What Do Illinois Amputation Statistics Reveal About Personal Injuries?

Exploring Illinois Amputation Injury Statistics With Nationally Recognized Personal Injury Lawyers

Illinois amputation statistics demonstrate that limb loss is an unfortunately common cause of disability nationwide. If you or someone you know is navigating the complexities of life after an amputation, contact our experienced Chicago amputation injury lawyers today to learn about your legal options. 

Illinois Amputation Injury Statistics

• Data from the Illinois Department of Health noted that there were 33,775 cases in nine northern counties between 1987 and 2004.
• Researchers from Northwestern University analyzed the above data. The results revealed that in metropolitan Chicago, residents of largely African-American zip codes were five times more likely to suffer an amputation than those in white-majority areas.
• Another study by researchers at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) noted that 3,984 amputations occurred in the state between 2000 and 2007. 
• Research demonstrates that between 2000 and 2007, thumb amputations were the most common (42.5%), followed by fingers (38.2%) and hands (8.6%).

Studies suggest that these numbers underrepresent the prevalence of injuries. After completing a review of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, researchers concluded that the organization may have undercounted workplace amputations by as much as 55% between 2000 and 2007.

What Are The Leading Causes of Amputations in Illinois?

Chicago amputation injuries may be attributed to a variety of events, which include:

• Work Injuries: Between 2000 and 2007, there were 2,344 amputation-related workers’ comp cases compared to an estimated 3,984.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-speed crashes, rollovers, or crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists can result in catastrophic limb damage that may require surgical removal.
• Medical Malpractice: Poor infection control, wrong-part surgeries, and negligence can all result in adverse outcomes for patients.  

How Do Illinois Amputation Stats Compare to National?

Studies demonstrate that thumb, finger, and hand injuries are more common here, suggesting a higher degree of occupational injuries than may be prevalent elsewhere. Additionally, Black individuals are more likely to suffer amputations than the national average, demonstrating the serious socioeconomic disparities at play.

A study compared Illinois and national work-related data to find that men were overrepresented in the data compared to national averages. However, this study had a publication date of 2012, meaning that there may be significant variations that have not yet been analyzed.

Nationwide, there are approximately 464,644 amputations annually.

• Lower-body amputations (83% of cases) are more common than upper-body amputations (17%).
• There are more than 250,000 toe amputations annually.
• There are around 170,000 lower leg amputations and 120,000 upper leg amputations annually. 
• Foot amputations (120,000 cases) and finger amputations (110,000 cases) are also common, while other body parts are less frequent. 

Common Risk Factors for Amputations

A report by Avalere Health identified a strong connection between certain health conditions and amputation. These specific conditions were overrepresented amongst amputees:

• Diabetes: 57.6% of amputees
• Infections: 42.8%
• Vascular Disease, Such as Peripheral Arterial Disease: 39.3%
• Ulcers: 37.7%
• Osteomyelitis: 26.5%
• Traumatic Injury: 12.9%

Multiple conditions may occur together, increasing the potential for surgical intervention. In addition to these statistics, further review finds these troubling stats:

• A foot ulcer precedes 85% of diabetes-related lower-limb amputations. 
• Nearly 50% of the individuals who undergo an amputation due to vascular disease will die within five years. 
• The number of amputations caused by diabetes increased by 24% between 1988 and 2009. 
• Up to 55% of subjects with diabetes who undergo a lower extremity amputation will have a second amputation within two to three years. 

Amputations have serious consequences, including issues with participating in social activities, holding employment, or simply enjoying time with friends and family. 

The Human Cost of Amputations

• An estimated 2.3 million Americans are missing at least one extremity. 
• The above figure is estimated to reach 3.6 million in 2050. 
• Another 28 million Americans are estimated to be at risk of amputation surgery. 
• The mortality rate among these individuals is 18.5%. 
• People of color experienced higher mortality rates than white Americans. The rates were 20.2% in men of color versus 18.5% for white men.
• Women of color had a 25% mortality rate compared to 18.3% for white women. 
• 69% of amputation patients are male compared to 31% for women. 

The majority of cases are estimated to be among older adults. Amputation rates by age are as follows:

• Infants under the age of one: 0.2% of cases
• Children aged 1-17: 1% of cases
• People aged 18-44: 11% of cases
• People aged 45-64: 46% of cases
• People aged 65-84: 36% of cases
• People above age 85: 6% of cases

The lifetime healthcare costs for people with limb loss amount to $509,275, compared to $361,200 for those without these injuries.

• In 2014, hospital charges for patients who underwent an amputation totaled $10 billion. 
• The cost of a new prosthetic leg ranges between $5,000 and $50,000. 
• Prosthetics are used for only three to five years, requiring multiple replacements.

The timing of receiving a prosthesis post-operation significantly impacts the overall healthcare costs for patients. Patients who started prosthetic use within the first three months after surgery saw the greatest savings, with costs reduced by approximately 21% in comparison to those who did not receive a prosthesis. 

Patients who received a prosthesis between four and six months post-operation had only about 2% lower costs than those without a prosthesis, indicating minimal savings. Those fitted with a prosthesis between seven and nine months post-operation experienced a cost reduction of approximately 5%.

The highest costs were incurred by patients who received their prosthesis between ten and twelve months post-operation, with expenses increasing by around 59% as opposed to those who did not receive prosthetics. 

36% of amputees experience depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 92% of patients indicated that a peer visit substantially improved their outlook, and over 75% are estimated to belong to at least one support group.

Support groups for amputees sent surveys to participants to understand why they joined the groups. Those who responded listed the following reasons:

• Obtaining information about living after amputation: 21.3%
• Networking with other amputees and healthcare professionals: 18.8%
• Making new friends: 13.1%
• Learning about new technology and acquiring new skills: 11.9%
• Learn about new amputee support services: 10%
• Learn about new amputee support technologies: 8.1%
• Unspecified or other reasons: 5%

In addition to seeking support from fellow amputees, victims can take legal action against the responsible parties with the help of amputation lawyers from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. We will review your case, analyze the factors that contributed to your injury, and negotiate with the relevant insurance agency to seek compensation. 

Should You Speak With An Amputation Injury Lawyer?

If you believe your injury may have been due to another person’s negligence, then it is crucial to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. There is a statute of limitations of two years for personal injury cases (735 ILCS 5/13-202), so immediate action is crucial. 

We will identify the factors that may make another person liable for your injuries. If you were in a car crash, we’ll assess whether the negligent party was breaking the law. In Chicago, it’s illegal to go more than 30 mph on a city street (9-12-070), but many ignore this. 

For medical malpractice, we can use case precedent, like Darling v. Charleston Community Memorial Hospital, to prove that the hospital had a duty of care to you and should have prevented complications.

We will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and, if necessary, take your case to trial. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we earn you compensation. 

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Our team has helped over 5,000 clients, gaining over $450 million in compensation. Call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced injury lawyer. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.