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Amputations Caused by Car Accidents

Summary

  • Amputations caused by car accidents are among the worst injuries anyone can suffer.
  • Victims may suffer limb amputations or even multiple amputations.
  • The financial impacts of an amputation include substantial medical bills and lost wages due to an inability to work.
  • A car accident attorney can work to help an injury victim recover all of their accident-related damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and many more.

People who suffer amputations caused by car accidents not only have to deal with the physical consequences of their loss, but also emotional and financial consequences. They deserve compensation, and a skilled car accident lawyer can help them get every dollar they have coming.

Here, we take a closer look at the most common types of amputations and how auto attorneys fight for victims’ rights.

The Jones Law Group has a team of auto accident attorneys with a long track record of helping injury victims get the money they deserve. If you suffered an amputation or another type of catastrophic injury in a car wreck that wasn’t your fault, please call (727) 571-1333 or contact us online for a free consultation. 

Types of Amputations Caused by Car Accidents

About 30,000 people suffer traumatic amputations in the US yearly. Car accidents are the most common cause. An amputation can happen during the crash itself, or afterwards at a hospital when a surgeon amputates a body part that is injured beyond repair. Surgical amputation is commonly associated with severe crush injuries.

Amputations caused by car accidents can encompass a wide range of catastrophic injuries. Each entails its unique challenges and implications for the victim’s life. These amputations may involve the loss of any part of the body, from fingers and toes to entire limbs. 

The following is a brief look at each of the types of amputations caused by car accidents.

Limb Amputations

Limb amputations involve the removal of an entire arm or leg, either above or below the affected joint. Car accident victims who undergo limb amputations often face significant physical and emotional challenges as they adjust to their new circumstances.

Mobility is one of the primary concerns for individuals who have undergone limb amputations. Losing a limb can drastically impair a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. This can include everything from walking, cooking, and driving to engaging in recreational activities. 

Even with the use of prosthetic limbs, many amputees require extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy to relearn basic movements and regain functional independence.

In addition to physical limitations, limb amputations can also have profound psychological effects on victims. Many amputees experience feelings of grief, loss, and depression as they come to terms with the permanent changes to their bodies and lifestyles. 

Adjusting to life with a prosthetic limb or without a limb altogether often requires ongoing emotional support and counseling to address these complex emotions.

Partial Amputations

While not as severe as complete limb loss, partial amputations can still have significant implications for a person’s ability to function and perform daily activities. Losing even a small portion of a limb can affect dexterity, grip strength, and overall mobility.

People who have undergone partial amputations may require specialized medical interventions. For example, they may need reconstructive surgery or prosthetic devices to restore function and appearance. Rehabilitation efforts often focus on strengthening remaining muscles and improving coordination to maximize functional outcomes.

Despite being less severe than complete limb loss, partial amputations can still have a significant impact on a person’s psychological well-being. Many individuals struggle with body image issues and feelings of self-consciousness following a partial amputation. 

Counseling and support groups can be valuable resources for addressing these emotional challenges and promoting adjustment and acceptance.

Multiple Amputations

In some cases, car accidents may result in the loss of multiple limbs, further compounding the challenges faced by victims. Multiple amputations can have a devastating impact on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Amputees often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation to address.

People who have undergone multiple amputations caused by car accidents have considerable challenges performing the daily activities most of us take for granted. They may also need substantial modifications to their living environment to accommodate their needs.

The Financial Impact of Car Accident Amputations

Amputations caused by car accidents can impact a person’s ability to work and earn a living. Many amputees face barriers to employment due to physical limitations or discrimination. This can lead to financial hardships for amputees and their families. 

The ongoing medical expenses associated with prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling can also place a significant burden on victims and their loved ones. 

These costs can quickly accumulate, straining the victim’s finances and impacting their ability to provide for themselves and their families. Many amputees can’t return to work in their previous capacity, leading to lost income and reduced earning potential.

How Car Accident Attorneys Pursue Fair Compensation

If you’ve had the terrible misfortune of losing a limb in a car accident caused by someone else, you deserve compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial losses you’ve incurred. An experienced auto accident lawyer can be crucial in helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.

The following are a few of the ways your car accident attorney will go about doing precisely that.

  • Gathering evidence: Your auto accident attorney will work to collect evidence to support your claim. This evidence may include video footage of the accident, witness statements, expert opinions, police reports, and medical records. They’ll work to build a strong case proving the other party’s negligence and liability for your injuries.
  • Calculating damages: After collecting evidence, your car accident lawyer will consult with vocational professionals, economists, and medical experts to assess your damages. This includes economic damages (medical bills, lost income, etc.) and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Your accident injury lawyer will also negotiate with the insurance company to convince them you deserve maximum compensation for your injury. The insurer will try to reduce or deny your compensation. However, your car accident attorney will know how to counter the insurer’s tactics.
  • Litigation: Your auto accident attorney will be ready to take the case to court if negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement. They use their litigation skills, courtroom experience, and evidence to present a compelling case before the court. 

The Jones Law Group is Standing By to Help

If you have survived a car accident that resulted in amputation, you life may look markedly different in the aftermath. Our accomplished auto accident attorneys are ready to demonstrate the value of your damages to help you recover fair compensation.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the Jones Law Group to learn more about how we can help you obtain the justice you seek. Schedule a free evaluation by using our online form or calling (727) 571-1333.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive compensation for an amputation caused by a car accident?

The length of a case largely depends on its complexity. It also matters whether or not the at-fault party’s insurance company offers a fair settlement. If a settlement occurs, victims may receive compensation within a few weeks. If the case goes to trial, it could take several months or longer. 

What factors determine the amount of compensation a victim receives for an amputation?

The amount of compensation a victim receives depends on several factors. This includes the severity of the injury, the impact on their life, the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, lost income, and the skill of the personal injury attorney representing the victim.

Can I file a lawsuit for an amputation caused by a car accident if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

Yes, you can still pursue legal action for an amputation caused by a car accident, even if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. Your auto accident attorney can explore other avenues for compensation. For example, they can file a claim with your insurance company or seeking compensation from other potentially liable parties.

What if the insurance company denies my compensation claim?

Your personal injury attorney can appeal the decision and continue negotiating for a fair settlement. Your legal team can also file a car accident lawsuit and take the case to court if necessary.

About the Author

Heath Murphy is a partner at Jones Law Group and focuses on personal injury law. He has been working as a lawyer for 18 years and routinely writes about auto accidents, wrongful death, and personal injury laws.

Read more: Heath’s Bio