Philadelphia Limb Loss Lawyer
Each year, 185,000 people in the United States receive amputations. Limb loss or amputation refers to the traumatic or surgical severing of all or part of a limb. Victims may lose fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms or legs. If you have suffered from a loss limb, call an experience Philadelphia limb loss attorney at Rosenbaum & Associates today to set up a free consultation. We can help you understand all of the ramifications of your accident and help you plan for your future.
507 people lose a limb in the United States every day. The most common cause of limb loss in the United States is vascular disease, including diabetes, hardened arteries, blood clots, and bone infections. Worldwide, the leading cause of loss of limb is trauma, which accounts for 45% of amputations in the United States. Loss of all or part of a leg is the most common type of limb loss.
Traumatic amputation occurs when the limb is immediately partially or fully severed at the time of the incident. Sharp blades or motors can often result in this type of injury. A couple of examples of traumatic amputation include a male passenger who lost both legs below the knees in 2003 when a Staten Island Ferry carrying 1500 commuters crashed into a concrete pier. And a man working on a farm lost both arms in 1993 while baling hay.
Catastrophic personal injury occurs when an accident or event causes damage so severe that surgeons have no other choice than to amputate. Medical negligence or malpractice, such as a surgeon operating on the wrong body part, is an example of this type of injury.
Other causes of loss of limb include:
- Being struck by a car as a pedestrian
- Vehicle accidents involving cars or commercial trucks
- Boating accidents
- Construction accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Injuries from defective products
- Explosions in military conflict
- Plane, train, or ferry catastrophes
- Automobile defects
- Plant and refinery accidents
The effects of limb loss are not always immediate. Many amputees in Philadelphia experience long term residual or phantom limb pain. Loss of limb can result in decreased activity, increasing the risk of health problems related to more sedentary lifestyles.
Many patients who suffer loss of limb have significant emotional and psychological issues to deal with in addition to the physical pain. Dramatic changes in quality of life may occur, including depression and other mental and psychological conditions.
Philadelphia Amputation Injury Attorney
The loss of an arm or leg affects every aspect of daily life. Amputees may have to give up things that are important to them, such as playing an instrument or sport. Some may even have to change careers. Many amputees require long term emotional and physical therapy to deal with the loss of their limb.
Some Philadelphia patients who lose a limb are able to be fitted for prosthetic limbs. Prostheses have come a long way in recent years. A patient with knee or calf prosthetics can often return to participation in everyday activities with no perceptible limp. Prosthetic limbs require precise, custom fittings, and can be fairly expensive.Once a patient receives the prosthetic limb, they often need to undergo physical and occupational therapy, and gait training to facilitate successful use. Patients for whom prostheses are not an option may require assistance with mobility and using other assistive devices.
Hospital costs related to loss of limb or amputation are often astounding and overwhelming. Patients who experience limb loss often also struggle financially due to lost wages and large medical bills for physical therapy, follow up care, and prosthesis. Prescriptions, medical equipment, rehabilitation, and long term care can all be very expensive.