In the United States, there are approximately 1.8 million people living with limb loss, according to the National Limb Loss Information Center. Nearly half of these injuries are due to trauma, behind only vascular disease. A traumatic amputation occurs when a body part is lost during an accident. Due to the fact that amputations are so traumatic for accident victims, they are generally considered catastrophic injuries. Accident victims can file a claim for their loss when it was the result of another person’s negligence. However, due to the high stakes in these claims, it is always advised that individuals work with a San Francisco amputation lawyer.
Causes of Amputations in San FranciscoNo one ever expects to be involved in an accident so severe that it results in the loss of limb. Unfortunately, they happen all too often. The main causes of traumatic amputations are as follows:
When an amputation occurs during one of these accidents, it is considered either accidental or surgical. An accidental amputation happens at the scene, such as when a construction worker is using a defective saw that amputates one of their limbs. Surgical amputations occur when the limb has been so badly damaged during the accident it cannot be saved. No matter the cause of an amputation injury, the victim can pursue compensation with the help of an amputation lawyer in San Francisco.
Types of AmputationsAn amputation can be either partial or complete. In a partial amputation, there is still some tissue, bone, or muscle that results in the amputated body part being still attached to a person’s body. A complete amputation occurs when a limb or appendage is completely severed from the body. These injuries are also classified depending on how the amputation occurred.
Amputations that are cleanly cut and have well-defined edges are considered guillotine amputations. These injuries also result in only localized damages to the surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and tissue. Crushing injuries result in a greater extent of tissue damage that also likely extends from the edge of the wound. Avulsion injuries are a result of the tissue being torn or stretched, which results in excessive damage to the surrounding area.
Regardless of the type of amputation a person suffers from, or how the injury occurred, it will drastically change the way a person lives. They are also extremely costly to treat. When an amputation has been caused by someone else’s negligence, or carelessness, accident victims should file a claim to recover damages that can help offset the financial burden these injuries cause.
Our San Francisco Amputation Attorney Can Assist with Your ClaimIf you or someone you love has suffered an amputation due to an accident that was the fault of someone else, our amputation lawyer in San Francisco can advise on your claim. At Brod Law Firm, we know how to identify negligent parties and will hold them accountable for paying the full settlement you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with our knowledgeable attorney.