Amputations can occur for a number of reasons, some of which are unavoidable if an individual is suffering from certain health conditions, such as blood vessel disease, severe blood clots, or diabetes. However, traumatic amputations are generally preventable since these injuries occur as a result of an accident. Body parts that are commonly lost due to a traumatic incident include legs, arms, fingers, and toes. Moreover, given the severe nature of these injuries, traumatic amputations are considered a catastrophic injury, which means you could potentially be awarded a substantial sum of damages to cover the lifetime costs of this injury.
Some of the most frequent causes of traumatic amputation injuries include:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Workplace accidents, especially those who work in construction
- Agricultural accidents
- Electrocution accidents
- Accidents involving fireworks or other explosives
There are also several complications one can experience as a result of this catastrophic injury. Those suffering from a traumatic amputation can potentially experience shock, excessive bleeding, pulmonary embolism, muscle shortening, infection, or even death.
What Should be Done?
In the event of a traumatic amputation injury, it is imperative to seek emergency medical care. In some cases, it is possible to reattach the part and for a patient to regain function and feeling, if addressed immediately. If you witness someone sustain this type of injury, you can help them by taking the following steps:
- Call for emergency medical assistance and follow any instructions they provide,
- Check if the victim is breathing and administer CPR if necessary.
- To control the bleeding, direct pressure should be applied.
- If you have a coat or blanket, cover the victim to help prevent shock.
- If you suspect the victim has any other injuries, do not attempt to move him or her.
These actions can help save a person’s life, which is of the utmost importance, so do everything you can to act quickly.
Hire a Trusted Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Nassau County
Amputation injuries change a person’s life forever. Victims often have to relearn performing the most basic tasks and suffer from extreme post-traumatic stress. At the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli in Nassau County, our compassionate catastrophic injury attorney understands the difficulties survivors of these injuries face and will do what is necessary to fight for the compensation you need at this time.
Do not postpone obtaining skilled legal representation. Contact us today at (516) 628-6402 to schedule a complimentary case review.