Working with an Amputation Injury Lawyer Following a Traumatic Accident
Approximately 1.8 million people in the U.S. are living without a limb according to the National Limb Loss Information Center. Nearly 25 percent of amputations are a result of traumatic accidents. Causes that result in amputation are vascular diseases followed by work-related injuries such as operating heavy machinery or working with saws, as well as vehicle accidents. The majority of victims, nearly 80 percent, are male, and 60 percent are between the ages of 21 and 64.
As a victim of a traumatic amputation injury, you are having to deal with a life-altering event that may impact your ability to work or lead a normal life as well as the burden of extremely costly medical bills. In order to secure your financial future, you need an amputation injury lawyer who will secure the maximum amount of workers’ compensation and other benefits. Javier Martinez, Jr. is that lawyer. If you or someone you know has lost a part of their body in a work-related injury that took place in El Paso or the state of New Mexico, our law firm can assist with the process of getting the compensation required to recover and live a financially secure life.
Different Causes of Traumatic Amputation Injuries
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are 30 work-related injuries per day. Of these injuries, the manufacturing industry has the highest reported accidents. It makes up 57 percent of work-related amputations and 26 percent of hospitalizations. Other major industries include:
- Transportation
- Construction
- Warehouse
- Oil and Gas Extraction
Types of Amputations
An amputation may involve the loss of any body part including hands, fingers, feet, toes, and ears. According to the Limbless Association, amputations can be categorized into two sections: lower limb amputations and upper limb amputations.
The types of body parts lost are as follows:
- Lower limb amputations: A lower limb amputation may vary from the partial removal of a toe to the loss of an entire leg and part of the pelvis. Typical forms of lower limb amputation include:
- Partial foot amputation: the removal of one or more toes.
- Ankle disarticulation: removal of the foot at the ankle.
- Below knee or transtibial: removal of the leg below the knee.
- Through the knee: removal of the lower leg and knee joint.
- Above knee or transfemoral: removal of the leg above the knee joint.
- High disarticulation: the removal of the entire limb up to and including the femur.
- Hemipelvectomy or transpelvic: the removal of the entire limb and the partial removal of the pelvis.
- Upper limb amputations: An upper limb amputation varies from the partial removal of a finger to the loss of the entire arm and a part of the shoulder. Upper limb amputations include:
- Partial hand amputation: loss of fingertip and parts of the finger. Thumbs are typically lost.
- Metacarpal: the entire hand is lost but the wrist remains.
- Wrist disarticulation: removal of the hand and the wrist.
- Below the elbow or transradial: partial loss of the forearm below the elbow joint.
- Elbow disarticulation: loss of the forearm at the elbow.
- Above elbow or transhumeral: loss of the arm above the elbow.
- Shoulder disarticulation and forequarter: removal of the entire arm, including the shoulder blade and collarbone.
No Matter the Type of Amputation, We Will Help You Receive the Compensation You Deserve
If you or a loved one has lost a body part as a result of a work-related injury, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced amputation injury lawyer. At the Law Office of Javier Martinez, Jr., P.C., our goal is to help victims get the workers’ comp and benefits they’re entitled to receive. Please give us a call today. We’re here to answer questions and provide clarity during this difficult time.
