Houston Amputation Injury Lawyer
Amputations that occur as a result of an accident are devastating. The medical treatment required is extremely expensive, and you may also face life-threatening complications. You will also have to adjust to life without a limb or other appendage, and accommodations may also have to be made to your home. It is not uncommon for an amputation to cost accident victims millions of dollars over the course of their lifetime.
During this difficult time, it is important to remember that you have legal options. If your injury was caused by the negligent act of another person, you can file a claim against them. Through a claim, you can pursue damages for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our Houston amputation injuries lawyer can help you through the process.
Types of Amputation Injuries
Traumatic amputations are classified as either partial or complete. A complete amputation occurs when a limb or appendage fully detaches from the body. A partial amputation is one in which the limb is still partly attached to the body. In addition to partial and complete amputations, there are also different types of ways a person can sustain an amputation injury. These classifications are as follows:
- Avulsion amputations: An avulsion amputation occurs when a limb is stretched so far that it becomes detached from the body. These amputations are most commonly seen after a limb becomes caught in a piece of heavy machinery. It is very difficult to save a limb after an avulsion amputation because severe damage is usually sustained.
- Crush amputations: Also most commonly seen after a heavy machinery accident, crushing amputations occurs when a very heavy object is slammed against, or lands on, a limb. The crushing effect is usually so severe, the limb cannot be saved.
- Sharp amputations: Sharp amputations have the best chance for re-attachment because the amputation was the result of a clean cut. Clean cuts have well-defined edges, which makes reattachment easier.
Causes of Amputation Injuries
Nearly any act of negligence, or carelessness, can result in an amputation injury. However, there are some that are more common than others. These are as follows:
- Motor vehicle accidents: According to the Amputee Coalition, approximately 45 percent of traumatic amputations are a result of motor vehicle accidents.
- Defective products: Power tools, machinery, forklifts, and other products must be free from defects and work properly, or they could cause an amputation injury.
- Medical malpractice: Misdiagnoses that result in infection, administering the wrong medication, and amputating on the wrong limb during surgery are just a few types of medical malpractice that can lead to amputation.
Our Amputation Injuries Lawyers in Houston Can Help You Through this Difficult Time
An amputation will have you facing many life challenges, and the recovery period you face is likely long. Now is not the time to pursue legal recourse on your own. At Gilde Law Firm, our Houston amputation injuries lawyers has helped many clients pursue injury claims for catastrophic injuries, and we want to help you, too. Call us today at 800-973-3106 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.