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Amputation

What to Expect After an Amputation

The most important goal of a victim’s treatment, from the operation to rehabilitation and the fitting of the prosthesis, is to restore his or her mobility. Whether a victim has known about amputation surgery for a while or recently found out due to a car accident or other event, it is important to understand that amputees are not alone. The procedure may be necessary if a diseased or injured limb does not heal and if the patient’s life is in jeopardy as a result.

Possible causes include a congenital malformation of the limb, cancer, accidents, infections, or circulation issues. If you or someone you love needs an amputation as a result of an accident or condition that developed due to the fault or negligence of another, contact the Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys at (888) 222-8163 to learn more about your legal options.

What Happens after an Amputation?

Immediately following the operation, the focus will be on the patient’s recovery as well as the healing of the residual limb. Both are equally important so that the patient may begin rehabilitation and be fitted with a prosthesis. After the procedure, the residual limb will be treated with a special bandage in order to prepare it for the future prosthesis.

There are three treatment goals during the initial period after the operation: A patient’s residual limb should be able to bear weight, a patient should have little to no pain, and a patient should be able to move his or her residual limb optimally in all directions.

Once a patient is fitted with a prosthesis, a physical therapist will show him or her how to put on and take off the device, how to care for both the residual limb and the prosthesis, and how to clean and manage the gel liner and sock ply. An occupational therapist will then assist the patient in addressing his or her self-care needs and daily living activities, including toilet and tub transfers, dressing, bathing, and household chores.

A rehabilitation team will work with the patient to assist him or her in adapting to community re-entry through mobility training in a variety of settings, including uneven terrain, stairs, ramps, and curbs. This team can also assist the patient in making arrangements for environmental modifications such as clothing, appliances, ramps, bathrooms, workplace or home changes, and automobile adaptations necessary for driving.

Before a patient leaves, he or she will likely receive resources on how to help him or her cope and manage with the transition to everyday life challenges. Additionally, the presiding healthcare provider will likely provide documentation to discuss the management of post-amputation pain and will schedule additional appointments to ensure that the patient is recovering as expected.

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today

If you or someone you love has undergone an amputation as a result of an injury caused by the negligence of another, you may have legal recourse. The personal injury attorneys at the Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys understand how devastating this time can be, and it is our goal to help our clients to recover the maximum damages to which they may be entitled by holding the appropriate party responsible. To schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how the Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys can help you today, please call us at (888) 222-8163.