In some life-threatening situations, an amputation can save a person’s life. However, these amputation injuries are considered a form of medical malpractice when done for the wrong reason. Amputations should only be executed in the most dire of situations. This means that a doctor needs to be absolutely sure of the diagnosis and also be aware of other options available. Additionally, they require your and your family’s permission in emergency situations.
If you suffered wrongful amputation, you might be owed compensation for your loss. Your amputation injury attorney can defend your right to a settlement after your doctor made the catastrophic mistake. Speak to our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to review your medical malpractice case. While the medical negligence evidence is still fresh, your attorney can investigate the reasons behind your amputation and find justification for why it was wrong. You can receive a settlement based on your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other damages resulting from this medical malpractice. Contact Ogg, Murphy, & Perkosky today to get a free consultation in Pittsburgh.
Common Causes of Amputation
You should only receive an amputation for a valid reason, and it must be performed correctly. Undergoing the procedure and receiving negative results can be harmful. Some common reasons for amputation include:
Traumatic Amputation
Automobile accidents are the main reason for all adult amputations and account for 8% of juvenile amputations. 6.1% of amputations involve the use of firearms. Fingers and toes are typically amputated as a result of accidental firearm use. Above and below the knee amputations were caused by intentional firearm use. Guillotine amputations, in which a body part is abruptly cut from the body, are commonly caused by tools like saws. Traumatic accidents that cause excessive tissue damage can also result in amputation.
Cancer
Primary bone cancer or soft tissue sarcoma in the arm or leg may be treated by amputation surgery. Usually, a malignancy in an arm or leg can be removed without amputating the entire limb.
Infection
Blood poisoning and severe sepsis take place when a body is dealing with drug-resistant germs, which can circulate through the body. Sepsis can impair blood flow and result in tissue death, particularly in the hands, feet, toes, and fingers. If antibiotic medications cannot control the illness, severe sepsis can be fatal. Amputating the affected limb or appendage can prevent a deadly infection from spreading.
Blood Vessel Diseases
Most non-traumatic amputations are caused by diabetes mellitus and peripheral artery disease (PAD). When the damage has spread too far, this can create neuropathy and increase the chance of an infection. Badly damaged tissues caused by PAD or diabetes can also result in the inability of wounds to heal.
Examples of Wrongful Amputation
In some circumstances, it can be obvious if someone was harmed due to the negligence of their doctor or surgeon. In other cases, it is more difficult to differentiate whether they suffered medical malpractice or if the surgery was necessary. Speaking to an amputation attorney can help clarify whether you should seek compensation in a personal injury claim. Examples of wrongful amputation include the following:
Confusing Markings
The limb that will be amputated will be marked by a medical practitioner before the surgery. If symbols that have been inscribed get smudged, this could pose an issue. To avoid mistakes, the surgeon should mark their initials on the area being amputated.
X-rays Were Misinterpreted
X-rays and additional imaging scans could have been placed backward, resulting in them being misinterpreted. Before surgery, doctor use x-rays and other forensic scans for an overview of the patient’s body. Doctors may think that the wrong body part needs to be amputated if these scans are positioned improperly.
The Wrong Patient
The wrong patient could be placed on the operating table. These mistakes can happen if a clinic is overburdened. Amputation errors also occur if patients have similar names or qualities that get them easily confused.
Incorrect Consent Forms
Consent documents are used by surgeons to verify that their patients have authorized an amputation. A wrong-site amputation can happen if the medical personnel or nurse who initially filled out the form specified the incorrect limb.
Wrong Site Amputation
When a patient experiences a wrong-site amputation, they may suffer from depression and other emotional damage because they have to lose both limbs. These types of injuries include:
- Wrong site surgery happens when the doctor is operating in the wrong area.
- Incorrect-side surgery happens when the doctor is operating on the limb opposite to the correct one.
- Unsuitable patient surgery happens when a doctor is performing an operation on the wrong patient.
- Correct procedure surgery occurs when the doctor is performing the right procedure but is doing it incorrectly.
These errors are likely a result of incorrect paperwork, poor communication, inattention, and other systemic flaws common to hospitals. Even if you get the incorrect limb severed, you still need the appropriate amputation. You can lose both hands, arms, legs, and feet as a result.
Failure To Diagnose
It is negligence when a doctor fails to diagnose your condition, misdiagnoses it, or delays your diagnosis. You may receive an unnecessary amputation or need it sooner. Both conditions can result in damage to your health.
Why Do You Need to Hire Pittsburgh Amputation Lawyers?
A Pittsburgh amputation lawyer can stand up for your right to be compensated after you were badly injured at no fault of your own. Pittsburgh amputation lawyers can identify who is liable for your amputation injury. They also investigate your surgery to uncover how the problem occurred.
Your attorney can hold the doctor or healthcare facility liable for your serious injury with reliable evidence. Medical malpractice should never be taken lightly. Our amputation firm in Pittsburgh will calculate all of the economic and non-economic damages owed to you. We work on a contingency fee basis that does require you to pay upfront. Call Ogg, Murphy, & Perkosky now to schedule your free consultation with our highly educated attorneys.
Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C’s main office is located at 245 Fort Pitt Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, only about 8 minutes from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, just over a mile away from The Andy Warhol Museum, and about 2 minutes away from the Point State Park. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is only 12 minutes away. Gary Ogg, Mike Murphy, John Perkosky, David Houk, and Ben Gobel, the principal attorneys at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C, are your trusted source for addressing personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. With a proven history of expertise and success, Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky ensures your legal representation instills confidence in every aspect of your case. Call our Pittsburgh law firm today at (412) 471-8500 with further questions.