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Trusted New York Amputation Injury Lawyers with Decades of Experience on Your Side
For over 40 years, victims of catastrophic injuries in New York City have turned to the accomplished team of personal injury attorneys at the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm.
Our highly skilled amputation lawyers have extensive experience representing clients who have tragically lost limbs or suffered disfigurement due to medical errors, vehicle accidents, workplace accidents involving heavy machinery, and other acts of negligence.
Clients can have confidence knowing our unwavering commitment has resulted in a proven track record of over a billion dollars recovered for injury victims and their families. At the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm, every amputation case receives compassionate, diligent representation in pursuit of full compensation.
Common Causes of Amputations
Amputation is the removal of all or part of a limb or extremity. It can occur traumatically due to an accident (traumatic amputation) or be done intentionally for medical reasons (surgical amputation).
Consider these common causes of lost body parts:
- Vascular disease: Poor circulation, often due to diabetes, may lead to gangrene, putting patients at risk of sepsis or death; amputating the gangrenous tissue may be the only way to save the patient's life;
- Traumatic injuries from accidents: Car crashes, explosions, gunshots, or workplace accidents involving heavy machinery can cause severe tissue and bone damage necessitating amputation of the damaged limb;
- Severe burns: Thermal or electrical burns can destroy skin, muscle, nerves, and bone beyond repair; amputation may be required to remove the irreparably damaged tissue.
- Cancer: Amputation may be required because a tumor is located on the limb itself or to prevent the metastatic spread of cancer;
- Bacterial infections: Conditions like meningitis can lead to sepsis and gangrene, making amputation necessary; urgent infections of wounds or bone (osteomyelitis) sometimes result in loss of the infected limb;
- Congenital conditions: Some babies are born missing limbs or with partially formed extremities that require amputation;
- Frostbite: Extreme cold can damage tissue as loss of blood flow causes cellular death, making amputation the only option.
Not all causes of missing limbs are avoidable. But when amputation accidents happen due to someone else's negligence, the victim may seek compensation for the loss of a limb from the responsible party.
Understanding the Devastating Impacts of Living with Amputation
An amputation is a life-altering event with devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Physical Consequences
Amputees lose physical strength, balance, and mobility. They may need intensive rehabilitation and prosthetics to relearn basic tasks. Chronic pain, circulatory issues, and skin problems are common. Daily living activities may become extremely difficult or impossible without help.
Emotional Consequences
Many amputees grieve the loss of their limbs and suffer blows to their independence, self-esteem, and body image. Anxiety, despair, isolation, and depression are prevalent.
Financial Consequences
Medical bills, prosthetics, home modifications, medications, and home care create major costs. Many people missing an arm or leg can no longer work, increasing financial hardship. Stress on family caregivers is significant.
Amputation injuries affect every aspect of a person’s life. With extensive support and sometimes legal help, amputees can regain functioning but face profound lifelong disability.
Types of Amputation Injury Cases We Handle in New York
At our New York amputation injury law firm, we have extensive experience representing amputees and their families in many types of amputation injury cases.
Medical Malpractice
Doctors and hospitals have a duty to provide reasonable medical care. Surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, medication errors, or neglect leading to amputation may constitute medical malpractice. We pursue fair compensation for victims of medical errors.
Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents
Collision-related trauma in an auto accident is a major cause of limb loss. We assist clients severely injured in NYC traffic accidents in seeking damages from negligent drivers.
Construction and Industrial Accidents
Dangerous equipment and hazards on construction sites and in factories tragically lead to limb amputation injuries. We fight to recover compensation for injured workers.
Explosion Injuries
Powerful blasts from gas leaks, equipment failures, or explosive materials can cause catastrophic injuries, including limb loss. We help survivors and families obtain accountability.
Government Liability
If a dangerous road, unsafe premises, or negligent government employee caused an amputation, we may pursue fair damages from the government entity responsible.
At our firm, we understand the enormous challenges amputees face. Our dedicated attorneys provide compassionate counsel and work tirelessly to recover compensation through settlements or jury verdicts. Each amputation case receives highly personalized representation.
You Focus on Recovery — We'll Bring Justice
Let our New York amputation lawyers fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationWhat You Should Do If You Suffered an Amputation
Here's what to do if you suffered an amputation injury:
- Seek immediate medical care;
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney, who can start building your claim right away while you focus on recovery;
- Document everything you can related to the accident and your injuries through photos, videos, or witness statements;
- Follow your doctor’s instructions closely during treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation;
- Keep notes on how the loss of a body part affects your mobility, independence, work, finances, and emotional health;
- Give your attorney authorization to obtain your medical records, employment info, and other relevant documentation to support your claim;
- Do not accept a quick settlement from insurance companies; usually, a lawyer can negotiate much higher compensation;
- Be patient through legal proceedings; amputation cases typically take time to resolve through settlement or trial.
The most important step is contacting an amputation attorney immediately. With experienced representation, you have a stronger case for receiving compensation.
Types of Claims that Can Be Filed for Damages After a Loss of Limb
These are some of the most common legal claims that can be filed to recover damages after a limb amputation:
- Personal injury: If another party was negligent and caused the amputation, such as in a car accident, your lawyer will likely pursue a personal injury claim, seeking damages for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life;
- Medical malpractice: If a doctor's negligence like a surgical error led to amputation, New York amputation lawyers can seek damages from the medical professional responsible;
- Product liability: If a defective product like a medical device caused limb loss, the manufacturer can be held liable;
- Workers' compensation: Employees injured on the job are entitled to medical, rehab, and disability benefits;
- Social security disability: SSDI benefits can provide income you are if unable to work after losing a limb;
- Americans with disabilities act violations: If an employer or public place violates accommodation requirements, ADA claims may be able to address discrimination;
- Wrongful death: If a loved one died due to complications from an amputation injury, a lawyer may file a wrongful death suit to seek accountability.
A New York amputation attorney can assess which claims to pursue based on how the amputation occurred. Strong legal representation is key to getting fair compensation.
How a New York Amputation Lawyer Can Help You
Here's how our firms' New York amputation injury attorneys can help if you suffered limb loss.
- Provide support: Offer guidance through the devastating emotional trauma of losing a limb;
- Investigate the accident: Thoroughly examine how and why the amputation happened to build your claim;
- Handle legal process: Navigate complex paperwork, court proceedings, insurance company communications, and more;
- Prove liability: Use resources like experts, research, evidence, and witnesses to demonstrate that negligence caused the amputation;
- Document losses: Thoroughly calculate medical costs, lost income, accommodations, and other expenses to show full damages;
- Fight lowball offers: Don't let insurers pressure you into accepting inadequate settlements;
- Pursue full compensation: Negotiate a settlement that covers your full losses or ask for the damages you deserve at trial;
- Advocate for you long-term: Continue offering advice on your legal needs after case resolution.
Retaining an amputation lawyer as soon as possible after the injury occurs is key to getting justice. With an attorney's help, you can focus on recovery while they fight for compensation.