Amputations in Truck Accidents

A victim who undergoes an amputation of a limb as a result of a truck accident faces a long-term adjustment in their lifestyle. Unfortunately, there are many cases where a truck crash results in this type of injury. In most, the truck driver as well as the trucking company may be held liable for negligence. Attorney Robert Dixon has dedicated his practice to making sure victims who suffer amputations in truck accidents receive the compensation they are entitled to from responsible parties. Amputee victims must deal with not only physical pain, but also emotional pain as they recover. This recovery comes with exponential expenses as well. Our Miami truck accident lawyers can help you pursue the proper legal action to make sure your costs are adequately covered. If you’ve been injured in a serious truck accident in the Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach County area, our firm is here to help. We represent clients throughout the South Florida. Please contact our office today to schedule a free consultation to find out more about your legal rights and options.

Amputations in truck accidents can happen either due to the actual crash, or more often, because it is medically necessary for a doctor to remove a victim’s limb to save their life. Amputations may result in a victim’s loss of arm, hand, leg, or combination thereof. Because of its size and weight, a truck is more likely to cause a significant, life-altering injury to those involved in a collision, especially while travelling in a smaller vehicle.

Injuries that commonly lead to an amputation include:

• Crushing Injuries – whereby a limb is crushed, often because the limb is stuck between parts of a vehicle when the crash occurs.
• Infections – when an infection is unable to be controlled, and becomes life-threatening if spread, an amputation may be necessary.
• Severed limbs – when a limb is severely cut, or completely detaches from a victim’s body, it may be impossible to reattach, requiring an amputation.

Prosthetics, when an option, can be very expensive, as can any other devices that amputees may need. If a truck driver or another party is responsible for causing your injuries, they should be held legally accountable.

To hold a defendant liable following a truck crash, a plaintiff must prove negligence. The legal standard of negligence is met when it is shown that a defendant has breached a duty of reasonable care owed to the plaintiff. The plaintiff must also show that this breach was a proximate cause of their injury, and that damages resulted. One example of a breach of reasonable care is if a truck driver is travelling at a reckless speed. A driver is also negligent if he or she drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, leading to a collision.

Trucking companies are also liable for the negligent acts of an employee. Vicarious liability attaches if the driver’s negligence occurred during the scope of employment, such as while driving to make a delivery at behest of the company. These companies can also be shown to have acted negligently themselves. For instance, by inadequately training drivers, or failing to engage in proper hiring processes. When a defective part or vehicle is a contributing factor to a truck accident, the manufacturer of that part or vehicle may also be liable.

When a truck accident victim suffers an amputated limb, the physical and psychological impact is lifelong. Many amputees experience phantom pain where the limb had been. Almost all amputees must adjust their jobs and lifestyle to accommodate these types of injuries. When another party found liable for this harm, victims can receive financial compensation in the form of past and future medical costs, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering damages.

Amputations are one of the most serious injuries that arise out of a truck accident. They are also some of the costliest. Attorney Robert Dixon and his staff at our Miami office have vast experience in representing truck accident victims. We offer compassionate and comprehensive legal support to clients going through the troubling aftermath of a devastating collision. If you have questions regarding your legal rights as a truck accident victim, please call our office at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no obligation consultation to speak with a lawyer today.