Amputation is the removal of a body part by trauma or surgery. Traumatic amputations often occur in serious accidents when a victim loses a limb. In addition to the severe physical and emotional pain, loss of a limb also has a negative impact on the victim’s quality of life. For example, many amputees end up with short-term or long-term disabilities and are no longer able to earn a living. In addition, they often are no longer able to carry out normal daily functions and must rely on others just to get through the day. When a lost limb is the result of another party’s negligence, the victim has the right to seek full compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one is suffering because of someone else’s negligent act, you should seek the counsel of an aggressive Chicago amputation injury attorney to help you recover full damages.
Common Reasons for Amputations
Nearly two million Americans are living with amputations. Fingers, hands, arms, toes and legs are the most common body parts affected. Several types of accidents can cause amputations, including:
- Auto Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Train Collisions
- School Bus Accidents
- Aviation Accidents
- Workplace Accidents
- Construction Zone Accidents
- Ladder and Scaffolding Accidents
- Defective Consumer Products
- Medical Malpractice
Serious accidents involving head-on collisions, rollovers, explosions and electrocutions pose an even greater danger of amputation injuries because body parts are often crushed, twisted, fractured or burned. Another major cause of amputations is medical malpractice. When doctors and medical staff make errors during surgery or other procedures, body parts can become severely infected. And if antibiotics do not cure the infection, amputation might be the only solution.
Damages in Amputation Injury Cases
Amputations are very costly for victims and their families. The medical bills alone are expensive and will continue to be for the rest of the victim’s life. In addition to medical expenses, amputation injury victims may also purse damages for:
- Lost Wages: If an amputee is no longer able to work, he/she has the right to recover both current and future lost earning capacity.
- Emotional Pain and Suffering: The cost of adjusting to life with a severe disability is difficult to quantify in financial terms. Victims must deal with ongoing stress, anxiety and depression over permanently losing the ability to have a normal quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, the negligence of the responsible party is so egregious that punitive damages are awarded to ensure that they do not harm others with their reckless actions.
If you or a loved one has suffered a debilitating personal injury from another party’s careless or reckless acts, it is important to have a strong advocate by your side that can help you seek justice during this difficult time. At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we have over two decades of experience representing victims of amputation accidents in Chicago, Cook County and throughout the nation. We understand what you’re going through, and we understand what it takes to secure a successful outcome for victims faced with these life changing circumstances. For a free no obligation consultation, contact an experienced and compassionate Chicago amputation injury lawyer at HM&M today.
For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. today at 312-553-4900 or fill out our online form to have a lawyer contact you.
