It’s difficult to say what the settlement in any amputation case will be, but some plaintiffs have recovered millions of dollars for their amputation injuries. A 28-year old woman from Buffalo, New York recovered nearly $10 million after she was struck by a van while unloading her groceries, and a Gurnee man received $16 million after his motorcycle accident.
The severity of the injury, present and future losses, pain and suffering and several other factors all go into determining the settlement amount.
What Is an Amputation Injury?
An amputation injury is any injury that causes a person to lose a body part. Obviously, most people immediately think of severed arms and legs, but amputation injuries might also include the loss of hands, feet, fingers, toes, ears, or other body parts. Common causes of amputation injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Construction accidents
- Farming accidents
- Wounds sustained during military combat
- Frostbite
Amputation injuries are far more common than most would like to think; There are an estimated 1.7 million American amputees and 50,000 to 100,000 new amputations every year.
Emergency Care for Amputation Injuries
The immediate care for an amputation injury plays a huge role in recovery. In many cases, a severed body part can be reattached if the wound is attended to properly. If someone you’re with suffers an amputation injury, it’s imperative that you:
- Check the airway: Make sure the person’s breathing, and if they’re not, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Do your best to calm the victim: Amputation injuries are frightening, and the victim is likely to be frantic; calming them down as best you can will reduce the risk of them making the injury worse.
- Control bleeding: Depending on the location and cause of the injury, there may or may not be heavy bleeding. Applying pressure and elevating the injured area will help keep bleeding under control.
- Preserve the severed body part: To give the victim the best chance at reattachment, preserve the severed body part immediately; to do this, gently rinse the body part if it’s dirty, wrap it in a clean, damp cloth, seal it in a plastic bag, and put it on ice if you’re able.
- Keep the victim warm: Placing a blanket or a coat over the victim will help prevent hypovolemic shock.
- Do not: Assume a severed body part is too small to save, or put a body part directly in water or ice or apply a tourniquet unless absolutely necessary to control bleeding. You must also make sure not to overlook additional injuries that may not be as apparent as the severed body part.
After you’ve taken the appropriate steps, stay with the person and try to keep them calm until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Amputation Injury Recovery
Recovering from an amputation injury is physically and emotionally exhausting, and amputation injuries are life-altering experiences. Victims of amputation injuries often must rely on loved ones for day-to-day activities and emotional and financial well-being. Often, this takes a huge toll on the family members as well as the victim.
Cost of Amputation Injury Treatment
The cost of long-term treatment for an amputation injury can be astronomical; it often includes surgery, physical therapy, prosthetic limbs, psychological care, and other related expenses. This is why it is critical to contact an amputation lawyer and ensure your rights are protected.
An amputation lawyer can help make sure that victims of amputation injuries are compensated for their medical expenses, present and future losses, pain and suffering, and other considerations. Your attorney will be able to take some of the pressure off of your family while they fight to get you compensation.
