Amputation can be devastating, physically and psychologically. Long after the procedure, patients experience phantom limb pain and struggle to perform everyday tasks. Activities that were once enjoyable may be more difficult or even impossible for an amputee. If you or a loved one is struggling with the consequences of amputation, you likely want recourse against the parties responsible. A San Diego amputation injury attorney can help.
What Kinds of Amputation Injuries Are Covered Under Personal Injury Law?
There are a couple of different classifications of amputation. All are eligible for personal injury claims, but the guilty party will vary depending on your unique circumstances.
- Surgical amputations, whether emergency or planned, are often the result of infection, constriction, or tumor growth. For example, uncontrolled infection in your leg may require amputation to avoid the spread of that infection to the rest of your body.
- Traumatic amputation refers to any unplanned loss of limb as the result of a trauma: car accidents, machinery malfunctions, and pedestrian-related accidents can all lead to injury requiring amputation.
Costs Associated With Amputation Injury
The costs associated with loss of limb are hefty and can follow you or a loved one around for a lifetime. Costs can be lumped into the following basic categories.
Financial
The medical bills associated with an amputation are astronomical. Not only does the procedure itself cost thousands of dollars, but the associated rehabilitation costs are also expensive. Physical and occupational therapy is a necessity, but they are not always covered by insurance. Paying out of pocket for these services is not an option for many El Cajon residents.
On top of the medical expenses, an amputee may also miss time at work. Families thus contend with the fallout from lost wages, even if an amputee is collecting worker’s compensation benefits. Prosthetics are also expensive pieces of equipment that require careful maintenance. They must be replaced and adjusted over the course of an amputee’s lifetime as well.
Physical and Emotional
Amputees often require adaptions to their old lifestyle. These changes have physical and psychological effects. In some cases, an amputee’s home must be completely converted to become handicap accessible. Other victims will have to give up their current lines of work to find something they can do. Still, others will no longer enjoy previous hobbies or activities after the loss of a limb. These adjustments take their toll. Amputation victims may need counseling long after the accident is over.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?
Nothing can fully replace a loss of limb. Even with a state-of-the-art prosthetic device, you may never regain the same quality of life you had before. A personal injury claim can, however, help you recoup any expenses and help your family begin the healing process. Use an amputation injury settlement to:
- Pay for medical expenses, including surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, and prosthetics
- Update your home to make it more accessible
- Pursue training in another vocation if returning to your old job is not an option
- Attend counseling for emotional suffering
Your San Diego Amputation Injury Attorney
The lawyers at Howard Kitay are compassionate advocates for amputation injury victims and their families in the San Diego area. We will work diligently to ensure you receive a fair settlement from the parties responsible for your injuries and ongoing recovery. To learn more about how we can help, contact us for a free case evaluation. A member of our team will work with you to determine your next best step. For accurate legal advice and a considerate team of experienced lawyers, look no further than the law offices of Howard Kitay. To schedule your evaluation, get in touch with us today for more information.
