Have you had an amputation from an accident? If so, you should get help from a California personal injury lawyer.
Amputation, or the loss of a body part, is a frightening and excruciatingly painful event, which can lead to serious complications and, in some cases, death. The amputation of a body part as the result of an accident is known as a traumatic amputation. Traumatic amputations of an arm, leg, toe, finger, or worse can occur during a car crash, motorcycle wreck, or a work-related accident, such as construction or factory equipment malfunction. The potential complications and outcomes of amputation are difficult and long-term. This page is designed to help you learn more about amputations which occur as the result of accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic amputation as the result of an accident or negligence of another, please call 1-800-ALAWPRO now for a free consultation with an injury attorney.

Amputation Definition
An amputation is also known as the loss or removal of a part of the body. A traumatic amputation happens when the body part is severed after a trauma or accident, such as a motor vehicle or equipment-related event. Traumas are the second most common cause of amputation.

Amputation Types: Partial & Complete
There are two types of amputations: partial and complete. A partial amputation is when some part of the affected limb or appendage tissue stays attached. In a complete amputation, the entire body part is cut off. In both partial and complete amputations, it is possible that the body part may be reattached, depending on a number of factors:

• What was limb or appendage was amputated
• How long it took to treat the wound
• The condition of the victim and the amputated limb

Amputated Body Parts
Body parts commonly detached wholly or partially during a traumatic amputation include:

• Arms (from the shoulder or from the elbow)
• Legs (below the hip or below the knee)
• Hands
• Feet
• Fingers
• Toes
• Ears
• Nose
• Amputation from the waist down

Traumatic Amputation Causes
As previously stated, accidents are the second most frequent cause of amputation in the U.S., with around 30,000 amputation annually. The most common traumatic amputee victims are males aged 15-30. Here are some of the leading causes of traumatic amputation:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents, including car, motorcycle, bus, truck and pedestrian crashes
• Factory Work-Related Accidents, such as incidents involving factory equipment
• Construction Work Site Accidents, including disasters involving power tools
• Farm Worker Accidents, involving farming-related machinery
• Other Industrial Accidents, such as events resulting from defective or faulty equipment products
• Dog or Animal Attacks

Amputation Symptoms
The most obvious indication that an amputation has occurred is the partial or complete severing of the body part or area. In severe amputations, the effects can be deadly. Here are other symptoms:

• Pain
• Shock
• Blood loss, minimal or massive
• Adjacent mangled tissue, including crushed skin, bone, muscle or tendon
• Nerve Damage
• Death

Amputated Body Parts Treatment
Depending on what part of your body was detached, treatment for amputation will vary; although, initial treatment of first aid to the wound will nearly always include the same steps. Following are amputation treatments:

• Initial Treatment:
  • Treat victim for shock or unconsciousness
  • Control the bleeding from the wound
  • Save any amputated body parts (with cooling, parts can last for up to 18 hours)
• Continued and Advanced Treatment:
  • Keeping the wound clean from infection until healed
  • Surgical reattachment of body parts
    • An assessment known as "MESS" (Mangled Extremity Severity Score) is performed to determine if reattachment is an option
  • Prosthesis Attachment

Complications from Amputation
Amputation is a serious and disturbing event, and complications resulting from amputations are numerous. Traumatic amputation complications can include:

• Shock
• Excessive Bleeding
• Infection
• Shortening of Muscles
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Phantom Pain, experienced by 80% of amputees. Phantom pain can include severe or mild feelings in the amputated area of:
  • Itching
  • Tingling
  • Pain
  • Numbness

Accident Amputation Outcome
Depending on how quickly and efficiently the amputee receives medical care, the outcome for amputation victims varies. Additionally, one's amputation prognosis will depend on what sort of replacement, if any, has been made for the lost part. Fortunately, advancements in the treatment of amputated body parts have improved. Still rehabilitation from traumatic amputation is often extensive and long-term. The use of a prosthetic is a difficult and life-long adjustment, but it can be more advantageous than the reattachment of a limb that does not function, or no limb at all.

Have you or someone you love been the victim of an amputation from an accident in California? If so, please contact an experienced Law Team who can help you during this difficult time. The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP offer more than 50 years combined legal expertise in fighting for the rights of the injured to make sure that you are fully compensated for your losses. Call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential initial consultation. We are here for you in your time of need. Please call now.