The loss of a limb can be devastating, resulting in immense physical, emotional, and financial hardship. If you suffered an amputation in California due to someone else’s negligent behavior, talk to a lawyer for a possible compensation claim. At Gavel Law Firm, our dedicated Riverside amputation lawyer has the compassion, experience, and legal skills to help amputees and their families obtain much-needed compensation.
Call Gavel Law Firm at (951) 289-0202 for a free consultation with an experienced Riverside amputation injury attorney.
Understanding Amputation Injuries: Definition and Causes
An amputation refers to the surgical removal of a limb or body part after severe trauma. While amputations can sometimes be medically necessary, many are the heartbreaking result of preventable accidents caused by another party’s negligent action.
Common causes of traumatic amputations include:
- Auto accidents
- Workplace accidents involving heavy machinery, equipment malfunctions, or failure to follow safety protocols
- Traffic collisions with motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians
- Defective products that malfunction and cause injury
- Medical malpractice such as surgical errors.
Below, we discuss these amputation causes in more detail.
Common Accident Scenarios Leading to Loss of Limb
The following are some common accident scenarios that can lead to catastrophic limb injuries requiring the need to amputate:
Workplace Accidents
- Getting a limb stuck in industrial machinery
- Equipment malfunctions
- Electrocution
- Falls from heights
- Trench collapses
- Forklift accidents
Vehicle Collisions
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian impacts
- Bicycle collisions
- Rollover crashes
- Side impact crashes
Defective Products
- Chainsaw malfunctions
- Mower blade failures
- Other dangerous power tools
Medical Malpractice
- Surgical errors
- Medication overdoses
- Misdiagnoses leading to infection or gangrene.
Regardless of what caused your limb loss, if you believe someone else is responsible, it’s best to talk to an injury lawyer right away. California has time limits for pursuing legal action. At Gavel Law Firm, you risk nothing by speaking to us. We provide a free case assessment, and we don’t charge lawyer fees until you are compensated.
Types of Amputation Procedures
There are various levels where a limb may be amputated depending on the severity of the injury. Common types include:
- Partial foot or hand: Amputating one or more toes, fingers, or parts of the hand or foot
- Below knee or elbow: Amputating part of the lower or upper limb
- Above knee or elbow: Amputating the limb above the knee or elbow joint
- Hip disarticulation: Amputating at the hip joint
- Shoulder disarticulation: Amputating at the shoulder joint.
The higher up the limb is amputated, the more disabling the procedure is for the victim.
Physical and Mental Trauma of Losing a Limb
The emotional and physical impacts of losing a limb are immense and lifelong. Individuals who have suffered the loss of limb often endure excruciating pain, changes in body image and self-identity, loss of independence, and much more. They require extensive medical treatment and potentially psychological counseling and support. Families are also affected emotionally and financially.
Our experienced Riverside amputation lawyer fights to help clients recover damages for all they endure, while providing them compassion throughout this traumatic ordeal.
Call Gavel Law Firm at (951) 289-0202 to schedule a free consultation with our Riverside personal injury lawyer. Our legal team will evaluate your case details to determine the best options for pursuing compensation.
Financial Compensation You May Recover
In a successful amputation injury claim, some common damages you may recover include:
Medical Costs
- Emergency care
- Multiple surgeries
- Extended hospitalization
- Custom prosthetic devices
- Rehabilitation programs
- Long-term or lifetime physical therapy
- At-home nursing care
- Prescription medications
- Treatment for secondary medical issues
- Future medical expenses
Lost Income
- Inability to work after the amputation
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Costs of retraining for a new career.
Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain from the injury and recovery
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases of extremely reckless conduct, gross negligence, or intentional harm, courts may award additional punitive damages. These are an additional amount that the at-fault party has to pay as punishment for their conduct.
If you would like to know what compensation you could receive, reach out to us at Gavel Law Firm. Our dedicated Riverside amputation lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident, evaluate the value of your claim, and fight tirelessly to help you recover full compensation.
Why Hire Gavel Law Firm for Your Amputation Claim
With extensive experience in catastrophic injury cases, Gavel Law Firm has the skills to handle even the most complex amputation claims. Here’s why we’re the right choice:
Insider Experience Against Insurance Companies
Founding attorney Bryan A. Mason previously worked on the defense side for an insurance company. This inside experience taught him the tactics insurers use to minimize claims, and he now uses that knowledge to help injury victims fight for maximum compensation.
Compassionate and Responsive Legal Service
We know this is an extremely difficult time for amputation victims and their families. Our legal team provides caring counsel and is always accessible to address questions and concerns. We simplify the claims process so injured clients can focus on healing.
No Legal Fees Unless We Win Recovery For You
We take amputation cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no payment is owed unless we secure financial compensation through a settlement or court award.
How Our Riverside Amputation Lawyer Can Help
When you work with Gavel Law Firm, our amputation injury attorney Bryan A. Mason will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into what caused the accident
- Identify all liable parties
- Deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers and defendants
- Take prompt legal action if fair offers are not made
- Alleviate burdens so you can focus on recovery
- Keep you informed every step of the way.
We’ll pour our legal skills and resources to recover the maximum financial damages you lawfully deserve. We genuinely care for our clients who have permanently lost a limb, so our team will handle all aspects of building a strong claim so that you can focus on your healing. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Riverside amputation injury attorney at Gavel Law Firm by calling (951) 289-0202 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my Riverside amputation claim worth?
The value of an amputation claim depends on the severity of the injury, medical care, level of negligence, liable parties, and more. With factors like extensive medical treatment, lost wages, diminished quality of life, and pain and suffering, cases often reach six or seven figures.
Note, however, that each case is unique, and there is no ‘average’ compensation amount. An experienced attorney should evaluate your specific case details to give you an estimate of its value and advise you on maximizing compensation.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, you may still recover compensation but your payout may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, defendants often wrongfully allege shared fault to avoid liability. With our lawyer’s assistance fighting these allegations, most victims receive compensation despite partial fault.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for amputation injury?
In California, accident victims generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim before the statute of limitations expires. However, it’s wise to contact a lawyer much sooner to avoid delays in building your case. We start investigating immediately so no evidence or witnesses disappear.
What steps should I take after losing a limb?
First, focus on your health and recovery process. Be sure to follow all medical advice closely. Also document information related to the accident right away before memories fade. Take photos of injuries and accident scenes. Gather witness contact info and preserve evidence. Record medical expenses and lost wages. And contact our dedicated amputation attorney so we can start building your claim.
What factors determine the value of an amputation claim?
Key factors include the severity of the amputation, level of disability, amount of past and future medical costs, lost income, type of prosthetics or modifications needed, extent of pain and suffering, permanent impairment, and whether gross negligence was involved. Our lawyer analyzes all these issues to maximize your payout.
Let Our Riverside Amputation Lawyer Fight For You
Don’t struggle alone after a life-altering amputation accident. The experienced injury lawyer at Gavel Law Firm is here to help Southern California amputees and their families obtain much-needed compensation. Contact us today by calling (951) 289-0202 for a FREE consultation.
