It is difficult to imagine living without one of your limbs or extremities, but statistics reveal that amputations occur somewhat frequently in the US. According to the Amputee Coalition, the nation’s leading organization on limb loss, almost two million Americans have sustained amputations, and that number increases by 185,000 every year. While some individuals lose a limb because of medical conditions, 45 percent of all amputations occur because of accidents. Victims’ lives are forever changed as they suffer devastating physical, financial, and emotional losses.
While you may realize that you have legal options after suffering an amputation, you may not know how these cases work under Virginia law. You can trust our team at the MichieHamlett Law Firm to handle the process, enabling you to recover and adjust after such a horrific tragedy. Please contact our office right away to schedule a no-cost case evaluation with a attorney. An overview of the basics may also be helpful.
Common Causes of Amputation Injuries
While the details of every case are different, victims lose limbs because of careless acts or omissions. The legal term for liability is negligence, and it requires you to prove that the at-fault party breached the duty to exercise reasonable care when acting. When this breach was the direct cause of the accident in which you suffered amputation, you can recover compensation. Examples of accidents that cause amputation injuries include:
- Car accidents;
- Truck collisions, particularly because of the size differential compared to passenger vehicles;
- Motorcycle collisions, often because the rider is not protected by a metal shell and will usually be ejected upon impact;
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents;
- Slip, trip, and fall incidents;
- Accidents in the workplace; and,
- Many others.
Compensation for Amputees
Motorists, property owners, and businesses carry liability insurance to protect their financial interests, you typically start the claims process by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. In some cases, you may be able to resolve your claim through settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount of monetary damages, you may need to take your case to court.
At the MichieHamlett Law Firm, our team has years of experience dealing with insurers and extensive litigation skills. We strive to ensure you receive full compensation for your devastating losses after an amputation, including:
- Medical costs;
- Lost income, especially since amputation is typically considered a permanent disability;
- Future earning capacity, if you are unable to work or limited because of your amputation;
- Pain and suffering;
- Diminished quality of life;
- Emotional distress; and,
- Losses that affect your personal relationships.
Speak to a Virginia Amputations Attorney for Free
If you suffered an amputation in an accident caused by negligence, it is essential to retain skilled legal counsel to assist with your remedies. Our lawyers at the MichieHamlett Law Firm are prepared to fight for your rights, so please contact our office to set up a complimentary consultation. One of our amputation lawyers can advise you on your options after reviewing your circumstances.