Does Traumatic Amputation Shorten Life Expectancy?
Traumatic amputation – the loss of a limb caused by an accident – is a devastating injury with lifelong consequences. These injuries directly impact a person’s physical and psychological wellbeing. In some cases, traumatic amputation can lead to death.
Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of traumatic amputations. Although these injuries occur in only 1 percent of all trauma patients, they are linked with significant morbidities and a mortality rate of nearly 15 percent.
At Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd, our amputation injury lawyers are committed to helping victims of negligence move forward after a severe injury. We are highly experienced in a wide range of personal injury claims and have the knowledge, skill, and resources necessary to handle even the most complex cases. Our distinguished attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and other organizations for our exceptional results and record of success.
How Does Traumatic Amputation Affect Life Expectancy?
Post-traumatic lower limb amputees have an increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Psychological stress, insulin resistance, and behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use, and physical inactivity are prevalent in traumatic lower limb amputees. These factors can have systemic consequences on the arterial system and could contribute to the increased cardiovascular morbidity in traumatic amputees.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common effect of traumatic amputation. PTSD has also been linked with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. According to research by The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PTSD is associated with a 53% increased risk for incident cardiac events or cardiac-specific mortality.
Possible Complications From Amputation Injuries
In addition to the prolonged physical and psychological effects of traumatic amputation, other health complications can include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Muscle shortening
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot to the lungs)
Additionally, an amputation injury patient may experience complications during surgery or develop skin problems from using a prosthetic. Some people also experience phantom pain after an amputation, the feeling or sensation of pain in the extremity or limb that was severed from the body.
Liability for Amputation Injuries
Because amputation cases can vary widely, the amount of compensation available in your case will depend on a number of factors, such as the extent of damage you suffered and the effect your amputation had on your ability to work and enjoy life.
Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Bodily injury
- Current and future medical treatment
- Ongoing physical and psychological therapy
- Assistive devices, such as prosthetic limbs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of mobility
How an Amputation Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Following a traumatic amputation, and amputation injury lawyer can help you pursue the justice and compensation you need by:
- Gathering evidence: An attorney has the resources necessary to gather evidence from the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, and enlist medical experts to support your case. A lawyer will also collect evidence such as police reports, medical records, and other documents that detail the extent and cause of your injuries.
- Determining liability in your case: Following a thorough investigation, an attorney will identify the party or parties who may be liable for your injury and subsequent damages.
- Assessing the value of your losses: A lawyer can help to calculate your economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include things like your medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, physical rehabilitation, prosthetic limbs, and other fees and expenses related to your injury. Non-economic losses include mental anguish, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life and of mobility.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: A seasoned amputation injury attorney will have experience at the negotiating table. A lawyer will pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Going to court, in necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, an attorney may recommend taking your case to court. A lawyer will ensure that timelines are followed and deadlines are met throughout the litigation process. A lawyer will make sure that all court documents and other paperwork are filed correctly.
Contact an Amputation Injury Lawyer in Providence
The experienced amputation injury lawyers at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd. can level the playing field and give you your best chance at recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Our firm has helped injury victims throughout Providence for 45 years. We understand the hardships you may be facing and we are committed to helping you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact us today online or at (401) 273-8330 for a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Our firm serves clients from Providence, Rhode Island and nearby areas.
