What are my rights?
Amputation Injuries - FAQ
- What steps should I take to get compensation for an amputation injury that happens at work?
- Can I get money now to help pay for the medical care I'll need in the future to take care of my amputation injury?
- How do I know if someone else is at fault for my amputation injury?
- What are some common causes of amputation injuries at workplaces?
- Can the loss of a limb result from medical malpractice?
What steps should I take to get compensation for an amputation injury that happens at work?
Although every amputation injury claim is different, there are certain steps everyone should take after getting injured at work.- Enter the details in the employer's record book as soon as possible after the accident. Be sure to enter the specifics yourself, or insist on viewing any entry as it is made.
- Gather the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any potential witnesses to your accident.
- If possible, take photographs of the location of the accident as soon as you can.
- Organize and write all details of the accident down as soon as possible and include all events that led up to it.
- Photograph any machinery, plants, tools, supports, or vehicles involved.
- Photograph and document all visible injuries.
- Consult a doctor for medical treatment and also to document your injuries and conditions.
Can I get money now to help pay for the medical care I’ll need in the future to take care of my amputation injury?
Amputation injuries leave victims with lifelong disabilities that require lifelong medical attention. If a court decides that someone else is at fault for your amputation injury, the guilty party will most likely be asked to reimburse you for all your medical expenses so far as well as those you are likely to have in the future.
In addition to medical expenses, you may receive compensation for pain and suffering, wages lost due to your inability to work, as well as wages you potentially could have earned in the future had you not been injured.
How do I know if someone else is at fault for my amputation injury?
You may not know for sure if someone else’s actions contributed to your amputation injury. As humans we are quick to blame ourselves, but it’s important to step back and look at all the circumstances surrounding your amputation accident. If you schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys, we can review all the facts surrounding your amputation injury and protect your rights.
What are some common causes of amputation injuries at workplaces?
Amputations and dismemberment injuries can be the result of improper machinery maintenance, improper employee training, unsafe working conditions, or lack of safety guards or protective equipment. Fingers and limbs can be lost in various machines used for farming, construction and industrial work, such as:
- Conveyor belts
- Drill presses
- Food slicers
- Guillotine shears
- Meat grinders
- Mechanical power presses
- Metal-forming machines
- Milling machines
- Printing presses
Can the loss of a limb result from medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other health care provider deviates from standard care and, through negligence or error, causes injury or death. In your case, the injury may be the loss of limb or amputation complications. If your amputation injury was a result of a condition that was misdiagnosed or surgical complications due to negligence, then you may have a medical malpractice case. Learn more about making a medical malpractice claim.
