Limb Loss & Amputations
Types of Limb Loss & Amputations
Loss of limbs and amputations occur from both natural and man-made events:
Natural causes for limb loss extend from diseases (like diabetes or cancer) to natural disasters (such as earthquakes). According to the NIDDK division of the National Institutes of Health, more than half of all lower-limb amputations in the United States occur in people with diabetes, accounting for 86,000 amputations per year. Other natural causes include frostbite and gangrene.
Catastrophic personal injury results from an accident where another party is responsible. Sometimes the accident causes damage so severe that one or more extremities cannot be saved. Traumatic amputations, on the other hand, happen immediately, with a limb or extremity being partially or completely severed when the incident occurs. One of the most notable in recent history happened in 2003 when a Staten Island Ferry carrying 1500 New York commuters slammed full-speed into a concrete maintenance pier. One of the passengers, Paul Esposito, had both legs severed below the knee in the incident.
Legal complaints and lawsuits can be filed for the accidental loss of any limb or extremity, including severed or amputated fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, legs, ears or noses.
