The loss of a limb in an accident is a traumatic injury. It is one of the most difficult hardships for any person to endure. Given the severity of the accident, victims need immediate emergency medical attention, the proper follow-up care, and the maximum available financial compensation to pay their bills and support their families. Here, our Kansas City catastrophic injury attorney provides an overview of the key things to know about the challenges of dealing with a loss of limb—and the legal claims process—after a serious accident in Missouri or Kansas.
The Loss of a Limb is a Catastrophic, Life-Altering Injury
According to research cited by Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), approximately 30,000 people lose limbs in traumatic accidents nationwide each year. Of those amputations, 70 percent are to upper limbs. Whether loss entirely in the accident itself or loss through a medical amputation to protect the victim, the loss of a limb changes a person’s life. The impact is profound. Often, there is a long period of post-accident transition.
Catastrophically Injured Victims Must Be Prepared to Prove Liability
How do you hold another party liable for an amputation injury? Catastrophically injured victims face the challenge of proving liability. It is essential that they gather comprehensive evidence to establish the responsibility. In most cases, liability for an accident is based on negligence. Your accident should be investigated by a Kansas City catastrophic injury attorney who has experience handling loss of limb claims.
Compensation for Loss of Limb Claims in Kansas City
If you or your loved one lost a limb in an accident in Kansas City, it is imperative that you are able to access the absolute maximum financial compensation. A settlement/verdict may include:
- Medical Bills and Future Medical Needs: A settlement should include compensation for the full value of medical expenses, including future and permanent medical needs.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Power: Loss wages must also be accounted for—and this includes compensation for diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering & Emotional Trauma: The loss of a limb is painful, emotionally traumatic, and causes immense suffering. These are compensable non-economic losses.
- Permanent Disability and Reduced Quality of Life: Finally, any catastrophic injury settlement should consider permanent disability and reduction in quality of life.
Family Members Often Play a Key Role in these Cases
Family members often play a key role in personal injury cases involving catastrophic injuries. They not only provide critical emotional support but also assist in documenting the day-to-day impact of the injury on the victim’s life. They can also help the victim connect with the right attorney.
We Fight for the Rights of Catastrophically Injured Victims in Kansas City
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City catastrophic injury lawyer takes on the full range of cases, including amputations. If you or your loved one lost a limb in an accident, we are here as a legal resource. Give us a phone call now or contact us online for a free, no-obligation initial case review. With an office in Kansas City, we fight for justice every day for injured victims in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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