Barkhordar Law Group is your trusted ally in Calabasas, CA, specializing in amputation injury cases. If you’ve experienced an amputation due to someone else’s negligence, our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you seek justice and the compensation you rightfully deserve.
About Barkhordar Law Group
At Barkhordar Law Group, we are dedicated to championing justice and upholding our clients’ rights. Recognizing that each legal situation is unique, we tailor our approach to every case, collaborating closely with our clients to understand their needs and concerns. Our commitment to communication and transparency ensures you are informed about your case’s progress and significant developments.
Amputation Injuries in the USA
Amputation injuries are life-changing events that often occur as a result of someone else’s negligence. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost income, and the emotional impact of such traumatic events.
In the United States, approximately 185,000 new amputation cases occur each year, stemming from various causes, including:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and even train or airplane accidents are common causes of traumatic amputations.
- Workplace Accidents: Industries that use heavy machinery and tools, such as construction or manufacturing, pose risks of amputations due to workplace mishaps.
- Electrocution Accidents: Severe electric shocks can lead to traumatic amputations.
- Heavy Object Accidents: Incidents involving heavy doors or vehicles can result in limb amputations.
- Construction Accidents: Using heavy equipment and power tools at construction sites increases the risk of amputation injuries.
- Firearm Accidents: Accidental discharges or mishandling of firearms can lead to limb amputations.
- Explosive Accidents: Explosions or accidents involving explosive materials can result in traumatic amputations.
If negligence caused your amputation, you may have a valid claim for compensation for the losses and suffering you’ve experienced.
The Monetary Costs of Amputation
Losing a limb is not just a physical challenge; it also brings hefty financial burdens. The costs include medical treatments, rehab, and special care. People often spend a long time in the hospital and undergo intense therapy. For many, getting prosthetic limbs is necessary, and they can be quite expensive, needing replacement every two to six years.
A study found that the total cost of traumatic amputation throughout a person’s life is estimated at around $509,272. This covers initial hospitalization, future hospital stays, rehab services, doctor’s visits, therapy, and the cost of prosthetic limbs. It doesn’t include expenses from other health issues leading to amputation or the money lost because someone can’t work.
On top of all this, home changes might be needed, and those who’ve lost a limb often face a drop in income and challenges finding a similar job. Sometimes, they need to train for a new type of work. Because the financial and emotional toll is so high, it’s crucial for people who’ve lost a limb to seek fair compensation for what they’ve been through.
Time Limit for Filing Personal Injury Lawsuit in California
If you have suffered an injury, including amputation, in California, it’s important to know that there is a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. California’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the accident date. This means you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against those responsible for your injuries. If you fail to file within this two-year limit, you may lose your right to seek compensation from the negligent party.
It’s worth noting that if a governmental entity’s negligence caused your injuries, you have a stricter timeline of only six months to file a personal injury claim. Additionally, you must adhere to strict procedural rules in such cases.
Shared Fault Laws in California: What You Need to Know
If you’re involved in an accident in California, you may wonder how shared fault laws work. Simply put, if the defendant can prove you share some responsibility for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionately. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
It’s also important to note that the California Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act limits specific non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand how these laws apply to your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation You May Get for an Amputation Injury
When someone else’s negligence causes you to suffer an amputation injury, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Here are the types of compensation you may receive:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all medical bills associated with the injury, including hospital bills, doctor bills, physical therapy, and prescription drugs.
- Lost Wages: This includes compensation for your lost wages due to the injury or treatment.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury.
- Emotional Distress: This type of compensation is awarded if you have suffered emotional distress due to the amputation.
- Loss of Companionship or Consortium: This type of claim is brought by a family member who has been significantly affected by the amputation.
- Punitive Damages: This is awarded by the court to punish the defendant for particularly willful or negligent behavior.
If you have suffered an amputation injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s essential to consult a personal injury attorney to determine your eligibility for compensation.
The Impact of Amputation on Individuals
Losing a limb due to a traumatic accident can have significant consequences on a person’s life. It requires prolonged hospital stays, followed by years of painful rehabilitation and therapy. Returning to normal daily activities takes time and comes with a high financial cost.
Getting Fair Compensation for Amputation Injuries in California
Amputation is a serious injury that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. In California, victims of such injuries may be entitled to compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Here are some important factors to consider when seeking compensation:
- Medical Expenses: Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and specialized care are crucial for amputees. Although prosthetic limbs can improve the quality of life, they come with high costs and may need to be replaced every 2-6 years.
- Physical Therapy: Extensive therapy is often needed to regain mobility after amputation.
- Prosthetic Limbs: Despite enhancing the quality of life for amputees, the high costs of acquiring and maintaining prosthetic limbs, which may require replacement every two to six years, can be a challenge.
- Home Modifications: Many amputees require home adjustments for better accessibility.
- Lost Income: Losing a limb can reduce income, sometimes permanently, affecting job performance and future employment.
- Emotional Support: Amputation is emotionally traumatic; ongoing support and therapy are often necessary.
Victims need to seek fair compensation to cover these long-term challenges. While initial settlement offers may seem reasonable, they may not cover ongoing expenses. Seeking expert legal help can secure the maximum entitled compensation.
Get Legal Help for Amputation Injury in Calabasas
If you’ve lost a limb due to someone else’s negligence, we can help. Barkhordar Law Group has a team of expert attorneys who will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in amputation injury cases. We understand your challenges and will provide the support you need throughout the legal process.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact us today for a free consultation. Delaying could impact your case, so take the first step toward justice and compensation now.