The fact that you had to receive an amputation in order to survive an accident is extremely hard for any person to digest. It is typical for a person to want someone to blame. The truth is, there is often someone to blame, or at least someone to point the finger at who is responsible for your injuries. If you or a loved one suffered following an amputation, hiring an amputation injury lawyer can help you more than you can imagine.
Types of Amputations
There are two types of amputations. The goal is to find an attorney who is experienced at dealing with both.
- Complete amputation- This is just what the name implies and involves the removal of a body part entirely. There are some cases in which the body part can be reattached. However, you should be sure to take proper care of yourself if this is your case, until you can get to a doctor.
- Partial amputation- This refers to an accident in which there is still some type of soft-tissue connection. There are some cases where the body part can stay, but others will need to be amputated completely. This depends on the level of care you receive, in addition to when the care was received and post-medical care.
Common Causes of Amputations
Catastrophic accidents typically cause amputations. While the specifics of an accident may vary, the most common causes of amputation injuries include:
- Dog bites
- Auto accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Premises liability
- Workplace injuries
- Helicopter accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Public transit accidents
Damages from Amputation Cases
When it comes to receiving compensation for an amputation, an amputated body part is considered 100 percent loss. This means that the victim will receive the entire number of weeks for their compensation.
If your amputation was the result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation from that particular party. Money that has been awarded in civil action cases is referred to as damages. There are various types of damage, including economic damage and non-economic damage.
Economic damage is considered quantifiable monetary losses that the victim experienced, including:
- Past and future lost wages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Future economic losses and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other out of pocket expenses
Noneconomic damages are much more difficult for the parties involved to come to an agreement on. These types of damages are intended to reward victims for the psychological effects of their injuries. Common non-economic damages awarded in amputation cases include:
- Disfigurement or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
Complications From Amputations
This is where hiring a lawyer is necessary. Many complications can arise from an amputation. People who have had a body part removed can end up with an array of issues. The most common issues are infection, excessive bleeding, and shock. All of these issues can be life-threatening. The most important thing you can do to improve your chances of obtaining the right care is by receiving medical care immediately following an accident. If you have done these things and still have complications, an amputation attorney can help you.
