The sudden and unexpected loss of a limb is a profound event that changes a person’s life in an instant. These traumatic amputation injuries, often resulting from serious accidents, begin a long journey of physical and emotional healing. While the path forward can seem challenging, it’s a journey of incredible resilience, supported by modern medical care and a legal system designed to provide financial stability when another’s carelessness is to blame.
A traumatic amputation is the partial or complete severing of a limb—such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot—during a serious accident. Unlike a surgical amputation performed in a controlled medical setting, these injuries are violent, unexpected, and life-threatening. The first priority for medical responders is to control bleeding and treat for shock to save the person’s life.
In Oklahoma, these devastating injuries can happen in many different situations. Some of the more common causes include:
These examples highlight how an accident caused by another party’s actions or inaction can completely alter a person’s life and ability to function.
The medical journey following traumatic amputation injuries is complex and highly individualized. The goal is not just to heal the physical wound but to help the individual regain as much function, mobility, and independence as possible. This process unfolds in several critical stages.
The first step in treatment is surgery. Surgeons work to clean the wound thoroughly to prevent infection, remove any damaged tissue, and smooth the bone. They then shape the remaining part of the limb, often called the residual limb, in a way that will be optimal for a future prosthetic fitting. This initial procedure may be one of several surgeries required to ensure the limb heals correctly. During the hospital stay, the medical team focuses on:
This phase is critical for setting the foundation for a successful long-term recovery.
Once the initial wound begins to heal, rehabilitation starts, often while the person is still in the hospital. A team of specialists, including physical therapists and occupational therapists, creates a personalized plan. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles in the residual limb and the rest of the body to prepare for using a prosthesis. Occupational therapy helps individuals re-learn how to perform daily activities, from getting dressed to cooking a meal, using new techniques and adaptive equipment.
This rehabilitation is an intensive process that requires determination and a strong support system.
A prosthesis is a custom-made artificial limb designed to restore function and appearance. The process of getting a prosthesis begins once the residual limb has healed and the swelling has gone down, which can take several weeks or months. A specialist called a prosthetist will take detailed measurements and create a mold to build a device that fits securely and comfortably.
There are many types of prosthetic devices, including:
Prosthetics are sophisticated medical devices that are very expensive and typically need to be replaced every three to five years due to wear and tear or changes in the residual limb. These ongoing costs are a major financial consideration for anyone who has experienced a traumatic amputation.
Recovery from a traumatic amputation extends beyond the physical wound. Many individuals experience a phenomenon known as phantom limb pain, where they feel pain or other sensations in the limb that is no longer there. According to the Amputee Coalition, phantom limb pain is a real sensation that originates in the brain and spinal cord, and it requires specific medical treatment.
The emotional and psychological adjustment is also a major part of healing. It is completely normal to experience feelings of grief, anger, anxiety, or depression. Adjusting to a new body image and different physical abilities takes time. Mental health support, including therapy and support groups, is a vital part of the recovery process, helping individuals build emotional resilience and adapt to life after limb loss.
When a traumatic amputation is caused by someone else’s negligence, the injured person has the right to seek financial compensation through a personal injury claim. Negligence is a legal term that means another party failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused the injury. For example, a driver who was texting and caused a crash or a company that failed to maintain its equipment properly could be considered negligent.
In Oklahoma, it’s important to be aware of the state’s statute of limitations. Here, an individual generally has two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This makes it important to understand your legal options sooner rather than later.
A legal claim for traumatic amputation injuries seeks to recover compensation, often called damages, for the full range of losses the person has suffered. These damages are typically broken down into two main categories.
Economic Damages cover the measurable financial costs associated with the injury, including:
Non-Economic Damages are intended to compensate for the intangible, personal losses that don’t have a specific price tag, such as:
These damages are meant to acknowledge the profound, personal impact of the injury and provide the financial resources necessary to live the fullest life possible.
Pursuing a legal claim for traumatic amputation injuries can be a difficult process, especially when you are focused on your health and recovery. An experienced personal injury attorney can manage the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to concentrate on what matters most.
A legal team can provide critical support in several ways:
Here are answers to some common questions people have after sustaining a life-altering injury.
Oklahoma follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Under this rule, you can still recover damages as long as your share of fault is not greater than the combined fault of the other parties (meaning you are 50% or less at fault). Your final compensation amount would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were found to be 10% at fault, your award would be reduced by 10%.
The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company. However, preparing every case as if it will go to trial is the best way to build a strong negotiating position and show the other side you are serious.
A life care plan is a comprehensive report prepared by a certified expert that details an individual’s future medical needs and their associated costs. For traumatic amputation injuries, this plan is crucial because it accounts for a lifetime of expenses, including future surgeries, physical therapy, new prosthetics every few years, medications, and potential in-home care.
Yes. The emotional and psychological toll of a traumatic amputation is a very real and significant part of the injury. Compensation for mental anguish, emotional distress, PTSD, and depression falls under the category of non-economic damages and is a key component of a personal injury claim.
Recovering from a traumatic amputation injury is a journey that requires physical, emotional, and financial resources. If your injury was caused by the negligent actions of another, you should not have to carry the financial burden alone. The attorneys at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers are dedicated to obtaining justice for individuals who have suffered serious injuries in Tulsa and across Oklahoma.
Our legal team has a comprehensive knowledge of personal injury law and is committed to providing compassionate, personal service. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. Let us put our experience to work to protect your rights and help you secure the resources you need for your future.
Contact Graves McLain Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
