One of the most devastating work injuries is the loss of a limb. Losing an arm, leg, finger or other extremity can be catastrophic, requiring long-term physical therapy and the potential for permanent disability. In addition, the mental trauma of losing a limb can be extremely difficult, leading to depression and other psychological issues. Loss of a limb can occur immediately during an accident or damage to a limb could lead to amputation by a medical professional later.

Common Surgical or Traumatic Amputations

There are several ways that someone can lose a limb during a workplace accident. In some cases, the injuries are fairly mild, like the loss of the tip of a finger when a saw blade slips. However, there are other incidents that can lead to the loss of a limb that may be life-threatening. A crush injury to a leg could lead to amputation at the hospital or workplace machinery could amputate an arm causing severe blood loss as well as the loss of a limb. A limb means any of your extremities, including fingers, toes, hand, foot, leg or arm.

Causes of Loss of Limb Workplace Injuries

There are many accidents in the workplace that can lead to the loss of a limb. The most common causes of workplace loss of limb accidents include:

• Limbs caught in machinery
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Saw accidents
• Limbs crushed by power, hydraulic or pneumatic presses
• Heavy objects falling and crushing limbs

The loss of limb may not occur immediately. Amputations sometimes occur at a later time when infection or other complications occur that result in an inability to save the limb.

If You’ve Suffered from Amputation or Dismemberment

If you have suffered a loss of limb accident at work, you are eligible for workers’ compensation. Your employer must provide you with coverage even if you are partially or completely at fault for the loss of your limb. Workers’ compensation covers your medical bills, lost wages and some other expenses that result from the loss of your limb. However, in Pennsylvania, you may also be eligible for specific loss payments in addition to those provided by workers’ compensation. For example, the loss of a hand qualifies you for 335 weeks of additional benefits and provides for a 20 week healing period. The amount of compensation is based on your average weekly wage.

If you or a loved one have suffered a loss of limb accident, contact Lundy Law today to learn what rights you may have. Loss of limb compensation is complicated and we will work with the insurance company to be sure you receive the compensation for which you are entitled. Hiring an attorney does not mean you plan to sue your employer. In fact, you are not permitted to sue your employer for a workplace injury in Pennsylvania under most circumstances. Lundy Law will just work with the insurance company to be sure your compensation meets the requirements of the law. Schedule your initial consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing the easy form on our website.