Blog
CategoriesWhat Can You Seek Compensation for After Limb Loss?
Limb loss is a life-altering event that affects thousands of Americans each year. According to the Amputee Coalition, nearly 2 million people in the United States are living with limb loss, with approximately 185,000 amputations occurring annually.
While amputations often result from health conditions, many occur due to personal injury accidents like worksite injuries or car crashes. If you require an amputation due to another’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation to pay for related damages.
Learn what compensation you can seek after limb loss and how our Missouri amputation lawyers at Cofman Townsley can help you maximize your settlement.
Impact of Limb Loss on a Person’s Life
Limb loss has far-reaching consequences that affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. The following illustrates some of the immediate and long-term challenges faced by individuals who have experienced limb loss:
| Impact Type | Immediate Challenges | Long-Term Challenges |
| Physical | Intense pain, limited mobility, need for immediate medical care | Ongoing physical therapy, adapting to prosthetics, phantom limb pain |
| Emotional | Shock, grief, depression | PTSD, body image issues, anxiety about the future |
| Financial | Medical bills, loss of income | Ongoing medical expenses, potential job loss |
| Social | Social isolation during recovery | Adapting to social situations, potential stigma |
| Daily Living | Inability to perform basic tasks | Learning new ways to accomplish daily activities, home modifications |
| Career | Extended time off work | Potential need for job retraining or career change |
Common Types of Personal Injury Accidents Leading to Limb Loss
Several types of accidents can result in injuries severe enough to require amputation. In Missouri, some of the most common include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-speed collisions or accidents involving large trucks can cause severe crush injuries or traumatic amputations.
- Worksite Injuries: Machinery malfunctions, inadequate safety measures, and heavy equipment accidents can lead to severe workplace injuries. Nearly 20,000 amputations occur annually in the work sector, with power press operators experiencing a high percentage of limb loss after an accident.
- Medical Malpractice: Medical negligence, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment of infections, can lead to necessary amputations.
- Defective Products: Malfunctioning tools, machinery, or defective consumer products can cause severe injuries leading to amputation.
- Construction Accidents: Incidents such as falls from elevated surfaces, objects dropping from above, and equipment failures at construction sites often lead to severe injuries.
Understanding Damages After an Amputation
If you have experienced limb loss, you may be entitled to various types of compensation related to your medical care, financial losses, and pain and suffering.
Medical Expenses
You can pursue medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing treatments. You may also seek damages for the cost of prosthetic limbs, physical therapy, and home modifications like adding ramps or modifying bathrooms to enhance accessibility.
Lost Wages
You can also seek compensation for income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity if the amputation affects your ability to work long-term. This includes immediate lost wages and future income that might be compromised if the injury limits your career prospects or necessitates a change in profession.
Pain and Suffering
Your settlement may include damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the amputation and its aftermath. This can include compensation for emotional trauma, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the impact on your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
Special Costs Associated With Amputation
Amputation often incurs additional expenses beyond typical medical costs, impacting your quality of life. You can seek a settlement covering:
- Adaptive Technology: Specialized equipment and technology to aid daily tasks and mobility, such as prosthetic enhancements or voice-activated home systems
- Specialized Transport: Costs for modifying vehicles to accommodate mobility needs or using specialized transportation services
- Assistive Devices: Pays for items such as wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers that facilitate mobility and independence
Get Financial Support After Limb Loss With Cofman Townsley
Experiencing limb loss due to someone else’s negligence is a life-changing event that deserves fair compensation. At Cofman Townsley, our Missouri amputation lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you receive the compensation needed to adapt to your new circumstances.
Contact us today for a free case review. Our experienced team can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and work to get you the fair settlement you deserve.