Any catastrophic injury is life-changing. Amputation injuries bring unique challenges to the accident victim, typically including the following:
- Loss of a limb
- Need for surgery and rehabilitation
- Need for occupational therapy and physical therapy
- Need for prosthesis
- Ongoing pain in many cases
- "Phantom pains" that communicate with the brain as if the amputated limb were still in place
- In many cases, inability to continue doing various things that were once an integral part of a person's life
- In some cases, inability to continue at the same job as before
Experienced personal injury lawyers of Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance, PC, in Atlanta, are prepared to take up the fight on behalf of amputation injury victims. We work hard to help adults and children who have lost limbs to obtain compensation due to them from responsible parties: negligent motorists, power tool manufacturers and health insurers, for example. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation regarding loss of a limb in Georgia.
How long does an injury lawsuit for an amputation take?
The average personal injury lawsuit takes one to two years to get to trial. The trial itself can take several additional weeks. However, almost all personal injury claims are settled in negotiation. Only about 5% of personal injury cases go all the way to trial. The length of time your claim takes to resolve will be dependent on the extent of injury and other considerations unique to your situation. The best way to determine how long your claim will take to settle is by talking with a qualified and experienced amputation injury lawyer.
How is an amputation injury settlement paid out?
Personal injury settlements can be paid out as a lump sum or as a structured settlement. Structured settlements provide payment over the course of several years, helping to ensure a continual source of income. Lump sum payments are made all at once. In both cases, what you agree to and settle on will comprise the entirety of your compensation. This is typically much higher when you work with a personal injury lawyer.
Who should I sue for an amputation injury if it was not my fault?
Establishing liability in an amputation case requires an investigation into the cause of the accident. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, their firm will conduct the investigation. In some cases, accident reconstructionists and other professionals are brought in to help establish liability, which may fall to another individual, a company, or even a government entity. Without an investigation, it may be impossible to know who is liable for the accident.
Can you reopen an amputation injury case after a settlement?
If you settled informally, you may be able to reopen an amputation injury case, but in most cases, accepting a settlement will bar you from taking additional legal action. This is one of the primary reasons you should talk to a lawyer before you accept a settlement. Insurance companies are infamous for underpaying victims of serious injury. To know what your claim is actually worth, you need someone tackling the case from your perspective. Without an attorney, you are at the mercy of the insurance company and their attorneys.
Is there a time limit for filing an amputation injury lawsuit?
You have two years from the date of your accident to file an amputation injury lawsuit. We strongly encourage you to take action long before the statute of limitations expires. When you wait to file a claim, it can become more complicated to determine where fault should lie. The sooner your lawyer can get to work investigating your claim, the better your chances of a successful action. This is something that can be discussed in greater detail during your complimentary consultation.
We Are Prepared for the Fight
As former insurance defense attorneys, we are ahead of the game when it comes to knowing what it takes to get the insurance benefits and compensation for pain and suffering to which an amputation victim is entitled. Our clients have suffered loss of body parts in serious accidents such as the following:
- Auto accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- MARTA accidents
- Medical mistakes resulting in amputation
- Nursing home negligence such as decubitus ulcers (bedsores) resulting in compartment syndrome and amputation
- Amputation caused by use of dangerous and defective products
- Construction accidents including crane accidents and heavy machinery accidents
Client Testimonials:
- "The best Law Firm, Stephen Chance, Suzanne Fink and Sharon Lylerly are a wonderful team. They took a personal interest in my case and represented me to a successful outcome. They are very dedicated and gave great advice to all questions and concerns. Thanks for the great work !!!!" - M.S.
- "From the first time I met Stephen Chance I knew he was a man of integrity, compassion and empathy. Our's was not a very strong or enticing case. And most attorneys would probably had walked away from us but for whatever reason, he agreed to take it on. Throughout the approximately two year working with him he was patient and kind, he truly cared about us and was always open and honest with us." - J.M.
- "My family and I are so thankful that we had this firm on our side. Joe Watkins, Suzanne Fink and Linda Jordan were amazing to work with. They are compassionate, hardworking, and were there for us every step of the way." - M.D.
Contact Us — Free Consultations
Have you or a loved one suffered an accidental injury causing amputation? Has a loved one been killed in a fatal accident? Take up the fight. Contact a veteran traumatic brain injury lawyer at Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance, PC.
Find out about successful cases we have handled.