What Happens if I Lose a Limb in an Accident?

Losing a limb is traumatic. But most amputee patients can live an independent and productive life, provided they receive the proper medical care. Talking to a New York City personal injury lawyer at Douglas & London can be your first step towards this.

Your body does not define you

In the past, amputations were performed in haste and with a high risk of post-surgical complications. Thankfully, this is no longer the case, thanks to 21^st-century medical care. However, losing a limb is still a devastating ordeal, both from a psychological and lifestyle perspective. Here are some of the many challenges:

Getting used to a prosthesis: Today’s prosthetic limbs are more lifelike and advanced than ever before. Nevertheless, using one as skillfully as possible can take months or even years of determined effort and patience.
Adapting to a new lifestyle: Often, those who lose an arm must relearn how to perform basic tasks such as brushing their teeth, combing their hair, or preparing a meal.
Facing stereotypes: Unfortunately, many people see those with physical handicaps as being more fragile or less capable. Dealing with this inaccurate and unwelcome stigma can make life stressful for those recovering from a serious accident.
Managing feelings of depression, grief, and inadequacy: In many cases, the biggest struggle is learning how to rebuild confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of independence.

Making the most of your life going forward

Most people who have lost a limb can go on to enjoy productive, fulfilling lives. Some of the resources available to help them include:

Prosthetic limb technology: Prosthetics have advanced by leaps and bounds over the past 50 years. Many people with a prosthesis can regain most of the abilities they enjoyed before their accident.
Mobility aids: Such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and canes.
Living in place adaptations: Today, most individuals can stay at home. But this can require extensive renovations to the home environment. Common examples include grab bars, wheelchair ramps, shower stalls, and appliances that offer seat-level access.
Supportive counseling and physical therapy: To enable the person to make the most of their life going forward– while managing psychological challenges such as grief, depression, and feelings of inadequacy.

Who pays for all of the above?

As you may imagine, these cutting-edge forms of technology and therapy are costly. That’s where a personal injury lawyer comes into the picture. They can help you to obtain the compensation you deserve. Here’s how:

By standing up to insurance companies and at-fault parties on your behalf: Hiring a skilled attorney sends a clear message to the other side. It lets them know that you expect courteous treatment and a speedy, fair resolution of your concerns.
By uncovering crucial pieces of evidence to bolster your side of the story: You can bet that opposing counsel will do everything possible to poke holes in your case. That’s why you need a law office with high-powered investigative skills.
By connecting you with skilled, caring professionals: Many personal injury law firms enjoy excellent working relationships with highly regarded physicians, therapists, and other experts who can help you to live a better life.
By keeping you up-to-date as your case progresses: Good personal injury law firms keep their clients apprised of each new development as it occurs. There’s nothing like a little information to relieve a lot of worries.

The skilled attorneys here at Douglas & London have recovered more than $18 billion for their clients over the years. They can help you, as well. Our firm is known throughout the New York City metropolitan area for its ethics, integrity, and absolute devotion to our clients.

Contact us for a free consultation

Get in touch with Douglas & London today to schedule your free consultation. A member of our staff is available 24/7 to speak to you. When life knocks you down, we can help you to get back up.