An amputation is the loss of a body part, most often arms, legs, fingers, hands, toes, or feet. When a body part is severed in an accident it is called a traumatic amputation. Traumatic amputation victims are at great risk for very serious complications such as infections, shock, bleeding, and even death.
Common causes of amputation accidents are improper maintenance of machinery, unsafe working conditions, lack of safety guards, insufficient employee training, and lack of proper protective equipment. Proper supervision, safety training and adequate safety procedures can help prevent amputation accidents.
If you have an amputation accident at your place of work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits from your employer and potentially civil damages against the manufacturer of the equipment causing the amputation. An amputation injury also triggers an extended maximum period of temporary disability..