Santa Rosa Loss of Limb Attorneys

Loss of Limb Claims

Losing a limb dramatically alters the life of a catastrophic injury victim. At Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery, our Santa Rosa loss of limb attorneys represent victims of automobile collisions, pedestrian and construction accidents, medical malpractice—such as surgical errors that led to wrongful amputation—and other serious accidents who have suffered from traumatic amputation. Our legal team works with occupational and economic consultants to demonstrate the personal and financial impact of those injuries on our clients.

If you or a close family member has suffered a loss of limb injury through the fault or negligence of someone else, you need the best personal injury attorneys in Northern California on your side. Please contact the law offices of Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery for a free initial consultation to get started.

You can reach us at (707) 542-5050 or by sending us a message online.

What is Traumatic Amputation?

Traumatic amputation is the loss of a limb or body part due to an accident, such as a car wreck or a botched surgery. Traumatic amputation differs from the loss of a limb due to something like a birth defect or disease because the former is caused directly by someone’s negligence or recklessness. Therefore, if someone has suffered loss of a limb due to traumatic amputation, the victim generally has the legal right to sue the individual or organization responsible for their injury.

Common Causes of Amputation Accidents

According to The Amputee Coalition, almost 2 million people are currently living with limb loss in the United States. Among those living with the loss of a limb, 45% had their amputation caused by trauma.

Some of the most common causes of traumatic amputation injuries include:

• Accidents involving closing doors
• Agricultural accidents
• Electrocution accidents
• Explosive/fireworks accidents
• Firearm accidents (including military casualties)
• Lawnmower accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Ring avulsion (occurs when a ring on one’s finger is forcefully pulled, yanking off the skin or even the entire digit)
• Traffic accidents, such as car wrecks and pedestrian accidents
• Workplace accidents, especially in factories and on construction sites

Types of Damages You Can Recover Following the Loss of a Limb

People who have lost limbs require extensive medical treatment, including rehabilitation and therapy. They often experience reductions in their earning potential and their ability to care for their families. Chronic pain and suffering may also decrease their quality of life. No amount of compensation can restore what you have lost, but financial compensation can play an important role in the process of coping with the consequences of your injuries.

The following are damages that you may be entitled to if you suffer a loss of limb as a result of an accident:

• Medical expenses: Any medical treatment you had or will have to undergo due to your injury should be covered. This includes surgery, medical physical therapy, and more.
• Lost wages: If you have to take time off of work or quit your job due to the severity of your injury, you can receive compensation to make up for the income you would have made had you been capable of continuing to work.
• Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering is a bit difficult to calculate because it is a non-economic loss. Rather than having a set value, like your salary, pain and suffering is designed to compensate you for the physical and mental anguish you endure as a result of losing a limb. An attorney can help you calculate this.
• Punitive damages: Punitive damages are rare but can be awarded in the event someone caused the loss of your limb through a criminal and/or malicious action.

To work with a compassionate and effective loss of limb attorney, call (707) 542-5050.