Amputations Resulting from Medical Malpractice

Losing a limb is a life-changing event that can have profound physical, emotional, and financial consequences. While some amputations are unavoidable, others occur due to preventable medical errors. When a healthcare provider’s negligence results in the loss of a limb, the impact on the patient’s life can be devastating, and people who suffer amputations because of medical malpractice have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. If you lost a limb due to a doctor’s carelessness, it is critical to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The dedicated Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers understand the overwhelming challenges amputations resulting from medical malpractice can cause, and if we represent you, we will zealously pursue justice on their behalf. We regularly represent victims of medical negligence in medical malpractice cases in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York.

Amputations can result from a variety of medical errors. For example, mistakes like the failure to properly diagnose or treat conditions like infections, circulatory problems, or diabetes can lead to severe complications and necessitate the removal of a limb.

In other instances, surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient’s body, can also lead to the need for amputation. Additionally, improper administration of medication, such as giving the wrong drug or dosage, can cause adverse reactions or exacerbate existing conditions, ultimately requiring amputation.

The aftermath of an amputation extends far beyond the initial surgery. Patients often require extensive rehabilitation and may need prosthetic devices, which can be costly and require ongoing maintenance. Furthermore, many amputations cause chronic pain, emotional distress, and a reduced ability to perform daily activities or return to work.

As such, amputation victims will often pursue compensation through medical malpractice claims against the healthcare providers responsible for their harm. To succeed in a medical malpractice lawsuit, the plaintiff typically must demonstrate that the defendant was negligent.

In New York, proving negligence requires the plaintiff to show that the defendant owed them a duty, which is generally the duty to offer care that aligns with the accepted and good practice of medicine. This standard of care refers to the level of skill and care that a reasonably competent healthcare provider in the same field would have provided under similar circumstances. The plaintiff then has to prove that the defendant breached the duty owed by departing from the standard of care and that, in doing so, directly caused the plaintiff to suffer actual harm.

In amputation cases, establishing that a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care typically requires expert testimony. A medical expert in the relevant field will explain what measures and treatments were necessary under the standard of care and how the defendant’s actions fell short. For instance, if a doctor failed to diagnose a condition that eventually led to amputation, an expert might testify that a competent doctor would have recognized the signs of the condition earlier and taken steps to prevent the loss of the limb. Expert testimony is typically required to connect the defendant’s breach to the plaintiff’s harm as well.

If the plaintiff successfully demonstrates the defendant’s fault, they may be able to recover compensation for a range of damages, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In light of the significant impact an unexpected amputation has on the victim’s life, the compensation awarded can be substantial.

If you suffered an amputation due to a medical professional’s negligence, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney to determine your rights. The capable Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers are mindful of the devastation medical negligence can cause, and if you hire us, we will gather the evidence needed to provide you with a good chance of achieving a favorable outcome. We regularly represent injured parties in medical malpractice lawsuits in Syracuse and in Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York. To arrange a confidential and free conference, you can reach us through our online form or by calling us at 833-200-2000.