Amputations in Car Accidents

Although new vehicles come equipped with many more safety features than they used to, significant, life-altering injuries can still occur as a result of a serious car accident. Loss of a limb is one such injury, and it can happen despite all precautions. When a motor vehicle collision is caused by another’s negligent act, or even a vehicle defect, parties responsible should be held accountable for the devastating harm that can result. Miami car accident attorney Robert Dixon of the Law Offices of Robert Dixon helps victims who have lost a limb due to the careless acts of another pursue the compensation they need to adjust to a new way of life. Our firm offers compassionate and knowledgeable legal services to clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as elsewhere in South Florida. If you, or someone you love, has suffered an amputation in a car accident, and you have questions regarding your legal rights and options, contact our office to speak with an attorney and schedule a free consultation about you potential case.

Amputations refer to when, in order to save a victim’s life, usually due to medical complications, medical professionals must remove a limb. Amputations can affect an individual’s arm, hand, legs, and other extremities, any of which leads a victim to suffer physical limitations as well as emotional and psychological effects. Examples of the types of injuries that could require amputation as a result of a car accident include:

• Crushing Injuries: These occur when a limb is crushed and unable to be repaired. Crushing injuries may result from a vehicle being pinned against another, or a limb being caught between parts of a car upon impact.
• Infections: Some cuts and lacerations that victims sustain in a car accident lead to bacterial infections that, in order to prevent the spread of and preserve a life, require amputation.
• Severed limbs: Some collisions result in severe lacerations of a limb, or complete disconnects. When this occurs, it is sometimes too difficult for doctors to reattach the affected body part, and amputation may be necessary.

Amputees have more options than they used to, in the form of prosthetics and other mobility-enhancing technology. However, these treatments can be very costly, and, while, nothing can prepare a victim for the drastic life changes they face in the aftermath of such an injury, legal options are available to at least help with associated expenses.

Most car accidents are the result of one or more parties’ negligence. Negligence exists when an individual, the defendant, breaches an owed duty of reasonable care, causing the victim’s injuries, and resulting in damages. For example, if one driver is engaging in excessive speeding or aggressive maneuvers and hits another vehicle in the process, resulting in a loss of limb for a victim, there may be a strong case for negligence.

Amputations leave victims with extreme physical pain as well as psychological trauma. Many cannot return to the jobs they have done in the past, and may not be able to participate in some recreational activities they once enjoyed. Reoccurring phantom pain where the limb has been lost is also a common symptom for amputees. Treatment and rehabilitation for victims is lengthy, as well as expensive. As such, victims can recover compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering damages from parties responsible for their harm.

Treatment and recovery are the first and most important priorities following a devastating car accident. However, often insurance benefits are not enough to cover the costs associated with a life-altering injury such as an amputation, and legal action is vital to making sure victims have the financial assistance they need. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you review the facts and evidence in your case, and determine what your next legal step should be. Robert Dixon and his staff are dedicated to making sure your legal needs are properly addressed while you cope with the effects of a serious accident, and focus on healing. Please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation and find out more about how we can help. We serve clients in communities including Miami, and West Palm Beach.