Charlotte Amputation Accident FAQs

There are many causes of limb amputations, including the following:

• An injury at a construction site
• A motor vehicle crash
• A defective product
• A fire
• An explosion
• Machinery that malfunctions
• Insufficient safety training in the workplace
• Unsafe working conditions
• Medical malpractice

Anytime limbs and appendages are near heavy machinery, there is a potential for amputations. In fact, all of the following types of heavy equipment and workplace machinery have been involved in workplace amputations:

• Metal forming equipment
• Mechanical power press
• Guillotine, or knife cutting shears
• Meat grinders
• Drill press
• Printing press
• Milling machines

There are several risks related to limb amputations. The limb amputation surgery itself can be extremely dangerous, especially when the victim has suffered other traumatic injuries. Limb amputations can cause shock, excessive bleedings, infection, and even death. Ketoacidosis, gangrene, and nerve damage are also associated with limb amputations.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are two million people in the United States with a serious amputation injury. These amputations require adjustments to the amputees' Activities of Daily Living. Workers enjoy certain rights when it comes to being protected from amputations, such as:

• Working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm
• The right to receive training in how to prevent amputations at work
• The right to file a complaint with OSHA or a personal injury lawsuit without retaliation from employers

Many amputations happen at workplaces across the United States. Employers have a duty to provide employees with reasonably safe working conditions. Using reasonable care includes providing secure and strong guards for those operating heavy machinery. Employers should also make sure their machines are well-maintained to prevent accidental amputations.

Training is a key part of preventing amputations. If your employer did not provide you with adequate safety training, and your lack of training caused the accident that resulted in your amputation, you may have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Our legal team can evaluate your case and help you determine whether or not you have a right to compensation for your amputation injury.

When your amputation injury happens as a result of someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek financial compensation. You will need to prove your case in a North Carolina court. The plaintiffs must prove that the defendant's actions or inaction caused your severed or amputated limb or appendage.

There are many different people and companies who could be financially responsible for amputation injuries. Potential personal injury defendants include construction workers, motor vehicle drivers, trucking companies, employers, the manufacturers of products, property owners, and medical professionals.

When another business or individual causes your amputation injury, you are entitled to financial damages. Successful plaintiffs can recover economic and non-economic damages for their amputation injuries. Economic damages include all of your past, present, and future medical expenses. They also include lost wages, a loss of future earnings, and any out-of-pocket expenses.

Non-economic damages include damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, emotional anxiety, a loss of enjoyment in life, loss of convenience, and an inability to participate in activities you once loved. If you have suffered an amputation caused by someone else's negligence, we can help. Contact our Charlotte law firm for your case evaluation today.