Wrongful Amputation and Loss of Limb Malpractice

An amputation or loss of limb is the separation of a limb or appendage from the body through surgery or trauma. It is estimated that 2 million Americans are living with an amputated limb and that at least 30,000 traumatic amputations happen in the US each year; some leading to loss of limb malpractice cases.

No matter how or why it occurs, an amputation surgery to remove a limb or a partial limb such as ears, fingers or toes will have a big impact on the person’s life. When an amputation is needed because of another person or company’s negligence it can be even more traumatizing to the victim. Examples of negligence include a serious car accident, a preventable workplace accident and medical malpractice.

If you or a loved one has lost a limb due to negligence or medical malpractice, you may be entitled to damages through a loss of limb claim. A loss of limb lawsuit seeks justice by holding the responsible party accountable and ensuring financial compensation for your losses including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, lost wages, medical bills, loss of quality of life and emotional trauma. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights and the value of a potential claim.

When choosing a personal injury attorney, look for a law firm with a network of experts like life care planners, economists and rehabilitation professionals and experience gathering medical records and building a case through discussions with their clients’ doctors and therapists.

Common causes of wrongful amputation and loss of limb malpractice cases

Severe trauma

Of the 2 million Americans who have lost a limb, about 45 percent of these amputations were caused by traumatic accidents.

The most common types of traumatic events that lead to loss of limb include:

• Severe motor vehicle accidents such as a collision between a truck and a cyclist*
• Agricultural accidents including home lawnmowers
• Workplace accidents
• Firearm, fireworks and explosives accidents
• Electrocution

*Motor vehicle accidents are by far the most common cause of traumatic amputations.

Medical malpractice

When a doctor acts negligently and it results in loss of limb to their patient, there may be a case for medical malpractice. Medical negligence may be responsible for an amputation if, for example, a surgeon leaves a medical tool inside a patient’s body such as a sponge that turns into an untreated infection, which results in a need to amputate.

Other examples of medical negligence that lead to loss of limb cases:

• Prescribing the wrong medication – most typically incorrect dosage or method of administration – and failing to monitor a worsening infection
• Amputating the wrong limb
• Misdiagnosed infection such as misdiagnosed knee infection
• Use of a contaminated medical device that causes infection
• Failure to diagnose and treat post-operative blood clots

The Seattle personal injury attorneys at Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC have years of experience representing families harmed by medical malpractice. We seek justice for patients who have been harmed by preventable medical errors including birth injuries, hospital-acquired infections and wrongful death in Seattle and across Washington State. There are no fees or expenses to file a personal injury case as we only receive payment if we recover damages on your behalf. Do not delay; personal injury claims come with a Statute of Limitations, which means they must be filed within a certain time frame of the injury.

Call us now at (206) 752-4366 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate, experienced attorneys.