Austin Traumatic Amputation Lawyers, Texas
Strong compassionate advocacy for Texas accident victims who lose a limb
A traumatic amputation is the loss of all or part of an arm or leg due to an accident. We need our limbs to drive, type, eat, work, and play. While adjustments with prosthetics may be possible, for most amputees the limb loss is life-changing. Victims suffer severe emotional harm in addition to physical harm.
At Slack Davis Sanger, Austin personal injury lawyers understand how devastating a traumatic amputation is. We work with your medical team and with our network of healthcare providers to fully understand the severity of your amputation, what prosthetics may help, what treatments you need to maximize your recovery, all your physical limitations, and all your emotional trauma. We strive to hold defendants liable for all the damages they cause â so victims can live their best possible lives.
"Slack Davis Sanger represents the ultimate in professionalism combined with a true caring attitude.â - Colonel Ray Toler, Client
How common are traumatic amputations?
According to Access Prosthetics:
- 1 million people in America live with the loss of a limb. By 2050, that number is expected to be more than 4 million.
- Nearly 185,000 people have an amputation each year â about 500 each day.
- The most common amputations are below the knee.
According to Johns Hopkins University, surgical amputation is often required because the body part cannot be repaired, tissue is destroyed, or there is a risk of infection or disease.
What are the causes of amputation injuries in Austin?
Our Austin amputation lawyers represent people who lose a limb due to any of the following types of accidents.
- Aviation accidents. Survivors of plane, helicopter, and other aviation accidents often suffer multiple injuries including the loss of one or more limbs.
- Truck, car, and motorcycle accidents. The force of these accidents, the weight of the vehicles, and the impact on the hard asphalt all can cause a driver, passenger, or pedestrian to suffer an amputation.
- Workplace accidents. Accidents at oilfields, construction sites, and others can cause an amputation due to falls, explosions, and being crushed by heavy machinery.
- Medical malpractice. Medical mistakes during surgery or due to infection are common causes of amputations.
Some of the contributing factors to amputations include chemical, electrical, thermal, and radiation burns. Severe cold weather can cause frostbite which can also damage an accident victimâs tissue. An assault with a weapon can necessitate amputation. Our Austin personal injury lawyers also represent amputees who lose an arm due to a defective tool, equipment item, another work product, and a consumer product.
What types of legal claims are filed on behalf of amputees in Austin?
At Slack Davis Sanger, we file the correct claim for your type of accident. These claims include:
- Personal injury claims against drivers, property owners, and others
- Product liability claims against manufacturers, distributors, and sellers
- Claims by workers against third-parties
- Wrongful death cases on behalf of a loved one who dies due to amputation complications
How does a prosthesis work?
Doctors work to save as much of your limb as possible. They also focus on preparing your limb so it can be fitted with a prosthesis.
According to Amputee Coalition, a prosthesis is an artificial replacement for all or part of a limb. The prosthesis is designed separately for each individualâs needs, anatomy, and goals. The main parts of the prosthesis for the upper and lower body include sockets and pylons. âWhile a lower-limb prosthesis incorporates a foot with a focus on ambulation (walking), an upper-limb prosthesis will have a âterminal deviceâ such as a hook, hand, or a specialized tool, with a focus on functional enhancement.â
At Slack Davis Sanger, our Austin personal injury lawyers review with your prosthetist to determine what type of prosthesis you need, how many replacements you may need, what improvements could help, and the cost of the devices. Many accident victims work with their prosthetist for life.
Some accident victims receive a temporary prosthesis within a few weeks after surgery. For most victims, the fitting for a permanent prosthesis occurs two to six months after surgery â once the healing process is complete, the swelling goes down, and your health improves. Victims normally begin their rehabilitation shortly after surgery.
Rehabilitation before and after using a prosthesis includes working with physical therapists and occupational therapists. These therapists help with conditioning, with learning how to use a prosthesis, wheelchair, and crutches, and all physical aspects of living without your arm or leg. For many Austin traumatic amputation victims, the first year can be a struggle â especially as the size and shape of your residual limb changes. Youâll need to focus on coordination, balance, gait, and conditioning your muscles.
Most victims work with an emotional support group that includes other amputees. Many victims also consult with a psychologist.
Your prosthetist should teach you how to:
- Take care of the prosthesis.
- Put on and take off the prosthesis.
- Walk on different types of surfaces, including stairs and uneven surfaces.
A physical or occupational therapist can teach you how to:
- Handle emergencies safely, including falling and getting up again.
- Perform daily activities at home, work, and in a car.
- Improve your gait to help you walk better.
Amputee Coalition has a How to Find Support page to help amputees connect with other amputees. Amputee Coalition has an Austin branch.
What are some of the challenges amputation injury victims in Austin face?
Some of the common concerns that your surgeons and rehabilitation team focus on - in addition to using a prosthesis and other assistive devices include:
- Phantom limb sensation. This sensation, which makes it feel like part of your limb is still intact, is due to the ability of some nerve connections to remember your life before the amputation.
- The risk of falling. This is a very common danger for amputees who lose part or all of a lower limb.
- Controlling pain. Pain control is a critical part of the surgery and rehabilitation process.
Some Austin workers may need to work with a vocational therapist to develop new work skills. Many amputees suffer from depression and anxiety. Common emotional concerns include:
- Maintaining and developing personal relationships
- Self-esteem
- Worrying about being a burden to family, friends, and coworkers
- Concerns about the length of the rehabilitation and the extent of the recovery
- How the victim will pay the medical bills and living expenses
Many leg amputees need to learn how to use a stairlift and other functional alternatives.
Do you have an amputation lawyer near me?
Our Austin amputation lawyers meet clients at our Austin location located at 6001 Bold Ruler Way, Suite 100. We also meet clients in Dallas and Fort Worth. When necessary, we see clients at their homes or a hospital.
Discuss your right to compensation with an experienced Austin amputation lawyer
At Slack Davis Sanger, our Austin personal injury lawyers understand how traumatic amputation injuries are. We understand why loss of limb accidents happen, and why defendants should be held accountable. Our team works to obtain the strongest recovery possible including compensation for your medical bills, prosthetic devices, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of functional ability.
We prepare each case for trial. Many Austin accident cases do settle. To assert your rights, please call 866-531-1657 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.
Austin Office
6001 Bold Ruler Way
Suite 100
Austin, TX 78746
Main Austin Practice Areas