Costa Mesa Amputation Attorneys
Compassionate Legal Representation for Victims Who Have Lost Limbs
Nothing is more devastating and difficult to move on from than an amputation. Numerous patients are admitted to Costa Mesa hospitals like Hoag Memorial with catastrophic injuries that require amputations or lose a limb to an accident. Whether you lost a limb because of a vehicle collision, dangerous product, or even a dog bite, you are likely dealing with a large amount of pain in addition to costly medical bills. However, if someone caused you injury due to an act of negligence, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim for compensation.
At Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie, we understand that this is a difficult time period for you, and you do not need the added stress of fighting with an insurance company. Instead, let our Costa Mesa amputation attorneys review your case and advocate for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered an amputation because of someone else’s negligence, call us at (949) 752-7474 to schedule a free consultation to review your case.
What Are the Different Types of Amputations?
Amputation can vary depending on the cause of the injury and where it occurred. In some cases, an amputation is limited to a single digit or toe, such as in a violent dog attack, while more catastrophic damage to the arms or legs can lead to an amputation of a hand, foot, arm, or leg.
These injuries are divided into two categories: complete or partial. In complete amputations, the limb is fully severed, whereas, in partial amputations, the limb is still attached via muscle or blood. Partial amputations have the possibility of being reattached, however, if the surgeons determine that the damage is too extensive and the patient will heal better without the limb, they may suggest a complete amputation for their long-term health and recovery.
Alongside partial and complete, amputations are categorized as:
- Crush injuries: When a limb is crushed between or under heavy objects, it can cause extensive damage to the tissues. In crush injuries, the damaged limb may require an amputation so the wound can heal.
- Avulsion amputations: This involves the forceful tearing away of a body part during a traumatic event, such as a dog bite or motorcycle accident. Avulsion amputations can cause severe damage to soft tissues, blood vessels, nerves, and bone around the affected limb.
- Guillotine amputations: This type of amputation usually occurs through emergency surgery. It involves clean edges with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, but it can also occur during vehicle collisions.
What Causes Amputations?
Any major traumatic event can lead to an amputation, often due to someone else’s reckless or careless behavior. Among the cases that are common in Costa Mesa, you may be able to pursue a claim after a:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Collisions with pedestrians or bicyclists
- Bus accidents
- Accidents involving severe burns
- Dog bites
- Boating accidents
- Defective product injuries
Many of these accidents involve some form of liability insurance for victims to file against to cover the costs of their injuries and the anguish they have gone through. To ensure you receive proper and fair compensation, you will need the aid of a well-regarded attorney who will not leave a single cent out of your case.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Amputation?
Losing a limb or a digit can have life-altering consequences for the victim, ranging from the financial burden of treatment to the significant adjustments to how they live their daily lives. You may need ongoing treatment to contend with the re-opening of the wound, contracture (shortening of the muscles), complications with prosthetics, or skin flap death, which will require another surgery. Victims may also need to attend physical therapy and see a psychiatrist to live a comfortable life.
The psychological effects of amputation injuries are profound, often coming with phantom pain syndrome. The majority have to manage chronic pain from the area where the limb was, which is often treated with medication and therapy. Victims must also face significant changes in their sense of body image and self-esteem.
Bottom line is that amputations require a large amount of financial support to properly recover from. This can be difficult if you have to change careers because of a disability and are dealing with a dismissive insurance company while filing a claim. However, with an experienced attorney who has a proven track record of representing accident victims, your chances of recovering compensation can increase.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Insurance companies are anything but merciful, even in amputation cases. They will try to minimize the amount of money they pay out, even when the policy limit is extensive, and will try to make the claims process as difficult as possible. After losing a limb, you do not need this added stress. That is why you should contact the Costa Mesa personal injury attorneys at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie. Our legal team can:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident
- Secure and preserve evidence to support your claim
- Assess the full extent of your losses—past, present, and future
- Negotiate skillfully with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Fight for the compensation you deserve in court, if necessary
With over 40 years of experience, we have won hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Throughout the entire process, we will provide consistent communication about your case and keep you up to date on any developments. When you work with Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie, you will receive reliable legal advice and compassionate representation from the moment you meet with us for a free consultation. If you or your loved one has suffered an amputation in an accident that was someone else’s fault, contact us today at (949) 752-7474.
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