Amputation Injury Lawyer in Missouri

An amputation injury refers to either the loss of a limb or the loss of part of a limb. Although some amputation injuries are the direct result of trauma, others result from surgical removal. In terms of personal injury law, amputation injuries are among the most devastating, affecting every area of life. In addition to immediate pain and loss, amputees must also grapple with long-term impacts to their quality of life, ability to maintain employment, and mental health.

It’s important to understand that not all amputation injuries are alike. They typically fall into one of two categories:

1. Traumatic amputation. This type of amputation occurs when a limb is partially or completely severed in an injury. It is a direct result of a serious accident.

2. Surgical amputation. Whereas traumatic amputations happen during an accident, surgical amputations are one of the consequences of accident injuries.  They are performed by medical professionals to remove a limb or partial limb that is so severely damaged or diseased that it cannot be saved.

Both types of amputation are traumatic and can result in countless losses. If you or a loved one has suffered an amputation injury, it’s critical to partner with an experienced amputation attorney to pursue fair compensation.

If you have suffered an amputation injury, you already understand that the impacts are both immediate and far-reaching. The consequences you experience will depend on the unique circumstances of your accident, as well as your resources and support system.

In the immediate aftermath of an amputation injury, you may experience any of the following effects:

• Severe pain and discomfort, from both the surgery and the original injury

• Phantom limb sensations, including pain, that seemingly radiate from the now-amputated body part

• Emotional distress, including feelings of shock, denial, grief, anger, and more

• Medical complications, including temporary infections, blood clots, and barriers to wound healing

• Mobility challenges, including difficulty performing daily activities and moving without assistance

Despite eventually subsiding, short-term effects can still be traumatic. However, they are perhaps less life-altering than certain long-term effects, including the following:

• Prosthetics. Some amputees use prosthetic limbs, and although these devices can provide numerous benefits, learning to use them can be a long and challenging process, often requiring physical therapy and ongoing adjustments.

• Chronic pain. Amputees may experience chronic pain, including phantom limb pain, that seriously impacts their quality of life.

• Psychological effects. Possible long-term psychological effects of amputation include chronic depression, anxiety, body image issues, poor self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), more.

• Lifestyle adjustments. One of the biggest hurdles many amputation injury victims face is adjusting to their new reality. In many amputation injury cases, victims must come to terms with new living environments, careers, interests, and capabilities.

• Financial impact. Medical treatments (both immediate and ongoing), new health care needs, home adjustments, and adaptive equipment are just a few of the many costs that amputation injury victims face. The true financial cost depends on an individual’s unique circumstances, but it is almost always substantial.

• Career barriers and isolation. Amputations and their myriad ripple effects can inhibit injury victims from advancing their career, or even from holding a job. When combined with social isolation, this can be one of the most challenging aspects of recovery.

As you can see, amputation injuries necessitate a full-spectrum rehabilitation approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and social needs of the injury victim. However, few amputation injury victims can afford the type of support they need without securing compensation.