What Types of Compensation Can Victims of Amputation Injuries Receive?

 Posted on July 05, 2023 in Personal Injury

Amputation injuries can be devastating and life-changing. These catastrophic injuries can occur in various circumstances, including car accidents, workplace accidents, and other types of personal injury cases. Losing a limb can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges for the victim and their family. Fortunately, victims of amputation injuries may be entitled to compensation to help them cope with the aftermath of such a life-altering event.

Medical Expenses

The medical costs associated with amputation injuries can be substantial. These may include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and surgeries, as well as rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other ongoing treatments. Compensation for medical expenses aims to cover the costs of past, current, and future medical care resulting from an amputation injury.

Home Modifications and Assistive Technology

Following an amputation, a victim may require prosthetics or other adaptive equipment that will allow them to regain independence and improve their quality of life. Modifications may need to be made to a person’s home to accommodate their new mobility needs. This could include installing ramps, widening doorways, or making other structural changes to ensure accessibility and ease of movement. Additionally, an amputee may require assistive technology such as specialized computer software or communication devices. A person may receive compensation to cover the costs associated with the necessary equipment and the therapy needed to ensure that they can use devices correctly as they address their daily needs.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

An amputation injury can often lead to a significant disruption in a person's ability to work. Victims may experience a temporary or permanent inability to perform their job duties, and they may need to find new employment opportunities that accommodate their limitations. Compensation for lost wages seeks to reimburse victims for the income they would have earned if not for the amputation injury. Additionally, if the injury permanently affects the victim's earning capacity, they may be entitled to compensation for the loss of future earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Amputation injuries can cause severe physical pain and other forms of suffering that can affect a person’s daily life. Victims may also experience emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and grief over the loss of a limb or their previous way of life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to repay a person for the intangible damages caused by the amputation injury. A victim may also be compensated for the loss of enjoyment of life,  including the inability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, or personal relationships as before.

Loss of Consortium

In cases where the victim's amputation injury affects their ability to maintain a relationship with their spouse or other family members, compensation may address what is known as the loss of consortium. Family members may be able to receive compensation that will address the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy resulting from the amputation injury.

Contact a Winnebago County Amputation Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered an amputation injury due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, it is essential to seek legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. The process of filing a personal injury claim can be complex, but with the assistance of a skilled Rockford amputation injury lawyer, you can navigate the legal system with confidence.

Contact Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, at 815-215-7561 to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate and experienced personal injury lawyers. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges associated with amputation injuries, and we are ready to fight for the compensation you need to move forward with your life.