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Understanding what a degloving injury is begins with acknowledging the trauma such an event brings. When skin and underlying tissue are forcibly torn from the body, the result is more than a surface wound—it’s a medical emergency with lasting physical and emotional consequences. These injuries are typically severe, often exposing muscle, bone, or tendons, and they demand urgent care, surgical intervention, and extended recovery.
At O’Brien & Ford, we’ve helped people across Buffalo, NY, face these unimaginable injuries—and we’ve fought to get them the compensation and care they deserve.
The term “degloving injury” refers to a devastating trauma in which skin and the tissue beneath it are forcibly separated from the body, often described as similar to peeling off a glove. Though these injuries can happen anywhere, they are most frequently seen on the arms, legs, hands, and feet, where movement and machinery pose a higher risk. Exposure of muscle, tendons, or even bone is common, and the damage often extends far beyond what’s visible.
Protecting the Injured in Western New York.
While a degloving injury can occur almost anywhere, we’ve seen it most commonly affect:
These areas are especially vulnerable due to their exposure or involvement in movement and impact during accidents.
Degloving injuries vary based on the body part affected and the mechanism of injury. Common types include:
These injuries aren’t just surface-level wounds—they often lead to nerve damage, compromised blood flow, and infection, all of which require aggressive treatment.
Degloving injuries are usually caused by high-impact, shearing forces that pull skin and soft tissue away from the body. These situations can include:
Preventable safety failures often contribute to these injuries. When someone’s carelessness leads to another person suffering a traumatic injury like this, the law allows the injured party to pursue compensation.
Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer. Choose the 2’s. With over 80 years of combined experience, the Buffalo personal injury lawyers at O’Brien & Ford, PC are here to fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today at (716) 222-2222 to schedule your free consultation with one of our top-rated attorneys.Top-Rated Personal Injury Lawyers
Even after surgery, recovery from a degloving injury can be slow, painful, and incomplete. Some of the long-term issues clients have faced include:
These consequences affect not only physical health but also one’s ability to work, earn a living, and maintain a quality of life.
Recovering from a degloving injury can require multiple surgeries, long-term physical therapy, and psychological counseling. Medical bills alone can easily reach six figures. Victims in Buffalo have the right to file a personal injury claim when someone else’s actions or negligence caused their injury.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
Every case is different, and damages depend on factors like the severity of the injury, how it affects daily life, and who was at fault. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but a strong legal case, built with expert medical records and witness testimony, can result in a fair settlement or court award.
What is a degloving injury? This kind of injury shakes everything—your health, work, and sense of normal. But there’s a way forward. O’Brien & Ford stands with victims across Buffalo who are fighting to recover from severe, life-altering accidents. Tell us what happened. Let’s look at your options. We’re here to guide you toward what comes next—with real answers, not empty promises.
Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.
Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Chris O’Brien, who has more than 33 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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