Amputation caused by accident is the loss of a limb or partial limb because of an accident. In some cases, a limb is amputated by mistake – such as in a wrong limb amputation case – and may be categorized as medical malpractice. If a limb is amputated because of a preventable accident, the negligent party may be held responsible in a personal injury lawsuit. For example, a drunk driver crashes into another car and the impact causes amputation of a limb. Amputation is classified as a catastrophic injury because it is life-changing. In some cases, the amputation means the person cannot work again or will need to change careers. Recreational activities and the ways that the injured party used to enjoy life will be permanently changed.
If you have lost a limb or partial limb because of a medical error or as the victim of a preventable accident, contact a local personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able. He or she can evaluate the cause of the amputation, the damages it caused and discuss your legal rights. If negligence can be proved as the cause of your amputation you may be able to recover damages in the form of monetary compensation for lost wages, medical bills, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional trauma and pain and suffering. An accident attorney also offers peace of mind so you can focus on recovery; when an injury lawyer takes a case they handle tasks such as gathering medical records, communicating with insurance agencies, dealing with medical bills, communicating with the defense attorney, and interviewing witnesses.
Types of amputation caused by accident
The two types of amputation caused by accident are traumatic amputation and surgical amputation.
- A traumatic amputation happens when a limb is amputated because of an accident, while the accident is happening.
- A surgical amputation is when a surgeon removes a limb or partial limb such as a finger because of infections or injuries caused by the accident.
Common causes of amputation accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Farming/agricultural accidents
- Car accidents
- Firearm/explosives accidents
- Building and car door accidents
- Electrocution
What is my amputation accident case worth?
Like all types of personal injury settlements, damage awards vary widely based on the severity of the injury, the impact of the injury on the person’s life and the financial losses associated with the injury; past, present and future. For example, losing a finger would have a very different impact on a person’s life than losing a leg and a person earning $30,000 per year has smaller lost wages than a person earning $150,000. An attorney will be able to assess all damages and advise their client on a reasonable settlement.
The Seattle personal injury attorneys at Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC have years of experience representing families harmed by medical malpractice and other types of negligence. We seek justice for patients who have been harmed by preventable accidents and medical errors including birth injuries, hospital-acquired infections, diagnostic errors, prescription drug injuries and wrongful death in Seattle and across Washington State. There are no fees or expenses to file a personal injury case as we only receive payment if we recover damages on your behalf. Do not delay; personal injury claims come with a Statute of Limitations, which means they must be filed within a certain time frame of the injury.
Call us now at (206) 752-4366 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate, experienced attorneys.