Amputations involve the traumatic or surgical removal of a limb or an appendage from the body. Construction accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic amputations. Only about five percent of the construction accidents in California each year involve amputations, but as opposed to most other construction accident injuries, amputees experience permanent disability and disfigurement. Their families also suffer along with them.

There are several different causes of construction accident amputations. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, some of the most common causes are improper handling of tools, machinery and equipment, falls from heights and being crushed by heavy objects. The consequences of these amputations force a victim to try to adapt while completing what used to be simple and routine tasks. There are other tasks that an amputee may never be able to perform again.

The loss of a hand, arm, foot or leg will require the use of a prosthetic device for purposes of mobility, motion and performing job tasks. More than just one course of physical rehabilitation will likely be needed. Prosthetic devices must be replaced and refitted every few years, so their costs must be figured into the amputee’s future. Many amputees remain employable, but it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to physically perform their of old job. Costly and lengthy new job training will be in order.