Traumatic Amputation Injuries
If you have suffered an amputation from an accident, you may be facing the future with many questions. Will you be able to go back to work? Will you be able to care for your family? Will you yourself need extra assistance or care? Will you need to remodel your home to make it accessible? Amputation of a limb can be a life-changing experience, but most people who undergo amputation cope very well. Today’s prosthetic limbs are lighter and more versatile than ever and can help to compensate for the lost limb. However, it can take time to heal, and also to adjust.
In Canada, a leading cause of traumatic amputation injuries is motor vehicle accidents. If the limb is amputated during the crash, there can be great danger due to bleeding. Sometimes these limbs can be reattached, but most often doctors are unable to do so, due to the complexity of the surgery and attendant risk to the patient. Sometimes limbs injured in accidents are amputated in hospital because the severity of the injuries make them non-viable. Plane crashes, train accidents, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents may cause this same type of injury.
Work-related accidents can also cause amputation of limbs or digits, and people working with heavy machinery, farming implements, cattle or other animals, in combat zones, or in manufacturing facilities are at a particular risk. Finally, amputation injuries also happen due to mishaps. Examples of this include children who get limbs or digits caught in playground equipment, gym accidents involving weights or training machines, accidents with firearms or explosives, electrocution, or sporting accidents.
The impact of an amputation injury on your life can be devastating. For example, if you work with your hands, losing an arm can have a major effect on your ability to earn a living. Loss of self-esteem can also be a problem for traumatic amputees, since advertising and media place a lot of focus on “perfect” bodies. But for the most part, amputees, after a period of adjustment, participate fully in life with the help of prosthetics. There are numerous sports leagues for those who want to continue living an active life, and society’s awareness of the capabilities of differently-abled people continues to expand. For example, amputation didn’t slow these top athletes down.
Advice for New Amputees
First, make sure that your medical needs are being met. After amputation, you may require the services of specialists, home nurses, a prosthetist, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, and more. You’ll want to ensure that the wound is healing well, and that you are accessing the best possible prosthetic. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, or in another accident where you are covered by insurance, it’s likely that your insurance company will cover the cost of your prosthetic. You will also be eligible for other benefits, such as income replacement, medical expenses, and more. Because amputation is considered a catastrophic injury, these insurance claims are usually at the high end of the scale. You may also be able to bring a lawsuit against any at-fault party or parties. As soon as possible, contact a personal injury law firm. These lawyers have experience with insurance claims, personal injury suits, and rehabilitative care, and their advice can be invaluable. In a complex case like traumatic amputation, having a good personal injury lawyer is essential.
There are other good resources available to new amputees. The War Amps is a well-known Canadian organization that offers a number of services to amputees, including the renowned CHAMP program for child amputees. The War Amps help with purchasing prosthetics and other equipment, providing information for new amputees, and advocacy – both in individual cases, and for all amputees in the area of legislative change. They also try to raise awareness of the risk of amputation for the general public. You may be able to find a support group for amputees, nearby or online. These groups can be a source of moral support as well as practical advice.
Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer
Don’t be hesitant to call a law firm due to financial concerns. Unlike most areas of law, personal injury practice lawyers don’t charge up-front hourly fees. Instead, these lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means that they receive a percentage of any compensation that you get. In addition, they rarely charge a fee for an initial consultation, so you can meet with a lawyer and learn more about your options without worrying about your financial situation. Personal injury lawyers can help you to make an insurance claim quickly and efficiently, making sure that you pursue any benefits due to you. They can also help you to take legal action.
If you have suffered a traumatic amputation injury, look for a law firm that offers what you need. Are you unable to travel? Find a lawyer who will come to you. Do you prefer to communicate in a language other than English? Find a law firm with multilingual services. Call today and get the assistance only a good personal injury lawyer can provide.