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What Are Amputation Injuries?

Amputation is the loss or removal of a body part such as a finger, toe, or limb. The physical and emotional toll of a severe injury involving amputation is immense, affecting a person’s ability to perform daily activities and altering their quality of life significantly.

Experiencing limb loss impacts people in many ways. First, you must contend with the physical and psychological toll of amputation. Knowing that your body will never be whole again creates intense emotional trauma. Additionally, chronic pain is a reality for many amputees, from removing the limb to phantom limb phenomena.

Finally, losing a body part (i.e., leg amputation or arm amputation) often results in partial or permanent disability, ending your ability to work and earn money to provide for yourself and your loved ones.

Most Common Causes of Amputations

About 45 percent of amputations are the result of traumatic injuries. Some of the most common causes of amputations include:

• Traffic Accidents – Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian incidents can cause traumatic injuries with severe damage to limbs, for which amputation is the only effective form of medical intervention.
• Workplace and Industrial Accidents – Workers who deal with heavy machinery, chemicals, and manufacturing equipment are at a higher risk of suffering amputation while doing their jobs. Construction and agricultural workers are also more likely to have injuries that require amputation.
• Medical Malpractice — Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, and other forms of medical malpractice can lead to the necessity of amputations. A delayed diagnosis of a medical condition that inhibits blood flow, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, can result in the loss of body parts.
• Electrocution – Electrical accidents may damage arteries and veins, leading to the need for amputation. Such incidents may arise from improper maintenance, faulty equipment, or unsafe workplaces.

Types of Amputation Injuries

Accidents and injuries lead to traumatic amputations, while tissue damage due to infection or disease may result in surgical amputation. Whatever the type, learning to live, work, and enjoy life after an amputation injury is challenging and requires intensive rehabilitation, therapy, and prosthetics when possible. Here’s a closer look at the different classifications of amputation injuries:

• Traumatic Amputations – These types of amputations result from sudden and unforeseen accidents or injuries, such as those occurring in car crashes or workplace incidents. They involve the abrupt severing of limbs, necessitating immediate medical attention to address both the physical and emotional consequences of the trauma.
• Surgical Amputations – Surgical amputations encompass amputations performed to treat underlying conditions such as cancer, severe infections, diseased tissue, or significant trauma. The primary goal of amputation surgery is to enhance overall health, alleviate pain, and mitigate the risk of further complications.
• Congenital Amputations – Congenital amputations refer to the absence of limbs from birth, a condition that can arise due to genetic factors or developmental issues during pregnancy. Unlike traumatic or surgical amputations, congenital amputations are inherent and present unique challenges from early childhood, requiring specialized care and support for individuals adapting to life without certain limbs.

Long-Term Effects of Amputation Injuries

Successfully learning to adjust to life after an amputation requires advanced medical treatment, specialized rehabilitation and therapy, and a strong personal support network. Here are the most challenging long-term effects that many amputees face:

• Healing and Wound Care After Amputation – Post-amputation infection is a significant concern. The post-amputation area must be meticulously cleaned, bandaged, and kept dry until the sutures are ready for removal. When the initial bandaging comes off, your medical provider might have you wear a compression device to prevent swelling as the blood vessels heal. If the affected area is a limb, a shrinker sock prepares the stump for an artificial limb.
• Pain Management – The best way to manage pain after amputation is with a sound pre- and post-surgery pain control plan. Peripheral nerve blocks and other medication can help reduce pain and discomfort.
• Falling – Amputations, particularly those affecting the lower limbs, increase the risk of falls. Medical professionals recommend using a walker or wheelchair to help reduce falls at night or upon waking.
• Phantom Limb Sensations – Your body’s nerve connections can make you feel you still have your arm, leg, or other amputated body part. Your surgical team can address phantom pain or phantom limb pain issues during amputation to reduce the severity of these painful and disquieting feelings.
• Emotional Trauma – Losing a body part has a tremendous impact on your overall sense of self-esteem. It can lead to depression, insomnia, changes in appetite, and other signs of emotional trauma. In some instances, the long-term effects of amputation injuries include a loss of consortium with your spouse or significant other.
• Financial Losses – The cost of medical treatment, prosthetic devices, rehabilitation, and home health aides quickly adds up. Even with health insurance, the loss of future wages and benefits can put a significant financial strain on a family.

Compensation Available in Georgia Amputation Injury Claims

Amputation injury claims and lawsuits may seek compensation for related injuries and expenses. Although each case is unique, some of the types of amputation compensation commonly sought by injured individuals include:

• Past and anticipated future medical expenses, including surgeries, prosthetics, and medications
• Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy and adaptive devices
• Lost income, including loss of earning capacity
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium