While any injury resulting from an accident is serious, when a person has a body part amputated as a result of the accident, the framework of a case to seek damages changes dramatically.
Amputated fingers, hands, toes, or legs can take place in a car accident, an industrial setting with high powered machines, through the use of defective products, or in a number of other settings. In the United States, it is estimated that about 1.2 million Americans live with some form of amputation, with most limbs being removed due to vascular disease caused by diabetes, hardened arteries and blood clots.
When this happens, the psychological effects on the victim can be not only physically painful but emotionally draining as well. In many cases, a person may never be able to resume the activities of their previous life.
An attorney charged with seeking damages on behalf of a client will focus on negligence as a means of securing a maximum settlement. The attorney will focus on a settlement based on several factors:
A loss of wage earning capacity
Payment of medical bills, including prosthetic limbs and medical equipment that aids in a victim’s mobility
A diminished quality of life
Disfigurement and embarrassment
Pain and suffering
Ongoing personal care and support to assist with daily tasks
After an accident or another instance where you are entitled to damages, an insurance company will contact you to seek a quick settlement. Because they are charged with protecting their assets, there’s a very good chance that the settlement offer will be much less than what you are entitled to. In all cases, it is best not to have any contact with the insurance company because just about anything you say might be used against you to settle for a lower amount. The best and only play is to let an experienced amputation attorney do your negotiating for you.
Choulos, Choulos & Wyle proudly serve clients in San Francisco, Oakland and in cities throughout the Bay Area.
