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Chicago Traumatic Amputation Lawyers
Tough representation when car and other accidents cause the loss of one or multiple limbs
Some car, truck, motorcycle, and other vehicle accidents cause broken metal, shattered glass, and other sharp object to cut off part or all of an arm or leg. Dog bite victims, victims of negligent security attacks, medical malpractice victims, and victims of other accidents may also suffer the loss of a limb in an accident. At Gainsberg Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have the experience and professional relationships to hold the people responsible for your limb loss accountable. We work with your doctors to show just how devastating your amputation is. Our Chicago traumatic amputation lawyers are ready to fight for all the financial and personal compensation you deserve.
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How can we help?
- What are traumatic amputation injuries?
- What accidents cause amputations in Chicago?
- How do doctors and therapists help amputation victims in Chicago?
- What’s involved with using a prosthesis?
- What is phantom pain?
- How much is my traumatic amputation case worth?
- Do you have a Chicago traumatic amputation lawyer near me?
What are traumatic amputation injuries?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a medical amputation is surgery to remove part or all of a hand, foot, arm, leg, finger, or toe. When part or all of your limb is ripped off at the site of the accident, doctors will likely need to perform surgery to save your life, as much of your limb as possible, and/or hopefully shape your limb so you can use a prosthesis. A prosthesis helps amputation victims regain bodily function and provide a better appearance and some emotional comfort.
Some of the reasons amputations are necessary include:
- The nerves no longer allow you to move a body part or experience sensations. The loss of sensation can cause infections and other injuries.
- Blood vessels can no longer provide the nourishment tissue needs. Without nourishment, tissues will die.
What accidents cause amputations in Chicago?
At Gainsberg Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we represent anyone who suffers an amputation due to extreme forces, harsh entanglements, sharp objects, or other events. Our Chicago amputation lawyers handle the following accidents that can cause amputations:
- Vehicle accidents. Car, truck, motorcycle, bus, Uber, Lyft, and any other type of vehicle
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Construction accidents
- Violent assaults
- Dog bites
- Products that are defective
- Electrical accidents
- Medical malpractice including infections
- Birth injuries
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Crush injuries
- Burn injuries
We work with investigators, police, product safety experts, and many other professionals to help show the cause of your accident and why drivers, property owners, and other people and businesses are responsible for causing your amputation.
How do doctors and therapists help amputation victims in Chicago?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, your physicians will first try to save your limb if possible. This process is known as limb salvage surgery. If amputation is necessary, your doctors will, to the extent your surgery can wait, have you speak with psychologists and a prosthetist to review your anxiety, concerns, and questions.
During surgery, a surgeon will remove the tissue that has damage or disease and repair individual nerves and blood vessels. The surgeon may work to smooth the end of your bone and stitch muscle to the bone. The surgeon will also take steps including the following to help prepare your bone/stump for a prosthesis:
- Target muscle reinnervation. This procedure helps make it easier to use a prosthesis for your arm or hand.
- Osseointegration. This procedure involves “integrating your prosthesis with your bone (osseo-) by implanting a metal anchor that the prosthesis attaches to.”
- Rotationplasty. This rare procedure “involves amputating part or all of your upper leg and reattaching your healthy lower leg as your upper leg,” so you can use a below-the-knee prosthesis with your shortened leg – and not an above-the-knee prosthesis.
You will normally spend days or weeks in recovery in the hospital. When you’re able to, a physical therapist will start providing exercises to prevent stiffness. You’ll then have extensive therapy which includes:
- Physical therapy to help you use different muscles to function
- Occupational therapy to help you with daily living tasks at home and at work
- Psychotherapy to address your emotional trauma including anxiety, depression, and your overall mental health
- Prosthetic fitting and therapy to adjust to and learn how to use your prosthesis
At Gainsberg Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we’ll help you with other amputee resources including support centers like the Chicago Area Amputee Support Group.
What’s involved with using a prosthesis?
According to the Amputee Coalition, a prosthesis helps Chicago accident victims regain independence due to limb loss through the use of an artificial replacement. A prosthesis can help with the activities you do, how you look, and other parts of your life.
The first step is working with a prosthetist to obtain the best fitting possible. Each prosthesis differs depending on the body part, the level of the amputation (such as above or below an elbow or knee), your physical abilities, and your goals.
Your limb will fit into a socket with the use of liners or socks to help with the fitting. A prosthesis also involves the use of a suspension sleeve, a locking pin, or other parts that attach to the liner and fit into a locking mechanism. The prosthesis can also incorporate different cosmetic features. Some accident victims use other assistive devices such as a wheelchair or crutches.
Our Chicago amputation lawyers will review the type of prosthesis you need, their durability (how many you will need during your lifetime), and the cost of your prosthetic devices.
What is phantom pain?
A traumatic amputation is an “assault” on your body. Your doctors will work to manage your pain during and immediately after surgery. Long-term amputees may develop different types of pain that include:
- Residual limb pain. This type of pain involves pain in the remainder of your limb and your stump. The pain may be due to “recurring nerve pain,” irritation due to the fitting of your prosthesis, and other causes.
- Phantom limb pain. This type of sensation involves pain that “seems” to come from your amputated limb. The pain is real even if it feels like it comes from the part of your arm, leg, or other body that is no longer there. Amputees may also feel that their limb is still there (phantom sensations) or experience other sensations such as itching, touch sensitivity, and temperature sensitivity. Healthcare professionals believe phantom limb pain is due to some type of nerve disorder. There are many different types of treatment options your doctor will review with you.
- Psychological pain. Many amputees suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Many amputees also suffer a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem.
How much is my traumatic amputation case worth?
Our Chicago traumatic amputation lawyers work with your doctors to address every aspect of your medical care including treatment, rehabilitation, loss of function, prosthetic devices, inability to work, and your daily pain and suffering.
We demand compensation from the responsible parties for all your current and future:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Disfigurement compensation
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Loss of consortium
Do you have a Chicago amputation lawyer near me?
Gainsberg Law Injury and Accident Lawyers meets clients at our office located at 77 W Washington Street, Suite 1215, right in The Loop neighborhood in downtown Chicago. You can reach us by bus too.
If your amputation prevents you from coming to our office, we will make arrangements to speak with you at your home or a healthcare facility. Our personal injury lawyers also discuss cases by phone and through video consultations.
We’ll guide you through this difficult time and fight for all the compensation you deserve.
Speak with a Chicago amputation lawyer today
At Gainsberg Law, we understand just how devastating amputations are. We have more than 20 years of experience fighting for accident victims. Our lawyers have an impressive record of recoveries for our personal injury clients. We’ll fight to restore your confidence and your ability to live your best life possible. Call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.