Loss of limb Injuries are defined as any loss of an arm or leg, in whole or in part, due to trauma, infection, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or any number of other causes. In rare cases, individuals are also born without a limb. The number of individuals who have suffered from limb loss is projected to double by the year 2050, mostly due to diabetes. If you or a family member unfortunately loses a limb because of any of the above-listed reasons, contact an Estey & Bomberger, LLP San Diego loss of limb injury attorney for a free legal consultation.
Causes of Limb Loss
Vascular Disease: Accounting for 54% of all amputations each year, vascular disease can include diabetes, heart disease, certain types of infections, and more. In most cases, these amputations are medically appropriate and non-negligent.
Trauma: 45% of amputations happen as a result of trauma. While losing a limb as the result of trauma doesn’t necessarily mean someone is at fault, the two often go hand in hand.
Affirmed Amputation vs. Accident or Assault
For the purposes of legal representation, limbs lost to disease which were not a result of medical malpractice cannot be compensated for. However, individuals who lost limbs as a result of trauma may have a case. If you or a loved one lost a limb as a result of medical malpractice which resulted in infection or non-affirmed amputation, you may be able to get compensation for the medical bills, potential loss of employment, and emotional stress put on you and your family.
If you have lost a limb as a result of an attack or any malicious intent, you may be eligible for some form of compensation or reparation for damages. Individuals who suffered limb loss as a result of a work-related accident or automotive accident may be eligible for legal reimbursement.
Any limb lost as a result of negligence may end in a lawsuit against the proprietor of the hazardous environment or faulty equipment. To determine whether legal representation is fitting for your case, first determine whether your limb loss is a result of negligence or malice, or whether it is a result of an inherent, unavoidable medical condition. Consulting with a San Diego limb loss injury attorney is the best way to determine whether your case will hold up in court.
Implications of Limb Loss
Those who lose a limb suffer many negative side effects down the road. Most apparent is a loss of mobility and function the individual previously had, but difficulties are much more involved. There are 185,000 amputations of limbs yearly in the United States. However, only 112,000 of those are planned and surgically performed. This means many people lose a limb resulting in irreparable nerve damage, chronic pain, and greater difficulty adapting to a prosthetic limb.
Further, hospitals spend $8.3 billion on amputations. $5.5 million of that total goes toward treating unplanned amputations and limb loss, as these situations are much more involved. In any case, wrongful loss of limbs can result in expensive hospital bills, loss of employment, limitations to the quality of life, and increased stress for loved ones. Therapies, rehabilitation, and in many cases, complete relearning of limb use is required. This takes time and money to complete.
Many individuals who suffer an amputation feel embarrassed or otherwise chastised by their condition, especially when handling daily tasks where the missing limb limits functioning. If another individual or organization is responsible, don’t carry these burdens on your own.
Representation at Estey & Bomberger, LLP
At the law office of Estey & Bomberger, we are committed to defending the rights of wrongful amputation and those who have lost a limb. If you believe your limb was lost as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact us today. We would be happy to discuss the details of your situation.