Crashes Resulting in Dismemberment or Amputation

 Posted on April 07, 2023 in Car Accidents

Car accidents and truck accidents are very dramatic with regard to severity. Some accident victims are able to walk away from the crash relatively unscathed. They may have a few bumps and bruises, but the crash does not have a lasting impact on their quality of life or ability to work. For others, the accident represents one of the most significant life events they ever experience.

Crashes resulting in dismemberment or requiring surgical amputation of a limb are rare. However, they do occur. If you or a loved one suffered an amputation injury as a result of a car accident, it is crucial that you understand your legal rights and options.

Legal Options After a Car Crash Resulting in Amputation

Illinois law gives crash victims the option to bring a personal injury claim against the party who caused the accident. In many cases, the at-fault party is another driver. Distracted driving, intoxicated driving, speeding, failure to yield, and other forms of negligent driving are common causes of accidents in Illinois. The liable party could also be a commercial trucking company, manufacturer or designer of vehicle parts, or several other parties.

A personal injury lawyer experienced in catastrophic injury cases can help you determine who is legally responsible for your injuries. Once the liable party has been identified, the next step is filing a claim and pursuing financial compensation. Typically, a claim is filed with the at-fault party's insurance company. If the insurance company does not provide an adequate payout, the next step is to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Financial Compensation for Amputees

Suffering dismemberment or amputation because of a car accident is something that alters the course of a person’s life. Whether an individual loses a hand, foot, arm, or leg, his or her life will never again be the same. Everyday activities such as showering or preparing meals may become difficult to nearly impossible. The individual may not be able to work in the same capacity they worked before the accident or may be left completely disabled.

The psychological impacts of losing a body part are enormous. Many amputees suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological conditions.

Financial compensation cannot undo the pain and suffering of losing a body part, however, the compensation may help relieve the financial burden created by the amputation. Compensation may be available for medical bills including hospitalization, physical or vocational rehabilitation, prosthetics, medication, and much more.

Compensation may also be available for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and other financial losses related to the accident. Under Illinois law, it is also possible to pursue compensation for pain and suffering.

Contact a Springfield Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you love suffered an amputation or other catastrophic injury in a motor vehicle accident, contact Kanoski Bresney for help. Call our Springfield catastrophic injury attorneys at 888-826-8682 for a free initial consultation.

Source:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5248418/