Losing a limb can be an extremely traumatic experience, even when it occurs in the relative safety of a hospital. When a limb is lost—either surgically or in a catastrophic accident—many survivors struggle with a lifetime of physical and emotional consequences.
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in the U.S., but that’s just one of the ways Americans lose limbs. Today, about 2 million Americans are living with limb loss, which can be caused by diabetes, traffic accidents, product liability cases, fires, and workplace accidents.
If you or someone in your household lost a limb recently, then catastrophic injury lawyers may be able to help you while you recover. While your body may never be the same, personal injury lawsuits can help make you financially whole again. If your dismemberment or amputation was caused by another party’s negligence or carelessness, then please call Larson Griffee & Pickett PLLC to request a consultation with our catastrophic injury lawyer in Yakima, Washington.
Common Questions About Dismemberment, Amputation, Catastrophic Injury, and How to Find Lawyers Near You for Help
First, one of the most basic misunderstandings catastrophic injury lawyers deal with is the difference between amputation and dismemberment.
Simply put, the primary difference between dismemberment and amputation is that an amputation is performed by a surgeon. There are many different reasons patients require a total or partial amputation. In either case, an amputation is a complex surgical procedure that removes part of a person’s body for medical reasons. Dismemberment occurs when a catastrophic accident results in the loss of a limb.
What are common examples of amputation and dismemberment?
According to the Amputee Coalition, doctors perform about 185,000 amputations in the United States every year. About 54% of these amputations are caused by vascular diseases like diabetes, which can often result in a person losing one or both of their feet. About 45% of amputations are caused by traumatic injuries, while less than 2% are caused by cancer.
A dismemberment can occur in a number of ways, like a drunk driving accident, fire, or an accident with heavy equipment or tools. One of the reasons industrial jobs have such strict safety requirements is to prevent dismemberment and fatalities while working with dangerous machines.
Are there any other causes of limb loss that catastrophic injury lawyers in Yakima, Washington deal with?
In addition to vascular diseases, cancer, and catastrophic accidents, amputations can also result from things like medical malpractice. A misdiagnosis or surgical error could result in a traumatic amputation as well.
What are my legal options after amputation or dismemberment?
There’s a reason so many accident survivors want to find lawyers near them after a catastrophic injury. In addition to physical pain, emotional suffering, and the initial medical costs, American amputees may also have to cope with a lifetime of physical disability, medical bills, phantom limb pain, depression, grief, lost wages, and permanently reduced earning capacity.
If you suspect your injury was partially or totally caused by another person or organization, it is important to find lawyers near you as soon as possible. In Washington state, there is a three-year statute of limitations on filing personal injury lawsuits. That may seem like a long time now, but the amputation recovery process itself can take years. Don’t hesitate to find a Yakima amputation attorney for help understanding all of your legal options.
Who can be held responsible for an amputation or dismemberment?
The answer to this question will depend greatly on the specific circumstances of a personal injury claim, and a Yakima amputation attorney like Bill Pickett can help you understand your legal situation. The important thing is that you find a law firm to help you understand all of your legal options. For instance, if a truck accident results in a catastrophic injury, then both the driver and the trucking company could be liable. If an accident occurred while using machinery in the workplace, then the product manufacturer or company could be liable.
Need to find a lawyer to file personal injury lawsuits in Washington? Contact The Pickett Law Firm.
Bill Pickett has been serving amputation and dismemberment survivors in Yakima, Washington state, and the Western United States since 2001. If you’re seeking compensation for catastrophic injuries, then you deserve to find a personal injury attorney who cares about you and your family’s quality of life. The Pickett Law Firm is dedicated to helping clients move forward following a traumatic injury or wrongful death.