Amputation injuries are among the most severe and life-altering injuries one can endure, often resulting from traumatic accidents or medical complications. Losing a limb not only affects a person’s mobility but also has profound emotional and psychological impacts. These injuries require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and significant daily life and employment adjustments.
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating consequences of amputation injuries. With over a century of experience, we have supported countless North Dakota residents through their recovery and legal journeys. Our attorneys leverage their deep local knowledge from our offices in Grand Forks and Minot to advocate for the rights and compensations our clients deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered an amputation injury, contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time and ensure you receive the justice and support you need.
Potential Causes of Amputation Injuries
Amputation injuries can result from a wide range of traumatic incidents. These injuries are severe and often have life-altering consequences for the victim. Here’s a list of common causes:
- Car crashes
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Machinery malfunctions
- Agricultural accidents
- Construction accidents
- Electrical burns
- Explosions
- Workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice
Common Amputation Injury Sites
Amputation injuries are those that involve the removal of a limb, which includes the arm, leg, hand, or foot. Sometimes, the entire limb must be taken, but doctors make every effort to save as much of the limb as possible. That is why amputations often occur at different locations of a limb. Some of the more common amputation sites for arms and hands include:
- At the shoulder
- Above or through the elbow
- Below the elbow
- Above or through the wrist
- Below the wrist
- Finger
Some of the more common amputation sites for legs and feet include:
- At the hip
- Above or through the knee
- Below the knee
- Above or through the ankle
- Below the ankle
- Toe
Types of Damages Recovered in an Amputation Injury Accident
You would be hard-pressed to overstate the trauma associated with an amputation injury. The loss of a limb is not only painful but will have far-reaching and severe impacts on a person’s everyday life. When talking about the damages recoverable in an amputation injury case, it can be helpful to divide them into the categories of economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are those damages that are easily calculable. They are based on concrete numbers that come from things like medical bills and pay stubs. Medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity are some of the more prominent economic damages.
Non-economic damages are also a critical part of being properly compensated for an amputation injury. Non-economic injuries are those that are not easily calculable. They are largely subjective and specific to the accident victim themselves. Non-economic damages will include things like pain and suffering as well as loss of enjoyment of life. Because of the psychological impacts of an amputation injury, non-economic damages can also be substantial and should be properly included in any personal injury award.
The Procedures and Recovery Process for Amputation Injuries
With amputation being such a serious situation, you can imagine that the amputation and recovery process can be extensive. The surgeon tasked with the limb removal will thoroughly evaluate the overall health of the patient as well as the extent of the damage to the limb. These factors will play a vital role in determining the specific site for the amputation. After a comprehensive physical evaluation, the surgeon often orders a specific series of tests, including CT scans, MRIs, and even a psychological assessment. The information gathered from these evaluations and radiographic studies will guide the decision as to how best to perform the amputation procedure.
The goal of amputation surgery is to preserve as much of the area as possible while removing the part that has been damaged beyond repair. After the surgery, the doctor seals both the remaining nerve endings and blood vessels. As best as possible, the remaining muscle and bone at the amputation site will be reconstructed by the surgeon and shaped so that a prosthesis can fit comfortably. At the end of the procedure, the site will be covered with a stocking and, if necessary, a splint.
After this extensive surgical procedure, so begins the process of recovery. Physical therapy will play a critical role in the patient’s ability to transition to a post-amputation life. Additionally, psychological therapy is often ordered, as losing a limb can be extremely traumatic. Some even experience persistent phantom pain where the removed limb used to be. For some, the recovery process will also include being fitted for a prosthetic limb and then practicing with the prosthetic limb. Doctors, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, will also recommend continued health-promoting measures.
Why Choose Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. for Your Personal Injury Case?
Choosing the right legal team is crucial for your personal injury case. Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. offers extensive experience and a deep commitment to North Dakota, serving areas including Grand Forks and Minot. Our attorneys have a strong track record of securing favorable client outcomes. Trust us to advocate vigorously for your rights and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Our North Dakota Amputation Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Amputation injury cases are particularly devastating. To lose a limb can mean unimaginable life changes that you may not be prepared to face. We want to help you on your journey forward. This can start by working to secure proper monetary compensation to cover medical bills and expenses related to your amputation injury. Our goal is to take on the legal burden after suffering such a serious injury so that you can focus on yourself, your loved ones, and your life. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. is committed to supporting individuals in North Dakota, including Grand Forks, Minot, Fargo, Bismarck, Williston, Rugby, Devils Lake, Jamestown, and the surrounding areas. Our dedicated team is here to provide legal assistance and guidance to those facing the complex challenges that arise from these incidents.
