Lakewood Auto Accident Amputation 

A car accident is a violent event. When over three tons of metal and fiberglass collide, the damage to the human body can be immense. One of the most catastrophic and life-changing injuries that can happen because of a car accident is amputation. Losing a body part is traumatic, both physically and mentally. It can take years of rehabilitation and therapy to learn how to navigate daily life again.

A quick insurance settlement with the at-fault driver may seem like a good idea when you are trying to manage your recovery and cope with medical expenses. However, a one-time speedy settlement is seldom in your best interest. Will the settlement account for your future medical expenses? What about the cost of therapy, prosthetics, and the potential modifications that will need to be made to your home? Contact The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs today, if you have any questions at all.

If you lost a body part in a Washington car accident, you need to immediately talk to an experienced attorney. At The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, we want to hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions. That means helping you recover meaningful compensation for your injuries. Don’t struggle with your bills one more day. Get in touch with our office by calling (253) 588-6696. We will set you up with a free and confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how we may be able to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

What is Amputation? 

Amputation is the total loss or removal of a body part. An amputation can happen to just about any limb or body part, such as fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, and legs. Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates that traumatic accidents account for at least 45 percent of amputations. Traumatic accidents include combat injuries, industrial accidents, and car crashes.

Limb loss can happen in several different ways. Limbs can be traumatically removed from the body in the initial impact of a car crash. Rollover accidents, ejections, and high-speed collisions can cause impacts forceful enough to tear a body part from the body, resulting in a traumatic amputation. Significant impacts can also cause amputation by inflicting tremendous damage to a limb. Crushing injuries and certain types of bone fractures can cause enormous tissue damage. This damage may be so severe that the limb cannot be salvaged and must be surgically amputated.

Some forms of amputation may not occur immediately after the accident. Blood vessels damaged in a crash may not be able to supply a limb with enough blood and oxygen to keep the appendage alive. The limb may then slowly begin to die. Limb death can lead to gangrene, serious infections, and eventually the victim’s death if not treated quickly. Days or even weeks after the initial crash, medical professionals may recommend that the limb be amputated surgically.

Compensation for Limb Loss 

In addition to being supremely traumatizing, amputations can be costly injuries. Studies indicate that the lifetime medical costs associated with limb loss can be between $163,282 and $509,275. Lifetime medical costs can skyrocket even higher if the victim is young or needs specialized prosthetics. Younger patients who still have growing to do will need multiple prosthetic devices, potentially costing millions over their lifetime. While calculating the medical costs associated with amputation is relatively simple, compensating a victim for the mental anguish and emotional scars left behind is not.

If a negligent driver causes a serious car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. The value of your claim may depend on the nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries. In general, you may be able to pursue money for the following:

• Current medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering

You may be able to pursue compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. Remember, insurance companies are for-profit companies. They want to keep as much money in their own pockets as possible. Talk to an attorney before accepting any offer. You want to ensure that you are being treated fairly and not being dismissed prematurely.

In some cases, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. Again, talk to an experienced Washington car accident attorney to review your options and find the best path forward for your circumstances.

Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims 

The process of recovering compensation for significant injuries can be complicated. You may find yourself in a back-and-forth tug of war with an insurer trying to get the money you deserve. As an accident victim, you want to be mindful of Washington’s statute of limitations on car accident cases. The state gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries.

If an insurer continues stalling or not negotiating in good faith, you may find yourself out of time and unable to file a lawsuit against them or the negligent driver. Get an experienced attorney on your side sooner early on. Your attorney will be able to negotiate on your behalf and manage crucial legal deadlines.

Get in Touch with Our Team Today 

Losing a limb feels like losing a part of yourself. The healing process is a journey and one that cannot be rushed. However, you may feel under pressure to settle with an insurer or pay for incoming medical bills before you are ready. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you while you are in a vulnerable position physically or emotionally. Let an experienced car accident attorney manage your accident claim and fight to get you the money you deserve.

At The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, we know you may be struggling right now. We can offer you valuable legal advice, guidance on how to pursue meaningful compensation, and a shoulder to lean on when you need it the most. For a free consultation to discuss the details of your case, contact us online, or call us today at (253) 588-6696.