Traumatic loss of a limb frequently results in significant blood loss, shock, infection, and even death. Amputations often result from traumatic injury such as: Truck or automobile accident; Motorcycle accident; Factory or warehouse accident; Construction site accident; Industrial equipment malfunction; and Boating accidents.

Some amputations, however, are the result of non-traumatic circumstances, such as medical negligence, or the failure to the treat bed sores or other nursing home neglect. An amputation injury often causes a severe grief reaction in the victim and frequently results in serious depression. Prosthetic devices and rehabilitation are an integral part of the care and treatment of patients. Documenting the process through day in the life video are often the only way to convey to insurance companies or a jury the depth of the loss an amputation causes: physical, mental and emotional.