Wisconsin Amputation Lawyer

Losing a limb is tragically all too common in the United States. According to the Amputee Coalition of America, millions of Americans have lost limbs, and 45 percent of these individuals have had to undergo amputation because of severe trauma. If you have sustained this type of injury because of another person’s reckless behavior, you may be able to obtain compensation for your suffering.

A Wisconsin amputation lawyer at Studinski Law understand that this is a tough time for you and your loved ones, and are passionate about doing whatever it takes to improve your quality of life. Our committed legal team uses a creative approach along with aggressive techniques to meet your needs. With a long history of success in personal injury cases, we can help lift the financial burden that has been thrust upon you.

Call us at (715) 343-2850 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Amputation

When an arm or a leg is amputated, it is completely removed from the body. This may be done when a limb becomes infected, or as a result of another condition, such as diabetes. Amputation is also common in incidents of severe trauma, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, workplace accidents, and any situation in which the body sustains irreversible damage. The goal of this procedure is to increase a person’s chance of survival, but it is also done to preserve the part of the limb that is still functional. If a limb is removed properly, the remaining portion may still provide some use with a prosthetic.

The amputation process requires a cross-disciplinary approach. If you have been involved in a serious accident, you will need to meet with various medical professionals. An orthopedic surgeon may be able to assess how much bone should be preserved, and a neurologist can assess how much nerve damage your limb has sustained. Once it has been determined that an amputation is necessary, you will be scheduled for surgery. According to John Hopkins Medicine, when possible, surgeons will attempt to preserve several inches of bone beyond the knee or elbow so that a prosthetic will be adequately supported.

Amputation Statistics

According to the Amputee Coalition, thousands of people in Wisconsin lose limbs every year. There is a startling disparity between upper and lower extremity amputations. Between 2001 and 2013, there were 2,068 upper-extremity amputations, compared to nearly 30,000 lower-extremity amputations.

In addition, it seems that certain age groups are disproportionately affected. In 2013, 43 percent of amputations were performed on those between the ages of 45 and 64, with those between the ages of 65 and 84 not falling far behind. This may be because certain conditions exist that lead to amputation, such as diabetes, are more common in older individuals. There is also a difference when it comes to gender, with nearly twice as many men being affected by both types of amputation when compared to women.

The Risks of Losing a Limb

There are many risk factors that can lead to complications after having a limb removed. For example, if you have diabetes, heart disease, or a serious infection, you may be prone to health issues after amputation. Additional problems that can arise after this procedure include, but are not limited to:

• Permanent deformity in the remaining portion of the limb
• Severe infection that can spread to other parts of the body
• A hematoma, or a bruise that collects blood and forms a bulge under the skin
• Extremely high-risk of the wound reopening after surgery
• The development of blood clots that can travel to other parts of the body
• Decay of tissue in the remaining portion of the limb

Obtaining Medical Treatment

While all facilities differ, many rehabilitation clinics provide several essential services for those who have had to have a limb amputated. After the initial surgery, you may be required to participate in inpatient observation. From there, if you so choose, you will then be fitted for a prosthetic limb. Many of these devices are customized for specific tasks, such as walking, running, and even gripping objects. Once you have received your prosthetic, you will undergo intensive training for use and functionality.

You will then need to participate in physical therapy, or training that will allow your muscles to heal over time. This will be accompanied by occupational therapy that will help you master essential, everyday tasks. Once you have familiarized yourself with your new lifestyle, you will need to seek consistent medical attention for maintenance, and to ensure that you wound is healing properly.

It is definitely possible to lead a normal life after an amputation, but the cost of doing so can be prohibitive. According to the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the average cost for a leg or arm amputation is between $30,000 and $60,000. For follow-up care, such as therapy and obtaining a prosthetic, you can expect to pay an additional $40,000 to $60,000 for the next three years.

Filing an Amputation Lawsuit

If you are one of the thousands of people who have lost a limb because of another person’s negligence, it may be possible to take action through a personal injury lawsuit. This type of civil case can be launched because of damage caused by car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, or any other incident that was not your fault. You may be able to obtain funds for the following losses:

• Wage Loss
• Disability
• Medical Expenses
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Earning Capacity
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life
• Loss of Society and Companionship
• Disfigurement
• Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish

Seeking Help from Studinski Law – Call a Wisconsin Amputation Lawyer

At Studinski Law, people come first. We believe it is our calling to protect the civil rights of those who have been injured. Whether you have lost a limb in a traffic accident, in a workplace accident, or because an out of control pet, our experienced serious injury lawyers will help your case reach the best possible outcome.

If you would like a free consultation for your case, call (715) 343-2850 today.