Amputation injuries are the most severe injuries from a physical and emotional standpoint. Losing a finger, limb, foot or toe can be a catastrophic injury that results in lifelong future treatment. We understand the difficulty that can result from this type of injury particularly in physical demanding jobs. An amputation injury can result in a permanent loss of work.
We have extensive experience handling these cases. In the past year, we have handled two amputation injury cases that occurred in manufacturing positions. In both cases, we were able to obtain a fair and equitable settlement that permitted the injured party to recruit past medical bills, future medical, lost wages, future lost wages and pain and suffering.
Oftentimes, employers cut corners on safety and do not provide proper regulations and equipment to workers. As part of a lawsuit, we are able to uncover typical manufacturing practices, handbooks or manuals related to safety and the testimony of managers, co-workers and others. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 people report to the emergency room for finger amputations each year.
Some of the most common positions that place workers at risk for amputations are as follows:
- Offshore
- Manufacturing
- Power plant
- Auto/mechanic
- Industrial
- Heavy machinery
Another important component of an amputation case is presenting the permanent damage to the Court and jury. We work with the best experts in the field who will document this damage and detailing the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in required treatment over the injured party’s life.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) uncovered some of the most common machinery that can cause amputations or debilitating workplace injuries, including:
- Mechanical power presses
- Power press brakes
- Powered and non-powered conveyers
- Printing presses
- Roll-forming and roll-bending machines
- Food slicers
- Meat Grinders
- Meat Cutting band saws
- Drill presses
- Milling Machines
- Shears, grinders and slitters
OSHA has provided guidelines regarding work practices, employee training and administrative controls to help prevent and control amputation risks at work. We have extensive experience obtaining the necessary information to prove negligence.