February 15, 2023 | Workers' compensation

Employers are required by law to provide a reasonably safe work environment for their workers. However, accidents can still occur at work. These accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Some injuries are minor and can be attended to quickly. Other injuries are severe and can alter the life of the injured worker. These injuries are considered catastrophic. Amputations are an example of a catastrophic workplace injury.

Types of Amputation Injuries

Amputations can be categorized into two main groups.

·         Traumatic amputations

These are amputations that occur when an accident causes a person to lose a limb or body part. There are incidents in which paramedics and medical teams at hospitals are able to work quickly and reattach the severed body part. However, in many cases, the injured party ends up with a lost limb.

·         Surgical amputations

In this case, the limb or body part is not severed as a direct result of the accident. Instead, it is removed as a result of a medical decision to preserve the life of the victim. For example, if the injuries suffered resulted in loss of blood supply to the injured limb, then the tissues in the limb will begin to die. This is known as necrosis. When this occurs, the tissues cannot be repaired or replaced. The limb or body part must be removed in order to save the patient’s life. Amputation is therefore the only option.

Amputations can involve the removal of a small part of the body such as a toe or an entire limb such as the leg from the hip joint or pelvis.

Common Workplace Accidents that Can Result in Amputations

Amputations can be caused by various types of work accidents. Some of the most common causes of amputations include:

·         Motor vehicle accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of amputations. These may include car, truck, motorcycle, bus and bicycle accidents. These accidents can result in the severing of the limb during the accident or can result in serious injuries that lead to the surgical amputation of the body part.

·         Moving machine accidents

Accidents involving moving machines are another common cause for amputation. These may involve accidents with forklifts, grinders, conveyors, roll bending machines or even compactors. The accidents can result in the severing of the limbs. The limbs can become trapped in the machine and require amputation in order to free the victim. The accidents may also result in injuries that result in necrosis and require amputation in order to save the victim’s life.

·         Falls from height

Falling from scaffolds or ladders can result in traumatic fractures or cuts. These accidents can result in the loss of a body part. They may also result in need for amputation in order to preserve the victim’s life.

·         Falling objects

Objects falling from height can also result in amputations. For example, if a large and heavy object falls on the victim’s limb and crushes it, their limb may be so severely damaged that amputation is the only way to save the limb. A heavy or sharp object falling from height can also result in the severing of a victim’s limb.

·         Severe burns

Minor burns that only affect the surface of the skin can be easily treated. However, third and fourth degree burns are much harder to deal with. Third degree burns affect a large area of the body and go deep into the tissues. Fourth degree burns also affect a large area of the body and affect the bone and muscles. The damage may be so extensive that surgical amputation is necessary to save the victim’s life.

·         Malfunctioning equipment

Accidents involving malfunctioning equipment are also a common cause of amputations. Malfunctions in equipment such as power tools can result in severe injuries. For example a power saw accident can result in the severing of a toe, finger or the entire hand, arm or leg.

Seeking Compensation for Amputation from a Work Accident

Amputation from a work accident is a life altering injury. This type of injury may require multiple surgical procedures and extensive medical treatment to recover from. You may also require a lifetime of care and extensive therapy. Depending on the nature of the amputation, you may not be able to return to work or even seek alternative employment. It is therefore crucial to have the guidance and representation of an experienced attorney when seeking compensation. Your attorney will guide you on your options and fight to secure your financial future.

You can seek compensation for your accident through:

·         A workers’ compensation claim

·         A personal injury claim against a negligent third party whose negligence resulted in your accident. For example, the manufacturer of faulty equipment.

Contact us to consult with an experienced attorney and learn about your rights and options.

Amputation from Work Accident