Amputating a limb is a life-changing procedure. Although the surgical wound may heal within two months, the physical and psychological effects last for many years. Dealing with the reality of losing a limb can be extremely challenging and traumatic. You may require extensive physical and occupational therapy to adapt to life without your limb, which can be expensive.

Many amputees experience a wide range of emotions after limb removal, including grief and bereavement. Having a limb removed is a psychological challenge as much as it is a physical one. You may have issues coming to terms with your new body image, feel frustrated without the use of your limb, and experience a legitimate sense of loss.

Amputation is frequently required due to a catastrophic injury that was not your fault. If the cause of the accident wasn’t your fault, then the cost of recovery shouldn’t be your responsibility. At Wagner Reese, we fight to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Amputation Recovery Timeline

After your surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for up to two weeks. This time allows your doctors to monitor your recovery process closely and reduces the risk of post-surgical complications, such as infection or edema.

You may also be assigned a physical therapist to help you stretch and strengthen the remaining limb to improve your mobility. The therapist can also help you learn how to transfer between your bed and other surfaces, use a walking or reaching aid, and manage daily life skills.

After leaving the hospital, you will need to manage your wound care for six to eight weeks while the surgical site fully heals. During this time, you may be fitted for a prosthesis. While you wait for the permanent prosthesis to be fabricated, you’ll be fitted with a temporary, preparatory prosthesis.

Your limb needs to reach a stable size and no longer experience any swelling before your permanent prosthesis can be attached. This may take between two and eight months.

The Cost of Amputation

Amputation is not simply another routine surgical procedure. It is a life-altering event. Many long-term costs are involved, creating more challenges in your life after amputation.

If your injury resulted from an accident at work, you may be entitled to a permanent physical injury payment. This includes loss of wages, payment of medical bills, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. The Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board (IWCB) provides information about workers’ compensation and can help resolve disputes.

Your employer is obligated to address this issue, but many workers are never told of the benefits they are owed. Additionally, the settlement that companies offer may not match the figure calculated by the IWCB. This is why it is vital to enlist the help of Indianapolis catastrophic injury lawyers to ensure you get what is owed to you.

What Compensation to Request

After amputation, it can be challenging to manage legal battles alone. Navigating these possibilities after such a life-changing event may be daunting, but knowing what you may be owed is essential.

Medical and therapy bills

Surgery, rehabilitation, and therapy are crucial when recovering from amputation. Adjusting to your new life can take months and even years. Physical rehabilitation involves consistent physical and occupation therapy.

The emotional fallout of losing a limb requires counseling which is an additional cost. These are all costs you should consider when seeking catastrophic injury compensation.

Adaptive equipment and refitting your house

Many amputees require a wheelchair after losing limbs. If you are eligible for an artificial limb, it must be custom-made and fitted. Your compensation claims can include the cost of buying wheelchairs, artificial limbs, and other equipment such as scooters and axillary crutches.

Additionally, your house may need to be refitted with stairlifts, wheelchair access, and accessible toilets to continue to live comfortably. Your car may also require updating to use it after your amputation.

Quality of Life

Even after you recover from your amputation, your life has permanently changed. It may be challenging to return to your normal activities. You may be out of work for an extended period and could face reduced wages upon returning.

Or you may be unable to enjoy the same hobbies and quality of life from before your injury. These outcomes can affect your financial well-being and your emotional health.

Seeking Compensation with Wagner Reese Injury Lawyers

Wagner Reese can help you receive fair compensation for a catastrophic injury caused by negligence. We understand the long-term effects of amputation on you and your family.

Our experienced lawyers use expert witnesses like doctors and economists and assessments from authorities like the IWBC to build a strong case. We represent you in the courtroom and work hard to recover compensation for your catastrophic injury.

Contact Wager Reese Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation about your injury claim.