When Medical Malpractice Leads to Amputation

Amputation can be the result of a range of medical problems and accidents. If you or someone you love has had a limb amputated and you feel it was the result of medical malpractice, you should speak with a personal injury law firm in Cleveland.

Imagine waking up in the hospital to find that you have lost a limb because of a physician’s error. The loss of a leg, arm, hand, foot or other body part alters a person’s life permanently. The decision to remove a body part comes after all other options have been exhausted. While these procedures are often life-saving for the patient, adjusting to life with a missing body part is an emotionally and physically painful process that can drive even the strongest person into emotional distress.

We trust doctors, nurses and other health practitioners with our lives. It’s always frightening to think that they may make a harmful error, especially when the error leads to something as grave and life-changing as an amputation.

Medical Mistakes That Can Lead To Amputation

Various medical malpractice scenarios can lead to amputation, including:

• Post-surgical infection because of lapses in operating room hygiene. While most hospitals make this a priority, there can be lapses because of carelessness.
• Inadequate treatment of a broken or damaged limb, including improperly applied casts. It’s vital that medical professionals provide timely and proper care to help restore damaged tissue and bone.
• A physician’s failure to diagnose blood clots and other vascular problems. Blood clots can restrict blood flow to the affected limb severely, causing tissue death and leaving no choice but amputation.
• Wrong-site surgery. As odd and disturbing as it may be, there have been instances in which doctors removed the wrong limb. An increase in these types of cases in recent years has brought national attention to the problem.

Patients who have lost a limb because of medical malpractice have to face the physical, financial and emotional challenges that accompany an amputation. These challenges can be difficult enough when the amputation was the best option in a serious health situation; they can be even harder when the amputation is a mistake.

Most amputations require months of physical therapy to help patients cope with the loss of the body part. They may also need pain management interventions because contrary to what many people think, an amputation does not always eliminate pain. There is often phantom pain as well as pain in surrounding nerves and tissue.

The person who suffers the amputation may require a prosthetic limb, which can be costly. He or she may also lose earning capacity or his or her career altogether. An amputee may lose a great deal of enjoyment from relationships and hobbies as well.

Contacting a Personal Injury Law Firm in Cleveland

The attorneys at the Becker Law Firm have experience helping people get the compensation they deserve when they have suffered medical malpractice.

If you or a loved one lost a limb and you believe it was because of a physician or hospital error, call (440) 252-4399 today and learn more about what we can do for you. We’ll protect your best interests and ensure you are awarded what’s legally yours when you have suffered an amputation.