As one of the most serious types of injuries, an amputation often dramatically changes the life of someone who lost a partial or full limb.
Although the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) states accidents that cause amputations can be avoided in most cases, this type of accident remains an issue for employers in many industries.
If you suffered severe trauma to a limb that required a full or partial amputation, your doctor might place permanent restrictions on you in the workplace. An amputation also might qualify you to receive Social Security disability benefits.
Back to topPermanent Restrictions You May Experience an Amputation
If an amputation prevents you from holding down a job, such as losing your dominant hand, you might be eligible to receive financial assistance. As a disabling condition, an amputation can lead to your physician placing several permanent restrictions in the workplace.
For example, if you lost a part of your leg because of a chainsaw accident, your doctor might forbid you from working with heavy machinery of any kind. Amputees often face permanent restrictions when it comes to the amount of time they are allowed to stand at work each day.
Fortunately, advances in science have helped many amputees get back to work. Here are a few ways medical care help an amputee resume a career.
- Treatments to heal the surgical wound
- Exercise that develop bones and muscles
- Use of an artificial limb
- Activities that improve motor skills
- Emotional support
- Training on how to use assistive devices
One of the keys for an amputee to have permanent restrictions removed by a doctor is to make the transition into living with an artificial limb.
Technological developments allow the manufacturers of prosthetic devices to produce artificial limbs that nearly mirror the function capabilities of natural body parts. This is especially true for prosthetic legs.
Back to topWork History and Job Skills
After an accident that requires an amputation, you should file a claim for Social Security disability benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
A team of medical examiners reviews your work history and job skills to determine whether an amputation has made it impossible for you to continue working at your current job.
You might have to undergo a Residual Functional Capacity (FRC) assessment after an amputation to determine which of your job skills can transfer to a different career.
Back to topCan I Perform Sedentary Work?
Since an amputation can cause permanent impairment, one of the questions you have to answer is “Can I perform sedentary work.”
The answer to the question depends on the type of amputation. Living with a prosthetic leg typically eliminates careers that require standing for prolonged periods.
However, some amputations involve the arms or hands, which means a desk job might not be the best fit for your skillset. You should answer the question “Can I perform sedentary work” by consulting with your physician.
Back to topSchedule a Free Case Evaluation
If you have undergone an amputation, your career prospects might be limited. However, with the advances in science, losing a limb no longer means you are resigned to a life of permanent restrictions in the workplace.
Working with a Social Security lawyer can help you navigate the Social Security disability system, as well as strengthen a claim for Social Security disability benefits. Your attorney can also recommend a physician to conduct an RFC.
Schedule a free case evaluation with a Social Security disability attorney to learn more about filing a claim for financial assistance.
Back to topAdditional Resources
- How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits with an Amputation
- Medical Criteria Needed to Qualify with an Amputation
