Fighting For Victims Of Traumatic Amputation 

An amputation injury is one of the most severe, catastrophic injuries an individual can suffer. These types of injuries have significant, lifelong effects on both victims and their loved ones, leading to a wide range of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. 

At Goldenzweig Law Group, PLLC, we understand the immense impacts amputation injuries have—and we know how to help. If you or someone you love suffered a traumatic amputation due to the negligent, careless, or reckless conduct of another person or party, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages. Our Houston amputation injury lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and provide the dedicated representation you deserve. 

Call our firm at (713) 609-1930 or reach us online to schedule a complimentary case evaluation. Hablamos español.

Types of Amputation Injuries 

Amputation injuries can affect any limb or extremity, including the arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, and toes. While some amputation injuries are medical necessities, others are the result of serious accidents and catastrophic events.

Amputation injuries are classified into the following two categories: 

  • Medical Amputation: Medical amputation refers to the surgical removal of a limb or extremity, often due to medical necessity.
  • Traumatic Amputation: Traumatic amputation occurs when a limb or extremity is severed due to an accidental injury or catastrophic event.

All amputation injuries are further classified as either incomplete or complete. An incomplete amputation occurs when a limb or extremity is only partly severed from the body, whereas a complete amputation refers to the full loss of a limb or extremity. Medical amputation may be required when an incomplete amputation occurs, and surgical reattachment of a limb or extremity is sometimes a possibility with both incomplete and complete amputations. 

Common Causes of Amputation 

As the name implies, traumatic amputations result from serious accidents and other incidents that cause severe bodily injury. 

Some of the most common causes of traumatic amputation include: 

Medical amputations, on the other hand, frequently result from complications arising from various diseases, such as diabetes and vascular disease. Surgical amputation may also be necessary in cases of incomplete traumatic amputation when the partially attached limb or extremity must be removed. 

The Effects of an Amputation Injury 

Both medical and traumatic amputations have significant, long-lasting effects. 

Some of these include: 

  • Reduced mobility 
  • Decreased dexterity 
  • Issues with balance 
  • Difficulty completing various tasks
  • Fatigue 
  • Joint pain 
  • Phantom limb pain 
  • Stump pain 
  • Muscle contractures 
  • Poor blood flow/circulation 
  • Blood clots
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Infections 
  • Poor body image and self-confidence
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression 
  • Insomnia 

The nature and severity of these and other effects depend on several factors, including the type of amputation suffered, the individual’s overall health and age, the condition of the remaining limb, and whether or not the individual is a candidate for prosthetics. 

In any case, it can be extremely difficult for amputees to adapt and move forward with their lives. Not only must they deal with the physical and emotional effects of their injuries, but they must also manage high medical care costs and other unexpected expenses associated with their injuries. 

Who Is Liable for an Amputation Injury & the Resulting Damages?

When someone else—whether it was a careless motorist or the manufacturer of a defective power tool—is responsible for the incident that led to your amputation injury, you have the right to hold that party liable for your damages. 

“Damages” is a legal term that refers to the economic and non-economic losses you have sustained as a result of your injury. Some examples include: 

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses 
  • Past, current, and future lost wages
  • Past, current, and future pain and suffering 
  • Diminished or lost earning capacity 
  • Emotional distress and anguish
  • Lost enjoyment/quality of life 
  • In-home assistance and care costs 
  • Home or vehicle modifications

The person or party that caused your injuries is generally responsible for compensating you for your injury-related damages. To hold them accountable, you can file a personal injury claim against the liable party’s insurance provider (if applicable), or you can bring a lawsuit directly against the liable party in court.