Freeclaim Solicitors look at amputations after serious accidents

Amputation or loss of limb is a traumatic and devastating for many accident victims. It is estimated that there are around 5-6,000 people who undergo amputations to a major limb in the UK every year.  One of the main reasons for people having to undergo an amputation is if they have experienced a serious trauma, blast or crush injury to one of their limbs. 57% of upper limb amputations are caused by a trauma to the limb, and it is the most common reason for amputation.
 
Amputation injuries can include either traumatic amputations, where the limb becomes severed from the body at the time of the accident, or surgical amputations, where a limb has to be removed as a result of injuries sustained by an accident.
 
Two recent investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlight the dangers people can be put in, that could result in injuries that require amputation. In one accident, a man was filling gas cylinders with nitrogen and carbon dioxide, ready to be used in the drinks industry. The cylinder exploded, blasting the man, who had to undergo an amputation of his leg above his knee due to his injuries. If was found the company who were instructed to test the cylinders had not done an adequate job, which left the cylinder with an unsafe crack in it. The company were fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £60,000 in costs.
 
Another company were fined £8,000 and ordered to pay nearly £900 in costs, after an apprentice sustained serious crush injuries to his hand and had to undergo an amputation of his index finger. The apprentice was using a guillotine to cut metal when the accident happened. The metal was kept still by mechanical clamps, and the apprentice’s hand became trapped between the clamps and the blade of the guillotine, causing the crush injuries. It was found that the safety guard on the machine was not adequate, and had not been maintained to a safe level. Following the accident, the man suffered post traumatic stress disorder and still experiences aching and fatigue in the injured hand.
 
After a loss of limb, many people need help adjusting to life without their limb. Prosthetic limbs can be introduced, but these require extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation to be used effectively. It is crucial that amputees get the full support they require to help them get their lives back on track. This can include help with both psychological and physical rehabilitation, aids and adaptations to housing or transport, technology aids, occupational rehabilitation and ongoing care assistance.
 
Freeclaim Solicitors are independent personal injury solicitors who can help. Not only can they help claim compensation after amputation or loss of limb, they can also help arrange the vital treatment and rehabilitation needed following such a serious accident. They work with a range of medical professionals and trusted experts to arrange the correct treatment tailored to your needs. To find more visit their website today http://www.freeclaim.co.uk

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