Amputation/Loss of Limb

Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong limb or causing unintended damage, can necessitate an amputation. Additionally, errors in post-operative care, such as failing to monitor for infections or blood clots, can lead to complications requiring amputation.

Delayed or incorrect diagnosis of conditions like infections, vascular diseases, or tumors can result in the need for amputation. For example, if a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a severe infection in time, it may spread and cause irreparable damage, necessitating the removal of the affected limb.

Providing incorrect or inadequate treatment for injuries or medical conditions can also lead to the loss of a limb. This includes not following established medical protocols or failing to provide timely and appropriate care.

In Georgia, to succeed in a medical malpractice lawsuit involving amputation, the plaintiff must prove that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused the need for amputation. This often involves demonstrating that the provider failed to meet the standard of care expected in similar circumstances. Expert testimony is required to establish what a competent provider would have done differently.

Victims of medical malpractice resulting in amputation can seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the provider’s conduct was particularly egregious. Getting the right medical malpractice attorney involved is especially important in cases resulting in amputation or loss of limb.