AMPUTATION AFTER AN ACCIDENT
In the United States, there are approximately 1.8 million people who have suffered from the loss of a limb or extremity. In fact, it is estimated that one in 200 people in the United States has had an amputation. Losing a limb is never easy and can leave victims unable to work in their chosen profession, enjoy their hobbies and maintain an independent lifestyle. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident and suffered an amputation, you will need compensation to pay for medical expenses, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy and handicapped equipment.
Amputation in America: Just the Facts
• An estimated 199,000 Americans were using a prosthetic in 1994.
• Approximately 185,000 amputation related discharges occur every year in the United States.
• There are almost 3x as many male amputees as women.
• Accidents are the second cause of amputations, vascular disease is the first.
• Upper limb amputations accounted for the majority of trauma related amputations.
After an amputation, individuals may suffer from depression or anxiety. In addition to learning how to live life without the use of their extremity, amputees may suddenly find themselves out of work with mounding medical bills and therapy costs. A wheelchair and/or a prosthetic can also add to the overwhelming costs after an amputation. During this difficult time, the services of a Colorado personal injury attorney can be invaluable.
The loss of a limb can be a traumatic experience, but an experienced and compassionate personal injury lawyer can help ease the transition. Even if you have adequate insurance, the majority of insurance policies are unable to handle all the expenses facing an amputee. Money will be needed to pay for rehabilitation, expensive prosthetics, house modifications and even wheelchair accessibility. In addition to filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties, your attorney will be able to help you file for disability benefits, workman's compensation and any other benefits you may be entitled to.