Unfortunately, accidents or malpractice can happen far more often than we’d like them to. When situations like this happen, it can lead to serious harm. Certain types of accidents or medical malpractice can cause such damage that the victim requires an amputation of a limb. This is when part or all of the limb is removed. There are certain vascular diseases that can lead to amputation, as well. Whether the cause of the amputation was medical negligence or reckless behavior in an accident, the victim may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
Call our firm at (713) 909-7910to schedule a free consultation.
Statistics of Amputations
Countless people across the nation have suffered injuries or conditions that have led to amputations. Approximately 2 million people in the United States are living with some type of limb loss and roughly 185,000 amputations occur each year. Associated medical costs totaled over $8.3 billion in 2009. This is why it is so important to seek compensation if the amputation was caused by someone else’s mistake. If your limbs were amputated because of negligence or inaction, it is imperative you hire legal representation to protect your rights.
How Trauma Causes Amputations
One potential cause for amputations is trauma to a certain body part. For instance, if a person is in an accident and their leg is crushed, the responding paramedics may require that the leg be amputated in order to transport the victim. When negligence is the cause of the accident, the victim or his or her family may be able to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the damages sustained.
Accidents that may require the need for amputation include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Caught between accidents
- Falling debris
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Industrial accidents
How Medical Errors Cause Amputations
Unfortunately, some medical professionals fail to provide safe care (also known as "duty of care") and break the trust we have in them. This can happen during a number of situations. When this happens and amputation is required, it can be considered medical negligence and the healthcare professional should be held accountable for his or her actions or mistakes.
Common medical errors that may cause the need for amputation include:
- Surgical errors
- Failure to diagnose infection
- Misdiagnosis of vascular disease
At Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC, our team of serious injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of malpractice or medical negligence seek compensation for the damages they have suffered. We are ready to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions that have resulted in an amputation.
Learn more about your rights. Contact our firm at (713) 909-7910 today.
