What is an Amputation Injury?
An amputation refers to the removal of an extremity for the health and safety of the patient, including fingers, hands, arms, feet, and legs. Amputations can be medically necessary due to illnesses such as cancer or diabetes. If there is poor blood flow to an area or a significant infection in a patient’s extremities, an amputation may be necessary to save the patient’s life.
However, illness is not the only cause of amputation. An amputation injury is when a patient requires an amputation after an injury caused by a traumatic event, such as a car crash or an accident at work. These amputations are often sudden, last-minute decisions that do not leave the patient enough time to process. They can lead to serious medical bills and a loss of income from being unable to work for an extended period.
Understanding Amputation Injuries and Their Causes
Amputations are not just done haphazardly. They are often a last-resort decision in order to save the life of the patient. It is a very intense procedure with a lot of room for complications, so for a patient to go through an amputation means that the traumatic event was serious.
An amputation injury can be caused by a variety of traumatic events. Some of the most common causes include the following.
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- ATV accidents
- SUV accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Train accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Crushing accidents
- Product defect accidents
- Lawn Mower accidents
- Severe burn injuries
The Side Effects of an Amputation
An amputation is a serious procedure that can lead to an extensive list of long-term repercussions. Some of the common side effects of an amputation include the following.
- Chronic pain caused by nerve damage
- Phantom limb pain, or pain in the extremity that is no longer there
- Difficulty with mobility, coordination, and balance
- Increased risk of falling
- Fatigue
- Deep vein thrombosis, or severe blood clots
- Mental health disorders caused by the traumatic event
- Medical complications
Los Angeles Amputation Attorney: Your Advocate for Justice
Having to endure a traumatic event such as a car crash and navigating the aftermath of an amputation injury can feel like sailing through a violent storm with no tools to tell you which way is north. You are left to the mercy of the waters, just holding on and trying your best to make it out to the other side.
Working with a first-rate amputation injuries attorney can put the power back in your hands. The Compass Law Group, LLP is ready to point you in the right direction and walk with you throughout the legal process. Our team of lawyers has the experience and knowledge to guide you through the legal process and get you the justice that you deserve. We know the legal system like the back of our hand, and we will always point you north towards justice.
Types of Accidents Leading to Amputations
As mentioned previously, there are various types of accidents that can lead to an amputation. They typically happen on the road, on a construction site, at your place of work, or in your home due to a faulty or defective product.
Driving any vehicle on the road has an inherent risk of injuries, some being severe enough to warrant amputation. This can include cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even semi-trucks. Though the road is not the only place an amputation accident can occur, a severe accident can occur while operating any sort of heavy machinery from construction equipment to a push lawnmower.
What's the Statute of Limitations for a California Amputation Injury Lawsuit?
A statute of limitations refers to the time frame in which a victim can legally file an amputation claim after the traumatic event that led to the amputation. If you do not file your claim within that window, there is nothing the legal system can do. You cannot earn compensation for the injury, and you will have to financially recover on your own. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to get in touch with an amputation accident lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible to begin building your case.
The exact window of time depends on the type of claim you are filing. If you are filing the amputation injury as a personal injury claim, then you have 2 years from the time of the incident or the discovery of the injury. On the other hand, if you decide to file a medical malpractice claim, you instead have three years from the time of the incident or the discovery of the injury.
What Can I Expect From an Amputation Lawsuit Settlement?
The legal process of obtaining an amputation lawsuit settlement can be long and arduous, but fighting for justice is worth the work. Compass Law Group, LLP is ready to stand by you in a court of law and fight for the compensation that you deserve. It can feel overwhelming to face all of the legal challenges after a traumatic amputation injury, but you are not alone in this fight. Our team of personal injury attorneys is ready to guide you through the process and get you the justice that you deserve.
What Damages Can I Collect From an Amputation Injury?
Losing a limb to amputation is not a medical procedure that you bounce back from quickly. It can take years of physical therapy and occupational therapy, and you will have to relearn how to do basic tasks such as getting dressed or walking around your home.
Not only can you collect damages for the medical expenses that come with treatments, but you can also receive damages for the treatment of your mental wellness and health. There are also damages from not being able to return to work as you recover.
Shared Fault Laws in California
California has a set of shared fault laws that include a comparative negligence rule. This means that the amount of compensation that you earn depends on how at fault you are for the incident. If the defendant of your case can prove that you were at some level of fault for the accident occurring, the amount of compensation you could earn begins to decrease. This is why it is crucial to get in touch with an amputation lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible to build a strong defense against any sort of claim such as this.
Adjusting to Life After an Amputation
The loss of a limb is a significant change in a patient’s life and can take time to recover from. There will be an adjustment period where you will need to relearn how to do certain tasks. If you have lost a lower limb, then you will need to relearn how to balance and walk around your home safely. Losing an upper limb means that you will have to relearn how to brush your hair or cook yourself dinner every night. It can be a difficult transition, so be sure to give yourself grace.
Call a Los Angeles Amputation Lawyer Today
At Compass Law Group, LLP, you are more than just another case to us. You are a human being who deserves compensation and justice in the legal system, and we are here to help you navigate the legal system. When you work with us, you can expect a personalized approach with clear communication throughout, along with compassionate support and aggressive advocacy. We are committed to excellence, and you will not pay us a dime unless we win your case and earn you the compensation that you deserve.
Looking to get in touch with a personal injury attorney? Contact Compass Law Group, LLP online or by phone at (310) 359-9418. Our team of legal experts offers complementary case reviews and consultations, and we are ready to help you.
FAQ
- Who is responsible for a traumatic amputation injury in Los Angeles?
The party responsible for a traumatic amputation injury varies depending on the case, from the manufacturer of a faulty product to the management at work who created an unsafe work environment. - Are there any special considerations for filing an amputation lawsuit in Los Angeles?
It is important to keep in mind that California has comparative negligence rules that can impact the amount of compensation that you can earn depending on your level of fault. - What are the time limits for filing an amputation claim in California?
If you are filing your amputation claim as a personal injury, you have 2 years from the time of the event. If you are filing it as a medical malpractice claim, then you have 3 years from the time of the event. - Is it possible to receive compensation for pain and suffering related to an amputation injury?
Yes, if you can prove that the traumatic amputation injury has led to significant pain and suffering, including a loss of quality of life, then you can receive compensation for it. - When does medical malpractice cause amputation injuries?
Examples of medical malpractice that leads to an amputation injury include surgery on the wrong part of the body, misdiagnosing the patient, giving the patient the wrong treatment, and failure to recognize post-surgical blood clots. - What if I cannot afford to hire a lawyer for my amputation case?
At Compass Law Group, LLP, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay us a dime for our legal services unless we win your case.
