Losing a limb in a car accident is a profound loss that can reshape every aspect of a personās life. It takes time to readjust routines to accommodate new limitations, both in daily life and when planning a return to work. At the same time, medical bills for future treatment, prosthetics, and rehabilitation can pile up quickly, adding more pressure when you should be healing.
If you are recovering from a disfiguring injury in Maryland, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. The experienced attorneys at Trollinger Law LLC help victims of car accident amputations pursue justice and fair compensation to help rebuild their lives and move forward with strength and dignity.
Our law firm represents accident victims throughout Southern Maryland, offering personalized service that puts people first. You wonāt feel alone as you navigate the uncertainties of the insurance claims and legal system. Youāll get help from one of the fastest-growing personal injury law firms in Maryland. Our track record includes millions recovered for individuals with severe and catastrophic injuries. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced amputation injury lawyer.
Common Causes of Amputation in Car Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of traumatic amputations among adults. The force of impact can sever limbs ā or portions of a limb ā at the accident scene. Alternatively, the damage to a crushed limb may be so severe that doctors must amputate to save the victimās life.
The most common causes of limb loss after a car crash include:
- Crush injuries ā A limb may get pinned or twisted between a fixed object, like a crumpled dashboard.
- Penetrating injuries ā Flying metal or glass shards may sever the limb directly from the body.
- Broken bones ā Severe fractures may cause irreparable damage to surrounding nerves and tissues, making amputation of the damaged limb necessary.
- Compartment syndrome ā A dangerous buildup of pressure within the muscles can cut off blood flow, depriving nerves and muscle tissue of the oxygen they need to survive.
- Burns ā Vehicle fires and direct contact with hot metal can cause severe burns, not only damaging the limb but also making the body susceptible to infection.
- Lost blood flow ā Trauma to arteries and blood vessels can prevent adequate blood from circulating around the damaged area, making amputation necessary to prevent gangrene (tissue death)
The Physical and Emotional Impact of Amputation
The effects of an amputation extend well beyond the initial injury. Most patients undergo several surgeries, starting with the emergency procedure, followed by operations to manage infections, reshape the limb, or prepare it for a prosthetic device.
Mobility and independence are immediately affected after such a traumatic accident. Car accident victims with amputation injuries often receive occupational therapy to learn new ways of accomplishing routine tasks such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and eating.
The emotional trauma is equally significant. Many survivors develop depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the crash, along with fears about the future and worries about their change in appearance. Career disruptions add further strain to the recovery process, as some people must retrain or switch professions after an amputation injury.
Pain management is an ongoing challenge. Many amputation victims experience phantom limb pain, where sensations appear in the missing limb for years and require specialized treatment. Healing the surgical site also brings severe discomfort, and some patients develop chronic pain that never fully subsides.
Can I Sue for an Accident-Related Amputation in Maryland?
Maryland law allows victims of negligence to seek compensation through personal injury claims. In car accident cases, another driver typically bears responsibility for a wreck. If someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused the car accident and amputation, you may take legal action to hold them accountable.
Most people start by filing a car accident amputation claim against the at-fault driverās auto insurance company. An experienced auto accident lawyer can investigate your case and present evidence to the insurer demonstrating the at-fault partyās responsibility and why you deserve compensation. The insurer may choose to accept the claim, deny it, or make a counteroffer. Your lawyer can represent you during settlement negotiations and, if necessary, file a car accident lawsuit and take the case to trial.
Why Should I Seek Legal Help From a Maryland Amputation Attorney?
Living with limb loss can create significant long-term financial and personal challenges, depending on the location of the injury, medical needs, potential complications, impacts on employment, and other factors. This makes securing full compensation essential for victims. Unfortunately, Maryland law is particularly strict for those pursuing negligence-based claims, as it is one of the few states that adhere to the stringent contributory negligence rule.
Under Marylandās contributory negligence law, you cannot recover compensation if you are found even one percent at fault for the crash that caused your injury. Because the margin for error is so narrow, insurance companies often scrutinize car accident amputation claims closely, looking for any reason to assign blame to the victim. Strong legal representation is crucial to safeguard your interests, counter unfair tactics, and assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Receive for Amputation Injuries?
Compensation for amputation injuries can be divided into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include all measurable financial costs, such as:
- Past, current, and future medical costs
- Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Assistive medical devices, including prosthetics, periodic replacements, and home accommodations
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity, if returning to a previous job is impossible
Non-economic damages compensate amputation victims for personal suffering and emotional challenges. You might be able to recover money for losses like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost quality of life
- Disfigurement and disability
What to Do After an Amputation Injury from a Car Accident
The aftermath of a car accident that results in an amputation can be overwhelming. Medical treatment and recovery should remain your top priority, but taking certain steps early can help protect your rights and support your amputation injury case later.
- Attend every injury-related appointment. Gaps in care can be used against you by insurance companies.
- Keep all medical records, bills, prescriptions, pay stubs, and correspondence with the insurance company. This information will help your car accident attorney calculate your losses.
- Take clear photos of your injuries as you heal. Visual evidence paints a picture of what you experienced.
- Obtain a police report if available. The police report can provide valuable information as your amputation injury claim progresses.
- Avoid discussing the crash online. Social media posts can be used to challenge your claim.
- Keep a journal describing your pain, emotional struggles, and limitations. Your recollections can demonstrate your pain and suffering.
- Never agree to settlement offers before consulting an amputation injury attorney. The first offer is almost always too low.
Get Help From a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer
An amputation can turn your world upside down. You didnāt ask for this to happen to you, and Trollinger Law LLC is here to help you understand your legal options and seek fair compensation and accountability for the suffering you endured. Reach out online for a free initial consultation today.
