Amputation injury on a man

The loss of a limb or other body parts can have life-altering consequences. Amputations can be devastating for the victim and their family members. Victims may no longer be able to work or enjoy their favorite activities. Amputation injuries face a challenging battle as they adjust both emotionally and physically to life after an amputation injury.

At Nagel Rice LLP, our New Jersey personal injury lawyers understand the challenges amputation injuries cause for victims. We fight to obtain compensation to help them as they adjust to the changes. Our lawyers have recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients.

How Nagel Rice LLP Can Help You Fight for Fair Compensation

Amputation injuries are overwhelming. There are many things to address as you heal and adjust to changes in your life. Dealing with a legal claim can be too much to handle. The good news is that you do not have to handle the legal claim alone. You can have a team of legal professionals working to protect your interests and rights.

When you hire our top-rated New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Nagel Rice LLP, you can trust that we will:

  • Evaluate your case and explain your legal options
  • Thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to your amputation injury
  • Gather evidence proving causation, fault, and liability for damages
  • Work with leading expert witnesses in their fields to strengthen the evidence in your case
  • Defend you against contributory fault and allegations of blame
  • Assess the value of your claim after documenting your injuries
  • Handle insurance settlements and negotiations to settle claims
  • Litigate your case at trial to advocate for a fair outcome

Our lawyers at Nagel Rice LLP have been recognized nationally and locally for their exceptional track record and legal services. The National Law Journal named Nagel Rice LLP one of the country’s 50 Elite Trial Law Firms. We routinely handle high-profile cases featured on national news outlets, including The Today Show, 60 Minutes, and Good Morning America. Our attorneys have high ratings and recognition from legal organizations, including The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Super Lawyers.

What Are Traumatic Amputation Injuries & Surgical Amputations?

A traumatic amputation injury is the loss of a body part that occurs because of an injury or accident. Examples include losing a leg, arm, foot, finger, or hand. Sometimes, an amputated body part can be reattached, but not always. Even when a body part is reattached, the person often sustains permanent impairment and disability.

Surgical amputations occur when the blood supply to a limb or body part is lost. The tissues within the limb or body part die. Once this happens, a doctor may have to amputate the part to avoid causing life-threatening conditions.

In addition to losing the body part and function, numerous complications can arise from an amputation injury. The person may develop a life-threatening infection and severe bleeding. Many amputees suffer from phantom pain for years after an amputation.

Long-term complications can include cardiovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic depression, weight gain/obesity, and musculoskeletal problems. A person may require long-term personal care, pain management, and medical equipment.

Common Causes of Amputation Injuries

Amputations can occur because of any type of accident or violent conduct. Examples of incidents and accidents that could result in loss of limbs and amputations include:

If another party’s negligence or intentional acts caused your injuries, New Jersey tort laws may entitle you to compensation for your damages. However, you must prove the legal elements of a negligence, strict liability, or intentional tort claim. Working with an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer gives you the best chance of winning your case.

Damages Available After an Amputation Injury

The lifetime costs of an amputation injury can be staggering. Depending on the situation, a person may require long-term personal care and assistance. In addition to the initial hospitalization and care, an amputee may require extensive physical and occupational therapy. They may also require ongoing counseling and mental health therapy.

A victim may be unable to work and require costly prosthetic devices. Their homes and vehicles may need to be modified to accommodate their disabilities and impairments.

Generally, amputation injury claims include compensation for the victim’s economic and non-economic damages. Examples of the damages in an amputation personal injury case include:

  • The past and future cost of medical treatment
  • Occupational and physical therapy to learn how to live with limitations caused by an amputation
  • Long-term nursing and/or personal care
  • Scarring, disfigurement, impairment, and disability
  • Out-of-pocket expenses, including household services and child care
  • Lost wages, employment benefits, and future earning capacity
  • Diminished quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Pain and suffering, including mental anguish and emotional distress

Some lawsuits may result in punitive damages. These damages punish a party for specific types of conduct. Punitive damages are awarded in a small number of cases. Our lawyers evaluate your claim to determine if the facts support a punitive damages award.

The factors and circumstances involved in your claim determine how much your case is worth. Catastrophic injuries and impairments generally increase the value of a personal injury claim. However, if you contributed to the cause of your amputation injury, modified comparative fault law could bar damages or reduce the amount you receive for damages.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys

Our New Jersey amputation lawyers at Nagel Rice LLP aggressively pursue injury claims to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients. We seek compensation to assist victims as they continue to heal and adjust to the changes caused by an amputation or loss of limb. Call Nagel Rice LLP to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer.

Nagel Rice LLP helps its clients throughout New Jersey, including Roseland, Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County. We also represent clients in New York throughout Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.