Skip to Content
Top
Amputations

Amputation Injuries

Amputations refer to the removal of all or a portion of a body part, this can include something as small as a finger or a toe, to all or part of an arm or leg, or an amputation can go so far as to involve the removal of the entire lower half of the body. Amputations can take place directly at the accident site such as at the scene of a car accident or motorcycle accident, or they can occur in battle, as from a gunshot wound or from an explosion. Amputations can also occur in the hospital as a carefully planned surgical procedure.

Reasons for Amputation

Amputations occur for reasons due to diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes or Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD); however, they can also be medically necessary after some type of catastrophic accident; for example, after an arm was torn off in a motorcycle accident or after a leg was left completely mangled from an auto accident. As one can imagine, many different types of car accidents are responsible for amputations in the United States and worldwide, given the nature of the injuries that they can cause.

When severe injuries damage certain parts of the body to the extent that the body is incapable of repairing itself, then amputation may become medically necessary. When human tissue dies, infection sets in, which can subsequently cause conditions such as gangrene. The infection site encourages bacteria growth which can then spread to other parts of the body.

Lack of blood flow in the injured body part leads to tissue death and infection, and when serious injuries have damaged the blood vessels beyond repair, the tissues supplied by those blood vessels are unable to survive, and from there infection spreads. When damaged and infected tissue is incapable of regenerating and being restored, amputation becomes necessary in order to protect the remaining parts of the body from serious infection.

Accidents that Cause Amputations

While amputations can be a result of disease, they can also occur during a serious accident. Whether the amputation occurs at the scene of the accident or hours later in an emergency room, it's vital that anyone suffering from an amputation injury seeks medical assistance immediately due to the fact that amputation surgeries (performed under the care of a surgeon) can be life-saving procedures if they are performed in time.

The National Limb Loss Information Center (NLLIC) reports that there are nearly 2 million people living with limb loss in the United States, and there are approximately 185,000 amputations each year in the U.S. The annual hospital cost of amputations is over $8 billion dollars annually. (NLIIC)

Amputation surgery can save lives; however, it's still a major surgery. Amputation patients are at risks of complications from anesthesia, heavy blood loss, and developing blood clots. Perhaps one of the greatest concerns is the risk of infection, and this risk is present whether or not the patient proceeds with surgery. After surgery, the stump may not heal properly as a result of inadequate blood supply. When this happens it may become infected, thus requiring a second amputation surgery at a higher level.

Historically speaking, people have been performing amputation surgeries for centuries; however, early surgical techniques were limited due to hemorrhaging and the surgeons' inability to stop the blood loss. By the 1840's, surgeons had the tourniquet which was invented in the late 1600's and they also had anesthesia, which made patients far more comfortable as one can imagine. During the American Civil War, surgeons performed over 50,000 amputations, thus saving the lives of thousands of American soldiers.

Pasadena Personal Injury Lawyer

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, we are a husband and wife team with over 35 years of collective experience. Unlike other firms that handle a variety of practice areas, we are 100% devoted to helping those individuals and their family members who have been harmed in preventable accidents. Over our lengthy legal career, we have seen all types of accidents and injuries, including those involving amputations. We have seen first-hand the devastating effects of an amputation and how it can change the course of your life permanently.


If you have had to struggle with an amputation as a result of being involved in an accident, we urge you to contact us immediately. The sooner we can get on board, the better. Call us today at (626) 642-9302 to schedule a consultation with a member of our caring legal team.


 

Why Choose McGee, Lerer & Associates?

What Makes Us Different
  • INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
    We take the time to understand all the unique factors of your case to achieve the best results.
  • NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN
    If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to recover your compensation, you owe nothing. Learn more here.
  • 24/7 AVAILABILITY
    We can be available nights and weekends and come to you at the hospital or at home.
  • FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
    We have 4 offices in Southern California - Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica & Long Beach

Contact Us Today

100% Free Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Our Previous Clients Tell Their Stories

Learn What It's Like to Work With Our Firm

At McGee, Lerer & Associates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "They make you feel like you are their only customer"

    They were always available to answer my messages and questions. I am very grateful to them. I recommend them.

    "This law firm is very professional"

    After my car accident, I didn't know what to do. I tried to fix the problem myself, and my insurance ignored me. After speaking with Catherine and her working group Maria and Nick, I have actually been able to achieve what my insurance said would not be po

    "I have been completely blown away"

    Prior to my experience with Nick at Mcgee & Lerer, I would not have ever associated the thought of an accident attorney with positive emotion. That being said I have been completely blown away by how I was taken care of. I called within hours of my acc

    - JT C.
    "Thanks for all the help!"

    My wife and our 3 kids were in a serious car accident earlier this year. It was a really scary experience for our family, but McGee Lerer and Associates helped us through the complex legal process. Thanks for all the help!

    - M.L.
    "From day one, they were quick to respond to my questions, great at explaining each step of the process, and very personable."

    We called McGee, Lerer & Associates to help navigate us through our first car accident, and I am so glad we did! From day one, they were quick to respond to my questions, great at explaining each step of the process, and very personable. 5 stars!

    - P.L.
    "I just would like to thank them for their hard work and I would like to say how much I appreciate their hard work!!"

    McGee and Lerer & Associates really helped me with my car accident I had earlier this year ! They were so great and understanding of my situation . They always kept me informed of everything that was going on with my case and they really fought for me! I w

    - L.M.
    "I am extremely satisfied and very happy with the work they did and would 100% recommend."

    I called into McGee-Lerer & Associates when I got into my accident and they were extremely helpful. Catherine and Rachael were very communicative and helped me the whole way. It was a long process due to the poor insurance company that the other driver had

    - A.A.
    "So thankful I found McGee, Lerer & Associates!"

    To be honest I was a little worried about hiring an attorney but Denise and David took such great care of me! They were very responsive and handled all of it so quickly. I just got to sit back while they managed the insurance companies and everything. I fe

    - A.H.