Washington Amputation Attorney - Lawyers Helping Victims of Amputation Accidents

When injuries occur because of someone else's negligence, the person who has been harmed generally has a valid legal cause of action. However, the nature of that legal action could depend on the severity of the injury. Few injuries are more severe and permanent than amputations. Clearly, learning to adjust without a limb or limbs is a process that's all at once painful, expensive, stressful and challenging.

Below is an overview of the issue of amputations and how they relate to the law in Washington. You'll find information regarding common causes of amputations, different types of amputations, the needs of amputees and of course how you should proceed if you have suffered such an injury at the hands of someone else.

Common Causes of Amputations

Amputations are generally necessary after some sort of violent and brutal injury-causing situation in the personal injury context. However, amputations can also occur as a result of medical mistakes and defective medications. Below are common causes of amputations.
  • Car accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Hunting accidents
  • Combat wounds
  • Diabetes
  • Medical malpractice
  • Gangrene
  • Defective medications
Clearly, there are additional causes of amputations, but those above represent many that constitute legal causes of action. However, the specifics of those legal claims could also depend somewhat on the type of amputation the patient has suffered.

Types of Amputations

There are several different types of amputations, and they are largely categorized by the location on the body. Below is a list of the types:
  • Foot amputations - The most common type of foot amputations occur at the toe, and this can affect walking and balance.

  • Ankle disarticulation - This is the amputation that occurs above the foot, and it's possible to move somewhat easily with a prosthetic.

  • Below-knee amputation - Amputees in this category can generally move well with a prosthetic because they retain the use of their knees.

  • Above-the-knee amputation - The incision here is made in the thigh region.

  • Hip disarticulation - This occurs when surgeons remove the entire leg bone, and it can be a difficult adjustment.

  • Digit amputation - The most common type of digit removal occurs with the thumb, but there are many cases where multiple digits must be removed.

  • Metacarpal - A metacarpal amputation occurs when the entire hand is removed.

  • Wrist disarticulation - Much like the ankle, the hand is removed at the wrist joint.

  • Elbow region - Amputations can occur below the elbow, at the elbow and above the elbow depending on the nature of the injury.

  • Shoulder disarticulation - This procedure removes the entire arm at the shoulder joint.
There are other forms of amputations, but these are the most common, and each presents its own challenges to the patients.

Common Needs of Amputees

If someone must endure an amputation of a limb, there are several life-changing consequences. Below is a look at the most common:
  • Prosthetics - Prosthetics, or artificial limbs, are becoming more advanced seemingly by the day. What used to be simple rubber or plastic stumps are now life-like extensions of the body that can even be manipulated in some cases so that the patient can function at a nearly normal level after he or she gets used to the new aid.

  • Physical rehabilitation - Regardless of the type of amputation that the patient must endure, he or she must be ready to deal with long-term physical rehabilitation in order to regain the ability to move around again and to use the limb that's been affected as much as possible. This can be a slow, painful and expensive process.

  • Wheelchairs - Some amputees need to use a wheelchair to become mobile again, and if that's necessary, so are several other pieces of equipment that are used in conjunction with the wheelchair, such as lifts, ramps and braces in order to aid the patient.

Seattle Injury Lawyers Helping Amputation Victims

If you or someone you love has been injured in Washington and required an amputation, the law allows for damages to be recovered that will help you pay for the medical costs, rehabilitation, equipment needs and perhaps lost income if the person responsible for your injuries is found liable for them in civil court. If you'd like to find out if this is a possibility for you, contact the injury attorneys at Phillips Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation.
 



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