United States.
An amputation is the removal of a body extremity. Amputation may occur accidentally as a result of a trauma or may have to be done surgically. Body parts that commonly suffer these types of injuries include the toes, feet, legs, fingers, hands, and arms. If a limb is severely damaged due to trauma or suffers a life-threatening infection and cannot be saved, it may have to be surgically amputated. In serious accidents, a limb may be severed or torn off. This is known as amputation by trauma.
Compensation for Amputation Injuries
If someone is responsible for a car accident that causes an amputation, the victim may be entitled to recover compensation for all the losses suffered. The victim may claim the medical expenses and pain and suffering caused by the injury and amputation, but there are several other aspects of the claim that need due consideration. The victim may also be able to recover lost wages, future medical bills, loss of earning capacity, and other expenses, such as those related to artificial limbs or prosthetics.
Compensation for Lost Wages
A victim who suffers an amputation injury may need to take time off work to recover from the injury, or the victim may lose the ability to return to work. If the victim is able to return to work, he or she may have to take a wage cut or accept a job that involves less physical activity. In any situation, the victim may need to claim lost wages and possibly, for loss of earning capacity as well.
Compensation for Medical Expenses
A person who suffers an amputation injury may incur high medical costs for a long period of time. It is important to include in the claim all expenses related to the injury, including radiology, emergency room treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and prescription costs. In some cases, the victim may develop significant scarring and may need to undergo plastic surgery. The victim may also suffer serious neurological or psychological symptoms after the injury. A victim may experience depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem and require help from a counselor or psychologist. A St. Louis car accident attorney will take all these expenses into account to file a compensation claim.
Compensation for Prosthetics
In many cases of severe amputation, the victim has to use an artificial limb to restore the ability to perform daily activities. These prosthetics or assistive devices can be costly to purchase and maintain. So, including these costs in the compensation claim is essential. Amputation can completely change a person’s life. Using assistive devices and technologies or remodeling the home to allow the victim to function as normally as possible can be expensive. This money should be recovered from the party at fault. There are strict time limits for all personal injury claims, including those involving amputation injuries.
Speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights after a car accident.