Losing a limb changes a person’s life drastically. It can affect their ability to earn a living, care for themselves, and perform hobbies they once enjoyed. Beyond the tremendous emotional toll an amputation can take, the costs of medical care, hospitalization, prostheses, and rehabilitation can be astronomical. If you lost a limb and someone else is at fault for your injury, you could receive compensation for these expenses. An amputation injury lawyer can help you pursue the money you deserve.
At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, we have one mission: to get justice for you. We provide dedicated legal services to relieve your stress and help you prepare for a better future. At our law firm, we know results matter. You can rely on us to leave no stone unturned to build a strong case and fight for the highest outcome for you. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced amputation injury attorney.
Types of Amputation Injuries
Amputation injuries fall into two general categories:
- Traumatic amputation – The complete loss of a limb due to a sudden injury or accident. A traumatic amputation can occur due to a workplace accident, car crash, explosion, product defect, or other event.
- Surgical amputation – A surgical amputation might be necessary if the injury partially severs a limb from the body. The risk of infection, disease, or tissue destruction may make amputation unavoidable if it endangers someone’s life.
When amputations are necessary, doctors try to preserve as much of the injured area as possible. This method gives the patient the best chance of regaining functionality with a prosthesis. Common types of upper-extremity amputation include:
- Hands
- Fingers
- Wrist
- Below-elbow
- Above-elbow
- Shoulder
- Above-shoulder
Removal of the lower extremities occurs at various levels, including:
- Toes
- Foot
- Ankle
- Above-knee
- Through-knee
- Hip
- Pelvis
Limb loss is a catastrophic injury. A successful personal injury claim can help offset these costs as accident victims adjust to a new way of life.
Long-Term Consequences of Amputations
The effects of amputation are more than physical, often impacting a person’s emotional and psychological health. Some long-term consequences of amputation include:
- Limited dexterity and mobility – One of the primary physical effects of a limb amputation is limited or loss of functionality. Moving freely and performing basic tasks is challenging. Many people require assistance in daily life.
- Phantom limb pain – This condition causes a sensation of pain where the missing body part used to be. It is unsettling and mentally draining.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – PTSD can develop after a traumatic experience like limb loss. Symptoms include depression, avoidance, flashbacks, irritability, trouble sleeping, and overwhelming shame or guilt. Other mental illnesses can accompany PTSD, such as depression or anxiety.
- Fatigue – Increased fatigue can result from an amputation injury because routine activities require more effort. Depending on the body part removed, an amputee must expel additional energy to walk, pick things up, shower, or prepare meals.
- Self-esteem and confidence issues – An amputation can affect a patient’s body image and identity, seriously impacting their overall mental health.
- Muscle contractures – An imbalance of muscles in the affected limb can cause the tightening and shortening of muscle fibers, reducing flexibility. Symptoms include decreased range of motion, pain, stiff muscles, and impaired joint mobility.
How an Amputation Injury Lawyer Can Make a Difference
Although amputees can live full and fulfilling lives, the journey is often painful and challenging. You shouldn’t have to deal with the legal aspects of your injury while adjusting to the other changes in your life.
An amputations lawyer from Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve. Without legal assistance, you’ll be left to negotiate with the at-fault party or their insurer alone, leaving you vulnerable to accepting a settlement far lower than you deserve. Remember, an insurance company is a for-profit business that will do whatever it can to save money.
With Robinette Legal Group, PLLC on your side, you get an advocate who will:
- Investigate the accident
- Collect evidence to establish liability
- Work with experts and specialists to obtain valuable information about your injury and its long-term effects
- Negotiate with the insurer for a full and fair settlement
- File an amputation lawsuit and take your case to trial, if necessary
Compensation Available for Amputation Injury Victims
Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you could receive compensation for:
- Medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, prosthetic equipment, medications, and rehabilitation like physical and occupational therapy
- Lost income
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- The cost of replacing or repairing any property damage in the accident
Statute of Limitations in West Virginia to File an Amputation Injury Claim
In West Virginia, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims gives you two years to file a lawsuit. You must file suit within two years of the accident date, or the defendant can have your case thrown out of court regardless of its merits. Some limited exceptions apply. Talking to a knowledgeable attorney can help you determine the deadline for your case.
Contact the West Virginia Amputation Injury Attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC
An amputation can alter your life, health, and future. The last thing you want to deal with during your recovery is a complicated personal injury case. Let Robinette Legal Group, PLLC take over and fight for you. Call us now for a free consultation with a trusted amputation injury lawyer with our firm.
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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