Losing a limb is an overwhelming experience that can bring a wide range of emotional and physical challenges. For many amputees, feelings of grief, depression, and isolation are common as they adjust to their new reality. Some individuals even experience phantom limb pain, a sensation where the removed limb once was. Despite these difficulties, seeking justice after an accident that causes amputation is a crucial step toward recovery.
If you or a loved one has suffered a life-altering injury due to someone else’s negligence, working with an experienced Wisconsin law firm like Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process, helping you recover the financial resources needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of amputations, what compensation you might be entitled to, and how a Wisconsin amputation attorney can make a difference in your case.
What is Amputation and Why Does it Happen?
Amputation is the removal of part or all of a limb, such as an arm, leg, hand, foot, or finger. Sometimes, amputation is a planned medical procedure, often due to complications from vascular diseases or diabetes. However, amputations also occur as a result of unexpected accidents, where the damage to the limb is too severe to repair.
In Wisconsin, as across the U.S., more than 2.1 million people live with amputations, and approximately 185,000 new amputations occur each year. While some of these surgeries are anticipated due to ongoing health conditions, many are the result of traumatic events that could have been avoided.
Leading Causes of Amputation in Wisconsin
Amputations in Wisconsin often stem from preventable accidents. If you’ve lost a limb due to someone else’s negligence, understanding the common causes of amputations may help you recognize the legal avenues available to you. Below are some of the most frequent reasons amputations occur in the state:
- Severe Burns: Intense burns, particularly third- or fourth-degree burns, can cause significant damage to muscles, bones, and tissue. When a limb is beyond repair, doctors may need to perform an amputation. These burns can occur in motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, or as a result of defective products.
- Life-Threatening Infections: Some infections become so severe that they don’t respond to antibiotics, requiring drastic measures to prevent them from spreading. Amputation is often a last resort to save a patient’s life. These infections could result from medical negligence or untreated injuries from an accident.
- Crush Injuries: When heavy objects or machinery pin or crush a person’s limb, such as at a construction site or industrial workplace, the damage can be irreversible. In these situations, amputation may be the only option to prevent further medical complications like infection or organ failure.
- Car Accidents: Traumatic car crashes can cause limbs to be severed or so severely damaged that they cannot be saved. In such cases, victims may need emergency surgery to amputate the limb.
- Workplace Accidents: Wisconsin workers in high-risk industries, such as construction and manufacturing, are particularly vulnerable to losing limbs in workplace accidents. These incidents often involve getting caught in machinery or being struck by heavy materials. In many cases, amputations are necessary to save lives or prevent further injury.
What Compensation is Available for Amputation Victims in Wisconsin?
Amputations bring significant medical and financial burdens. Beyond the immediate trauma, amputees often face years of medical treatments, rehabilitation, and adjustments to their new reality. If your amputation was caused by someone else’s negligence, Wisconsin law allows you to seek compensation for a range of damages.
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we fight to ensure our clients receive full compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Amputees often face ongoing medical costs, including surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and prosthetics. Many also require future surgeries to address complications or adjust prosthetic devices. Our legal team will help you calculate both current and future medical expenses to ensure your compensation covers all your healthcare needs.
- Lost Wages and Income: Recovery from an amputation can take months, and many victims are unable to return to their previous jobs. Some amputees need to retrain for new careers, often in lower-paying roles. Compensation for lost wages, both now and in the future, is essential for financial stability.
- Pain and Suffering: The emotional toll of losing a limb cannot be overstated. Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life that comes with such a life-changing injury.
- Property Damage: If your amputation was the result of a car accident or another incident that caused property damage, you could also seek compensation for repairs or replacements. This may include damage to your vehicle, work equipment, or personal belongings.
Moving Forward After Amputation: Get the Legal Help You Need
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we understand the profound impact that losing a limb has on your life. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping amputees throughout Wisconsin secure the compensation they deserve. We know the challenges you face—from mounting medical bills to the emotional toll—and we’re here to fight for your rights.
If you or a loved one has experienced an amputation due to an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer free consultations to discuss your legal options and help you take the first steps toward recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in your pursuit of justice.