Removal of the Wrong Limb

An amputation is the total removal of a body extremity, such as a finger, arm, or leg. It may be either trauma-induced or surgical. Amputation that results from an accident of some sort – for example, you accidentally cut off a finger while using a chain saw – is trauma-induced. Premeditated amputation that is intentionally performed to remove a dead or dangerously infected limb from the body is known as surgical amputation.

Because human body extremities are not regenerative, once a limb is lost, it is gone for good. Therefore, surgical amputations are only performed when absolutely necessary. Common driving factors behind extremity removal include lack of circulation to the area, either due to trauma or a health disorder; cancer; deformities and extra digits; and finally, infections.

When a physician deems an amputation necessary, it is imperative that he or she removes the correct extremity. Though quite rare, the removal of the wrong limb is a medical mistake that unfortunately does happen. These negligent and unacceptable errors cause great, unnecessary pain and disability to the affected patients.

If a major limb, such as a whole arm or leg is incorrectly removed, then the patient will live the rest of his or her life at a great disadvantage once the correct limb has also been amputated. Patients who have suffered from these intolerable mistakes have the right to claim compensation for their great losses.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has suffered from the tragic medical mistake of wrong limb removal, then you have the right to claim damages for your devastating loss. The Washington medical malpractice lawyers of Fuller & Fuller can help you assert a strong and effective case. Contact us today by calling 1-800-570-4878.