Injuries that subsequently require amputations are among the most devastating anyone can experience. In addition to the pain of the initial accident, you must adjust to life without a finger, toe, or perhaps an entire limb. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, an experienced lawyer for amputation injuries may be able to help you seek and secure compensation.

However, personal injury cases involving amputations can be exceedingly challenging to argue. To maximize your chances of success, you’ll need to work with an amputation attorney in the following ways:

Retain Legal Representation As Soon As Possible

Sometimes, upon learning of their state’s statute of limitations, accident victims assume they can wait several months before hiring an attorney. In actuality, that is almost never a good idea.

Speaking with an amputation attorney early on can help you preserve evidence, solidifying your case in the process. If you wait too long to get in touch, it may become more difficult to find relevant police reports, security footage, and other valuable evidence.

Additionally, building a strong case takes time. The more time you can give your lawyers to create a strategy and negotiate with the other side, the more likely you are to receive fair compensation.

As such, scheduling a free consultation with a legal firm like Ratzan Weissman & Boldt as soon as possible after your accident or amputation means our lawyers will have more than enough time to review the details of your case and get to work fighting for you.

Gather Key Evidence

Experienced amputation attorneys know how to collect evidence to support a case, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help. Collecting the following items can go a long way toward your case’s success:

Medical Records and Bills

Medical bills and records are among the most important documentation in any personal injury case. The latter provides a timeline of your injury and healing, while the former outlines the costs of your treatment(s).

Accident Reports

If your amputation was caused by a car or workplace accident, a copy of the associated police report could potentially provide a wealth of information regarding potential liability and proof of negligence.

Witness Statements

If anyone witnessed your accident, the information they can provide can be especially useful for corroborating your version of events.

Professional Opinions

We often talk to our clients about obtaining testimony and other statements from professionals familiar with the matter. Things like these can help ensure that a jury understands the full extent of your amputation.

Proving Liability and Damages to Build a Strong Case

Establishing the negligence of the at-fault party is a critical part of any personal injury case. To do so successfully, we will need to show the following:

  • The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
  • They breached that duty
  • Their actions directly led to your injuries
  • You have damages to collect as a result

You and your lawyer also must prove the extent of all of your losses; proof of financial losses is important, but so is documenting your emotional pain.

Calculating Long-Term Costs for Compensation

One of the primary challenges of amputation injury lawsuits is accurately determining the long-term cost of the injury. In doing so, we must consider the following factors:

  • Your loss of earning capacity
  • The cost to modify your home and car to accommodate you
  • The price of prosthetics
  • Expenses for ongoing rehabilitation and medical care

Because our attorneys are familiar with these kinds of cases, we often can come up with an accurate estimate of your long-term costs. However, consulting with a third party professional is usually a wise choice as well.

Working With Medical and Financial Experts

Our team has an established network of medical and financial experts who can provide valuable testimony. When judges or juries hear from these individuals, they’re far more likely to award you fair compensation.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Most insurance companies will push victims into accepting lowball settlement offers, and unfortunately, many do because they think they’re the best outcome they can strive for. Our attorneys deal with insurers on a daily basis, and they know how to quickly evaluate your case; we won’t settle for anything less than you deserve.

Partnering With the Right Amputation Attorney

When it comes to filing claims for amputation cases, your choice of lawyer matters. Don’t just choose the first attorney you find; take your time and do your research. These are some key things to look for:

  • Experience with amputation cases
  • A record of successful cases
  • Experience with both negotiation and litigation
  • Compassion and a willingness to listen

Most personal injury attorneys also offer free consultations, which will give you a chance to get to know an attorney and determine whether they’re right for you.

FAQ

How Much Does It Cost to Work With an Amputation Attorney?

Amputation attorneys generally work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Amputation Lawsuit?

If liability is clear and the other side is willing to settle, your case might be resolved within several months. Complex cases, however, can take years.

Will My Case Go to Court?

The majority of personal injury cases, including amputation cases, settle out of court. However, if the other side won’t offer a fair settlement, a skilled attorney will not hesitate to go to trial.

Have You Suffered an Amputation Injury?

If you’re adjusting to life after an amputation, pursuing a lawsuit may seem overwhelming. However, when you work with Ratzan Weissman & Boldt, you’re choosing a team that will shoulder much of the burden on your behalf.

We aim to work collaboratively with our clients, but we’re also committed to handling the majority of the legwork so you can focus on healing. Call us or send us a message online today to book your free consultation.