One of the most unimaginable forms of medical malpractice is the loss of a limb. While any type of mistake on behalf of a surgeon or other healthcare provider can be devastating, an amputation can cause physical and psychological damage.
If you or someone you love was the victim of a serious type of mistake, such as an incorrect amputation, compensation may be available. For help in understanding the legal options you may be able to pursue, contact a New York medical malpractice lawyer.
Causes of an Amputation Stemming from Medical Malpractice
There are a variety of causes that could lead to this type of traumatic mistake. One cause is when a patient has a limb amputated, but the wrong one is taken.
Damage can be done to a limb if a patient receives the wrong dose of medication, or if it is administered incorrectly, it may result in the surgeon having to amputate.
A doctor may give a misdiagnosis with the only option being to amputate. However, it could be discovered later on that the diagnosis was incorrect, and the amputation wasn’t necessary or that a less radical procedure was an option.
When blood clots develop after surgery and they aren’t detected or treated, it could lead to amputation of the leg(s), or if an infection develops in any of the limbs and it is not treated, it could spread to a point that taking the limb is the only way to save the patient’s life.
These are just some of the possible causes for an amputation to occur stemming from a medical mistake. No matter what led to yours, it could result in you filing a claim against the healthcare provider who was at fault.
Damages in a Medical Malpractice Case Involving an Amputation
The loss of a limb can affect a patient financially, physically and emotionally. But it can also impact the ability to work and enjoy life.
As a result, you may now be disabled permanently. Damages for your disability, including earning potential, may be available. You could also be eligible to receive compensation for a reduced quality of life.
Medical expenses, including your doctor visits, hospitalization, medication, assistive devices and other treatment, could be recovered. If you are going to require future medical care, it also may be included.
Other damages could include lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, reduced quality of life, and more. In some circumstances, you may be able to obtain punitive damages.
Contact a New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer
As the victim of a devastating medical mistake, you will want to secure legal counsel as soon as possible to preserve evidence and move forward with your claim quickly.
A New York medical malpractice lawyer can help determine who was liable for your amputation, collect the evidence that proves it and demonstrate the impact it has had on your life. It’s important to have legal counsel that will fight for all of your rights when you face a traumatic injury.
With limited time in which to pursue this type of case, you will want to act quickly. Don’t delay in obtaining legal counsel and starting the process of trying to seek compensation that you deserve for the serious injuries you have sustained.
You can help protect your case and your rights by contacting a New York medical malpractice lawyer at Gacovino Lake & Associates. Our law firm serves residents of the 5 boroughs of New York City and clients nationwide. For experienced help with your medical malpractice case, contact us today at 800-246-4878.
