Amputation changes your life forever. Even if you make an excellent physical recovery, every aspect of your life is affected. The life-long costs of amputation may be far higher than you anticipate, with ongoing medical and the need for replacement prosthetics over the years. The loss of a limb takes a psychological toll, as well leaving many with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an altered sense of self.
We serve injured victims throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. If you or a loved one have experienced an amputation due to an accident, call the Cole Law Office at 800-909-LAWS (5297) or contact us online. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your personal injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
Accidents Resulting in Amputation Injuries
Traumatic amputation occurs during an accident, when limbs or digits are severed. Medical amputation is sometimes necessary when injuries are so severe that the body part cannot be saved. Medical amputation can be necessary when a person is harmed by a defective drug or by medical malpractice. And sometimes, amputation is the medical error, when amputation surgery is performed on the wrong body part or wrong patient.
Examples of the types of accidents that can result in amputation include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Airplane accidents
- Railroad accidents
- Equipment accidents
- Construction accidents
- Work-related accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Medical malpractice
- Accidents involving defective products
More Than Physical Harm
Amputation is both physically and psychologically traumatic. It can rob you of your ability to enjoy the activities you used to take for granted and prevent you from earning a living in your chosen line of work. Amputation can have consequences including:
- Anxiety
- Severe depression
- Loss of self-esteem
- Altered sense of self
- Avoidance of social situations
- Withdrawal from family life
- PTSD
Compensation for Amputation Injuries
Amputation injuries can be very expensive. You may need ongoing medical care. You may not be able to return to the work that you did before your injury, or at the same earning level. Special equipment may be needed, including prosthetics. Prosthetics are very expensive and must be replaced over the years, even if they are not damaged because your body changes over time. You may be able to recover compensation for economic and noneconomic damages including:
- Existing and future medical expenses
- Existing and future lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Prosthetics and other mobility aids
- Adaptive equipment for your vehicle and a vehicle that can be appropriately modified
- Home modifications
- Help with tasks you can no longer perform
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life