You are not alone. In 2003, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported
that during 1992-1999 over 80,000 amputations were performed as a result
of workplace injuries.
Any person whose negligent or intentional misconduct caused the injury may be held responsible to the injured person. This could include vehicle drivers, product manufacturers, construction site operators, owners of dangerous private or public property and others. The circumstances surrounding your situation or accident will help to determine who could be held responsible.
An individual or family who is learning to adjust to life with an amputation often has many costs that come with an amputation. In addition to past and current treatment, future medical care is extremely important with people who have undergone amputations, which may continue for the duration of the individual’s life. Rehabilitation and maintenance may be an ongoing cost.
Many amputees are candidates for prosthetics, or artificial limbs. Prosthetics can cost from $8,000-$100,000 depending on the limb lost, and whether it was a partial or full amputation. Often, insurance does not cover all costs related to the prosthesis, and the need for additional compensation arises. Most prosthetics need to be replaced periodically.
Additionally, as mentioned above, many amputees also need psychological support to help them adjust to losing a limb.
People who undergo amputations at times cannot work in the same job, as much, or even at all after the loss of their limb. The financial situation of the family can change because of a shift in income.
In all but a few states, these costs exceed far more than insurance will cover (if insurance covers anything at all), and families dealing with amputation turn to other sources of compensation to help with the financial burden. Further, workers’ compensation and disability schemes are not designed to fully compensate amputees for their costs and losses. However, other compensation options do exist for amputees.
