Losing any part of your body is a devastating occurrence that can impact you for the rest of your life. Amputation injuries are often the result of someone else’s misconduct. This means that you could be eligible to start a personal injury claim to recover your losses if your amputation happened due to an accident caused by another party.
Take a closer look at what causes these catastrophic injuries and what legal options you may be able to pursue in Florida.
How Do Amputation Injuries Occur In Fort Lauderdale?
Amputation injuries often happen because of serious accidents or medical problems. Car crashes, especially at high speeds or rollovers, can crush or tear a body part. Sometimes the injury is so severe that amputation is the only option.
Workplace accidents can also lead to amputation, and common causes include:
- Limbs getting caught in heavy machinery
- Equipment crushing or cutting body parts
- Severe burns that destroy tissue
These accidents can happen in many work environments, and injuries can be life-changing.
Certain medical conditions may require amputation. Problems with blood flow, like diabetes or vascular disease, can stop parts of the body, like toes or feet, from getting enough circulation. In some cases, the condition worsens even with treatment, and medical mistakes can make it worse.
Severe infections are another cause. If a doctor doesn’t catch the infection quickly or treat it properly, the tissue can die. To stop the infection from spreading, amputation may be needed to protect the rest of the body.
Filing a Claim After an Amputation Injury
If someone else caused your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale. You need to show that the other party acted negligently and that their actions directly caused the amputation. These claims can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Work-related amputations usually fall under workers’ compensation. Most Florida employers carry this insurance, which can cover medical costs and lost income. You cannot, however, receive non-economic damages like pain and suffering through workers’ compensation.
Sometimes, a third party may also be responsible. For example, if equipment malfunctions and causes an amputation, you could file a claim against the manufacturer. Medical errors can also lead to claims if a doctor failed to properly diagnose or treat an infection or circulation issue. These cases ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.
Tips to Protect Your Claim
There are steps you can take to improve your chances of fair compensation:
- Seek immediate medical care and follow-up treatment
- Call the police to report the accident
- Collect information from eyewitnesses
Following these steps helps create a strong record of the accident and your injuries.
Working With a Lawyer for Maximum Recovery
Amputation injuries can result in serious financial and emotional losses. A lawyer can help calculate your damages and ensure you don’t accept a low insurance offer. They will fight for the best possible settlement or jury award.
Consulting an attorney early can also guide you through complex paperwork and deadlines. Having professional guidance increases your chances of recovering all the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorneys at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Beginning a legal claim can seem daunting when you’re dealing with a catastrophic injury like an amputation. At Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how complex this process is in Fort Lauderdale and can handle the details while you focus on healing.
We’ve recovered over $40 million for our clients and can provide the tireless support you need to address your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to speak with a dedicated Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer today.
