Losing a body part is life-changing and requires significant adjustment. In many cases, modern prosthetics enable an amputee to function well, but the severe physical and emotional impact of an amputation is undeniable.
When you lose a limb in an accident or under other circumstances where you were not at fault, it is imperative you contact a Colleyville amputation lawyer right away. Our experienced catastrophic injury lawyers could help you seek justice and compensation against the people responsible for your injuries.
Common Reasons for Amputations
Amputations can be necessary for various reasons—often from another party’s negligent actions. For example, amputations can result from a medical professional’s delayed or wrong diagnosis or improper treatment. Additionally, hospital-acquired infections also can lead to amputations, for which the hospital has legal responsibility for a patient’s losses.
Accidents are another major cause of amputations. Vehicle accidents can cause devastating injuries that lead to amputation, such as when a passenger vehicle or truck hits a pedestrian or motorcyclist. Amputations can also be caused by accidents like:
- Electrocution
- Kitchen accidents
- Falls from a height
- Mishaps with power equipment and tools
Injuries leading to amputation often happen at work. When employers subscribe to the Workers’ Compensation program, injured employees can access healthcare and disability benefits through it. However, many Texas employers are non-subscribers. In these cases, a well-practiced Colleyville attorney representing could help the injured worker in need of an amputation sue the employer for negligence.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Damages in Amputation Cases
An injured person—or plaintiff—is entitled to enough compensation to put them in the same economic position they were in before they lost a limb. The compensation the plaintiff receives from a legal claim is called their damages. These damages are typically broken down into economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages reimburse injury-related expenses with a set cost, such as:
- Prosthetics
- Medical care
- Rehabilitation
- Occupational therapy
Additionally, economic damages include wages lost due to the injury. If the plaintiff cannot resume their former occupation because of the amputation, their economic damages include a sum recognizing their diminished earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the effects of the injury that cannot be assigned a dollar value. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.001(12) allows a plaintiff to seek damages for:
- Pain
- Inconvenience
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Lost enjoyment of life
A dedicated Colleyville lawyer could discuss potential economic damages and determine the non-economic damages for specific amputation cases.
Colleyville Amputation Injury Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Identifying the Responsible Parties
An amputee’s damages can be substantial, especially if they are young and the injury deprives them of their former employment. The responsible party’s—or defendant’s—insurance company typically pays the plaintiff’s damages, but their policy limits may not adequately cover the injured person’s losses.
To combat this, a skilled Colleyville amputation attorney could investigate the incident to identify other potentially liable parties. For example, if the plaintiff sustained their injury in a car wreck, there may be several responsible parties, including:
- The vehicle manufacturer if a mechanical issue contributed to the crash
- The bar or restaurant if the at-fault driver was drunk when the accident occurred
- The at-fault driver’s employer if they were on a work-related errand when the wreck happened
- Local government could also be liable if road maintenance/design or the actions of emergency medical personnel contributed to the accident
When more defendants are at the negotiating table—each with insurance coverage—there is a greater chance the plaintiff will recover the appropriate sum to support them in their recovery. However, it is vital for an amputee to get the support of an experienced legal professional to handle the negotiations.
Click to contact our Colleyville Catastrophic Injury Lawyers today
Rely on a Colleyville Attorney to Obtain Compensation After an Amputation
When you are adjusting to a life-changing event like an amputation, it is important to focus on yourself and your family. Holding the responsible parties accountable is a job for someone else. A seasoned Colleyville amputation lawyer could put their knowledge and experience to work for you and ensure you get justice and fair compensation for your losses. Call today to schedule a consultation.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form