AMPUTATION COMPENSATION CLAIM SOLICITOR

Personal Injury Lawyers

Our specialist personal injury lawyers deal with catastrophic injury and injuries of the utmost severity including traumatic amputation of limbs and other body parts. We have the experience and ability to handle amputation compensation claims of the highest value. We call upon the services of some of the countries leading medical experts and employment consultants to assist in verifying and valuing our claims for compensation. Our aim is to maximize any financial award to ensure that the victim is properly compensated by a negligent third party for injury sustained in an accident. We operate the no win no charge scheme and your solicitor does not get paid unless you get paid. You do not have to fund or finance your claim as it proceeds.

Traumatic Amputations

A traumatic amputation occurs when all or some of a body part is accidentally severed. Traumatic amputations can be either complete or incomplete. If the amputation is complete, the body part is totally detached from the body. If the amputation is partial or incomplete, then the body part remains attached by a small amount of soft tissue.

Our limbs and appendages are most vulnerable to traumatic amputation. Body parts such as arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, ears and noses can all be accidentally amputated. There are a number of ways that a traumatic amputation can occur. Car accidents are perhaps the most common cause of traumatic amputations. Workplace accidents and violent crimes can also result in traumatic amputations. Those who work with heavy machinery or use power tools regularly are at the greatest risk.

Reattachment

In some cases, the amputated body part can be reattached to the victim's body. To determine whether or not reattachment is likely to be successful, the doctor will calculate a Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS). The MESS takes several factors into account, including the victim's age, general health, body temperature, paralysis, circulation, numbness and tissue health. Scores range from 2 to 14, with success likely with a score of 6 or less. The final score is automatically doubled if the amputated body part has received little or no blood supply for more than six hours.

In addition to the MESS, the surgeon will also consider the patient's wishes and overall lifestyle. Other important considerations include the effect the amputation will have on the victim's quality of life and how much it will impair their ability to perform day-to-day tasks.

Preserving the Amputated Body Part

If the amputated body part is properly stored, reattachment can be successful up to as much as 24 hours after the accident occurred. Muscle tissue that is not properly preserved will survive for only about six hours. To preserve the body part, start by removing any debris or foreign materials. Then wrap the part in a clean cloth and place it in a sealed bag. Finally, place the bag in a container filled with ice or cold water. Remember, however, it is more important to save the victim's life than to save the amputated body part. Never delay in transporting the victim to a hospital because you are trying to locate the amputated body part.

Symptoms and Complications

Traumatic amputations are life-threatening injuries. An amputation can cause massive blood loss, leading to shock. Infection at the site of the amputation can also occur. The victim could suffer a pulmonary embolism or experience muscle shortening. The emotional trauma of the amputation can be just as devastating as the physical effects. Amputees can struggle with their self-esteem and body image. Feeling bad about the way they look often causes them to withdraw from others and avoid intimacy. Both the emotional and physical side-effect of traumatic amputations must be addressed in order for the victim to make a complete recovery.

Legal Advice Without Obligation

If you have suffered from catastrophic personal injury as a result of negligence by a third party then our specialist lawyers can help you to assert your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. If you would like free advice without further obligation just complete the contact form to speak to one of our experts.