The loss of a limb, also called amputation, is among the most traumatic and life-altering injury types a person can undergo. While the injury can be sustained due to infection, disease, or other naturally occurring processes, it is often caused by the actions or negligence of others (such as in car accidents, medical malpractice, etc.).
When someone else is responsible for causing such a significant injury to you or your loved one, they owe you compensation. Our Cape Coral loss of limb accident attorneys can help injured clients seek appropriate damages. The attorneys at Viles & Beckman can help you understand your legal rights and options.
How Much Compensation Are You Owed for Loss of Limb?
According to a 2007 study published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, the lifetime medical costs of an amputation injury average more than $500,000. And that is just the medical expenses.
Having a limb amputated is a significant, life-altering injury. The compensation for such a catastrophic injury should reflect its severity. To understand the full value of your claim, it’s necessary to catalog and list your total damages.
“Damages” is a legal term that refers to all the negative consequences of an incident. Your damages are typically split into two categories: those that are financial in nature and those that are not.
Your Economic Damages
This first category includes all the ways that you are financially impacted by the loss of your limb. Examples of this type of damage can include:
- Total lifetime medical costs for your injury
- Lost earning capacity
- Property repair or replacement costs (such as reimbursement for a totaled car in a car accident)
- Lost wages as a result of missed work
Your Non-Economic Damages
It’s not just the items that come with bills and receipts that should be compensated by the at-fault party in your Cape Coral loss of limb accident case. Your damages also include the more subjective ways you have been affected by your injury. These typically include:
- Loss of consortium with a spouse
- Physical pain related to the injury
- Mental and emotional suffering
The best way to truly understand how much you are owed and the value of your case is by speaking with a catastrophic injury attorney who has experience handling these types of lawsuits.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Does the Type of Limb Lost Matter in a Cape Coral Amputation Claim?
The permanent loss of a body part is always traumatic, and it always should be compensated by the party responsible for your injury. The loss of some limbs, however, could potentially cause your case to increase in value.
For example, the loss of hands, arms, feet, or legs can greatly affect your ability to earn a living. This would cause your compensation for lost earning capacity to go up. Losing genitalia could also result in significantly more compensation. The loss of a nose or finger, however, might be valued less, as you could still earn a similar living as before your injury.
All unique aspects of your case are important, and they all contribute to the total value of the compensation you are owed. Discuss your injury with a loss of limb accident lawyer in Cape Coral to learn more about your legal options.
Cape Coral
Loss of Limb Accident
Lawyer Near Me
(239) 334-3933
Filing Your Loss of Limb Accident Claim on Time in Cape Coral
The time limit for filing your lawsuit after an accident in which you lost a limb largely depends on the details of your case. Most personal injury claims in Florida have a deadline of four years after the initial incident. However, there are some situations that could have a shorter deadline:
- Accidents involving a government agency or worker
- Accidents that occur at work and require workers’ compensation
- Medical malpractice claims
The statute of limitations is dictated by Florida Statutes § 95.11. When you meet with an experienced attorney for loss of limb accidents in Cape Coral, they will learn more about your injury and determine the appropriate deadline to file your claim.
Get a FREE Consultation With Skilled Cape Coral Amputation Injury Attorneys Today
Aside from a fatal accident, the loss of a limb is one of the most devastating, life-changing disasters a person can endure. You should not have to carry that burden on your own. You also shouldn’t have to deal with insurance companies and opposing legal counsel trying to minimize the compensation you are owed.
Instead, get help from the trusted Cape Coral loss of limb accident lawyers at Viles & Beckman. We have obtained over $100 million in compensation for our clients, both in settlements and court awards, and we’re ready to help you seek justice.
To schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys, fill out the form on our contact page or give our office a call today.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form