Susan Kang Gordon, a Professional Law Corporation advocates for elderly nursing home residents who have undergone amputations as a result of negligent care. Our legal team understands the deep emotional and physical toll these cases take on patients and their families.
We offer individualized representation, aiming to obtain fair compensation and drive meaningful improvements in nursing home care standards. Our goal extends beyond financial recovery; we strive to enhance the overall quality of life and dignity for seniors throughout the Bay Area by holding negligent facilities accountable and promoting systemic changes.
Amputations in nursing homes are alarmingly common, with more than half of all amputations among the elderly resulting from preventable conditions like neglect and inadequate care. Each year, approximately 185,000 amputation procedures are performed in the United States, and a significant portion of these occur in long-term care facilities.
Residents over the age of 85 are at the highest risk, and nearly 60% of all non-traumatic lower limb amputations happen to those with diabetes. These figures highlight a troubling trend where substandard care can lead to life-altering consequences for elderly patients. With proper medical attention and timely intervention, many of these amputations could be avoided.
Lower extremity amputations are the most frequent type of nursing home limb amputations. Below are some common types of amputations and their impact on senior patients:
This procedure involves removing the leg below the knee, near the middle to upper tibia (shinbone). For elderly patients, preserving the knee joint is crucial, as it significantly aids in rehabilitation and mobility. Losing the knee makes it more challenging for patients to regain independence and can complicate the use of prosthetics.
Transfemoral amputations involve removing the leg above the knee joint. This type of amputation places extra stress on the cardiovascular system due to the increased effort required for mobility, such as maneuvering a wheelchair using upper body strength. It is associated with a higher risk of complications and slower rehabilitation.
Partial hand amputations involve removing a finger or thumb. This amputation type substantially hinders gripping and holding abilities, complicating everyday activities. Hand prosthetics often prove less effective, potentially causing a marked decrease in patients' quality of life.
Early detection and timely intervention can make a significant difference in preventing severe outcomes. Watch for the following symptoms and seek immediate medical evaluation if they occur:
Amputations among nursing home residents can arise from both medical conditions and instances of neglect. While some cases are unavoidable due to serious health issues like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, many are tragically preventable.
Poor care, inadequate monitoring, and delayed medical intervention in nursing homes can turn manageable conditions into life-altering amputations. Understanding the common causes behind these devastating outcomes is essential to protecting the health of elderly patients in long-term care facilities. Below are some of the primary factors contributing to amputations in nursing home settings.
Diabetes is a leading cause of amputations among nursing home patients. Effective diabetes management requires regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, appropriate medication, and a carefully controlled diet.
In nursing homes, inadequate staffing and lack of proper training can lead to lapses in this crucial care. Without consistent blood sugar control, patients are at risk of developing complications like diabetic foot ulcers, which can easily become infected. Reduced sensation due to diabetic neuropathy means that these ulcers often go unnoticed until they are severely infected.
If untreated, the infection can penetrate deeper into the tissue and bone, necessitating amputation to prevent the spread of the infection. This outcome is avoidable with proper care and attention, making it all the more tragic when neglect plays a role.
Poor circulation is a critical issue for many nursing home patients, especially those suffering from PVD. The reduced blood flow caused by PVD can lead to chronic pain, non-healing wounds, and an increased risk of infections. Without adequate blood supply, the body’s ability to heal is severely compromised, and even minor injuries can become serious threats.
Nursing home negligence in managing poor circulation — such as failing to provide compression therapy, monitor symptoms, or refer patients to specialists — can result in preventable amputations. Early intervention and consistent monitoring are key to managing PVD and preventing the devastating consequences of amputation.
Gangrene develops when a part of the body’s tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply, often linked to conditions like diabetes or PVD. It typically affects the extremities, such as the feet and hands, and can progress rapidly without prompt medical treatment.
The affected area becomes discolored, painful, and swollen, and if left untreated, the gangrene can spread to other parts of the body. In advanced stages, sepsis can occur, putting the patient’s life at risk. Amputation is sometimes the only way to stop the spread of infection and save the patient’s life.
Proper management of underlying conditions and early intervention are crucial, but neglect in recognizing and treating the signs of gangrene can lead to devastating outcomes.
Elderly patients are more susceptible to infections due to weakened immune systems and poor circulation. In nursing homes, untreated or inadequately managed infections, such as cellulitis or osteomyelitis, can quickly escalate, leading to severe complications.
When infections spread to the bone or bloodstream, amputation may become the only viable option to prevent life-threatening conditions like sepsis.
Nursing home injuries resulting from poor care, such as improperly dressed wounds or unhygienic conditions, contribute significantly to the risk of infections. Proper infection control and timely medical intervention are vital in preventing these serious outcomes.
Pressure sores, commonly called bedsores, often arise from inadequate care in nursing homes. These painful injuries occur when residents are not regularly repositioned, causing prolonged pressure on specific body areas that impairs circulation and damages skin and underlying tissues.
Without proper treatment, bedsores can worsen, potentially leading to deep, infected wounds that extend to the bone. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary to halt the spread of infection.
Proper prevention of bedsores requires vigilant care, including frequent repositioning, routine skin checks, and adequate nutrition. However, these essential practices are frequently neglected in understaffed facilities, contributing to an increase in amputation cases stemming from substandard care.
Nursing home falls represent a primary source of injuries among elderly residents and significantly contribute to amputation cases. Seniors with mobility issues or impaired vision are particularly vulnerable.
When nursing homes fail to implement adequate fall prevention strategies — such as proper supervision, provision of necessary mobility aids, or effective safety protocols — they put residents at risk of severe injuries like fractures.
Post-fall complications, including deep vein thrombosis, infections, or compartment syndrome, can escalate to requiring amputation if not managed promptly and effectively. Implementing robust fall prevention measures and ensuring swift, appropriate responses to injuries are crucial in minimizing amputation risks within nursing home environments.
When a loved one loses a limb due to nursing home abuse or neglect, a lawsuit can be a crucial step in seeking justice and compensation. Nursing home amputation lawsuits aim to hold facilities accountable for failing to provide the necessary care and attention that could have prevented such severe outcomes.
Every case is different, and consulting with a legal professional experienced in these matters is essential for understanding your options and the best course of action. A free case evaluation can help determine whether pursuing a lawsuit is in your loved one’s best interests.
Nursing home residents who experience amputation due to substandard care may have grounds for substantial compensation. These cases are often intricate, frequently requiring family members to advocate on behalf of their elderly relatives in legal proceedings.
Skilled legal counsel can assist families in navigating compensation claims, potentially covering various damages, such as medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, emotional trauma, and associated financial hardships. Pursuing these claims serves the dual purpose of mitigating financial strain and seeking accountability for the severe physical and emotional suffering inflicted.
At Susan Kang Gordon, a Professional Law Corporation, we recognize that amputation cases are not just legal matters — they're deeply personal tragedies. Our approach combines rigorous legal strategy with empathetic support. Each client receives individualized attention, ensuring their unique circumstances and needs are fully addressed.
By choosing our firm, you're partnering with a team that:
Our firm is helmed by Susan Kang Gordon, whose exceptional legal acumen has earned her widespread recognition. Her honors as Trial Lawyer of the Year from both San Francisco and Ventura County Trial Lawyers Associations reflect our commitment to achieving justice for our clients.
