Suffolk County Amputation Injury

Losing a hand, foot, arm or leg is not only painful and traumatic it also means that the amputee will face a lifetime of disability. Whether the injury was the result of a car accident, construction accident, or medical malpractice, amputations are always traumatic and life-changing for both the victim and the victim's family. In addition, an amputation injury can leave the victim shattered financially. We can help. If your amputation occurred because another person acted negligently or recklessly, or because another person intentionally harmed you, contact a Suffolk County amputation injury lawyer as you may have the right to file a lawsuit against that person and demand that he (or she) pay your medical expenses and other losses.

Amputation, also referred to as dismemberment, is the loss of a limb such as a leg, arm, foot or finger. Amputation is sometimes required due to an illness, but can also occur as a result of an accident or medical malpractice. For example, following a surgery if care for the wound is not proper then a serious infection may the wound is not properly cared for an infection may ensue ultimately requiring the limb to be sacrificed.

A traumatic amputation may occur when a limb is partially or completely detached in an auto accident, motorcycle accident, or boating accident. For example, a young boy was swimming in the lake near his house when he was struck by a boat. He suffered many serious injuries including deep lacerations in his right legs that were so severe that tendons were cut and bone exposed. The boy was airlifted to a trauma center where he underwent several surgeries to repair his leg. Sadly, the leg could not be saved.

Another type of accident that can lead to a traumatic amputation is a construction accident. For example, a worker using a defective power tool may lose his fingers when the tool malfunctions. If worksite equipment is defective resulting in an injury to a worker, or if Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards were not followed, the employer or the manufacturer of the equipment will be liable to the injured worker. For example, chapter 29, section 1918.104 of OSHA's regulations defines the circumstances under which workers must wear personal protective equipment such as protective shoes to prevent injuries such as amputations.

The life of an amputee is forever changed. Amputations often lead to permanent disability, limiting the victim's ability to work and produce an income. Related medical issues continue well after the amputation. Some amputees must undergo multiple surgeries throughout their lifetimes. Many have prosthetic limbs fitted. Costs associated with the medical procedures, psychological treatment, prosthetics, and rehabilitation are astronomical.

There are, however, several possible sources of compensation for victims of negligence to help cover your losses and expenses and help ensure that you enjoy the best possible good quality of life. Losses for which you may be entitled to compensation include medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, disfigurement, disability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other reasonable compensation as defined by New York law. In most cases, including where your injury resulted from an auto accident, you will be able to pursue damages in a common law personal injury claim against the negligent person.

As an amputation injury attorney in Suffolk County will explain, if your amputation was the result of a work-related accident, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. New York's workers' compensation laws state that injured parties are entitled to compensation if they sustain a work-related injury. Compensation often comes in the form of medical expenses, lost income and benefits, loss of ability to earn, and more. However, it is important to note that worker's compensation benefits are limited. Just because the accident occurred at work does not necessarily mean that you are limited to the benefit available through workers' compensation.

If you have been injured in accident that resulted in an amputation, it is important to speak to our legal team as soon as possible. The amputation injury attorneys serving Suffolk County at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have decades of experience successfully representing clients who have suffered serious injuries in auto accidents, construction accidents, slip and fall accidents, and other types of 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.