Losing a limb due to an accident is a traumatic experience. Sadly, traumatic amputations occur way too often due to injuries suffered in auto accidents, workplace accidents, and other types of accidents. In addition, amputations are sometimes due to medical malpractice. Whether the amputation was the result of a car accident, construction accident, or a medical mistake, an amputation is one of the most difficult injuries from which to recover. Not only will you be forced with deal with physical and mental pain, you may also have to face significant medical builds and a decrease in income. If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer because you or a family member has suffered an amputation of an arm, leg, foot, or finger, as a result of another person's negligence it is imperative to speak with an experienced Brooklyn amputation lawyer for legal guidance. You could be entitled to get damages for the losses you suffered, including reimbursement for the income you lost, your pain and suffering and your medical bills. You should do so quickly, as there are time limits that you must follow when you file a personal injury claim.
Common causes of traumatic amputationsAmputation is defined as the loss of a limb. Legs and arms are not the only parts of the body that can be amputated. In fact, amputations of fingers and feet are more common than amputations of legs and arms. Another term for amputation is dismemberment.
Amputations can be the result of an illness that requires a surgical amputation. Amputations can also be traumatic. A victim of an accident such as a construction accident, workplace accident or car accident may suffer from a limb being somehow partially or completely detached from the body. For example, if a factory worker's finger or arm is caught in a conveyor belt, that finger or arm could be amputated. Amputations that occur at a factory, construction site or some other workplace often occur because the employer violated workplace safety rules as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as OSHA requires that certain workers must wear protective equipment and must be properly trained in order to avoid injury.
Another example of a tragic accident that led to an amputation is the story of Henry. Henry was standing on the pavement with his dog when he heard a loud bang. He looked up just in time to see a car careening toward him. He was not able to move out of the way. When Henry woke up he was laying on the ground. He knew he suffered a terrible injury. A young man was in the process of tying a tourniquet on his leg to stem the bleeding. His right leg was broken in several places. Although he underwent numerous surgeries to repair the leg, ultimately he developed a severe infection of the bone marry. As a result the doctors had to amputate the leg below the knee.
Consequences of amputation injuryPeople who suffer an amputation due to a catastrophic accident quickly realize that many aspects of their lives are no longer the same. Many victims are unable to return to their former careers and have difficulty finding work to support their families. Furthermore, there are many medical issues associated with an amputation that result in frequent illnesses and visits to the doctor or hospital. There are also significant cost related to being fitted with a prosthetic and rehabilitation. Costs associated with these medical issues can be astronomical. Insurance many not cover all such expenses.
In addition to coping with the physical and mental pain that accompanies an amputation, victims should not also have to cope with financial stress brought on by medical bills and inability to work. Under New York law victims of negligence have the right to demand compensation from the negligent party through a personal injury lawsuit. Compensable losses include medical expenses such as:
In addition, victims can seek compensation for lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
It is important to note that if the incident that resulting in your amputation happened in the workplace then you may be entitled to compensation under New York's workers' compensation law.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesAn accident that results in an amputation is devastating, impacting practically every aspect of your life. Through a personal injury lawsuit you can hold the negligent party accountable and receive damages to help pay for your medical expenses, loss of wages and other losses that you suffered. It is important, however, that you are represented by a lawyer who is experienced. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates has years of experience successfully representing clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries in car accidents, workplace accidents, trip and fall accidents, bike accidents and construction accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.