Limb loss is devastatingly common across the United States. Statistics from the Amputee Coalition show that approximately two million people across the country have suffered amputations, and nearly 200,000 new amputations happen each year.
And as horrific as it may seem, unnecessary amputations often occur within medical institutions due to negligence on the behalf of a surgeon or other healthcare provider. If you’ve suffered from an amputation due to a doctor’s or healthcare provider’s negligent actions, speak with an attorney in Phoenix at our firm right away. You may be entitled to damages related to this serious medical error.
Causes of Health Care Related Amputations
The majority of amputations are necessary as a result of a traumatic accident that caused extensive and irreparable damage to the limb or appendage. For example, a car accident may warrant the need for an amputation or might lead to a traumatic amputation during the accident.
In other cases, complications from medical conditions might necessitate an amputation. However, some amputations would not be necessary but for the blatant errors of a medical professional.
Below are some possible health care errors that might lead to amputations:
- Healthcare-acquired infections
- Failure to treat/diagnose an infection
- Blood clots or circulation trouble during surgery
- Failure to diagnose tumors that may lead to amputation
- Errors in treating diabetic patients
- Amputating the wrong limb or body part during surgery
All of the above are preventable. For example, healthcare-acquired infections may be preventable with improved sanitization practices, more communication among hospital staff, and infection control standards. Work with an attorney to investigate the circumstances surrounding your healthcare-associated amputation so we can explore liability.
Who’s Liable for a Medical Error That Resulted in Amputation?
Doctors and health care providers are required to administer reasonable care to a patient. If a doctor amputates the wrong limb, fails to treat an infection properly, makes obvious errors in the diagnosis process, or causes an amputation for any other irresponsible actions, the doctor may be liable.
In order to prove liability, you’ll have to prove that the doctor or health care provider failed to act reasonably, and the lack of reasonable or skillful action was the cause of your amputation. A lawyer can help you collect and present evidence of negligence; thus, liability for your damages.
Recoverable Damages in a Case of Health Care Related Amputation
If you can prove the negligence and liability of the healthcare provider, you may be eligible to recover damages. Damages may be recoverable for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. While some states cap the amount of damages a plaintiff can receive in a medical malpractice case, there is no damage cap in Arizona, per Article 2, Section 31 of the Arizona Constitution.
If you’ve been the victim of an amputation that was caused by a healthcare provider’s negligent actions, you need to file a claim for damages immediately. In Arizona, the law stipulates that you only have two years to file a medical malpractice claim.
Speak with an Attorney about Your Case
Filing a medical malpractice claim can feel like a daunting process and may be the last thing that you want to do following such a serious healthcare-associated injury. If you’re a victim of medical malpractice, filing a claim for damages can help recover the money that you need to pay bills and recover losses. To handle all of the nitty-gritty legal details for you, contact an attorney in Phoenix at Snyder & Wenner, P.C. Contact us at 602-224-0005.