Losing a limb, digit, or other extremity is an incredibly traumatic experience. Amputation injuries often necessitate extensive therapy, multiple surgeries, and the challenging process of adapting to life with one less limb.
If you or a loved one has faced an accident resulting in amputation, the changes can be overwhelming. Medical expenses, lost income, and the inability to work can quickly add up, leaving you unsure of your next steps. A Lake Charles amputation injury lawyer can guide you the entire way.
The Laborde Earles team, Louisiana attorneys who care, is here to support you. As your Lake Charles catastrophic injury lawyer, we are committed to helping you through this difficult time with compassion and professionalism.
The Impact of Losing a Limb
Losing a limb is a profoundly traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. This kind of catastrophic injury can result in ongoing pain and emotional distress, making it challenging to maintain employment.
The financial burden can be overwhelming, with prosthetics alone costing tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention physical therapy and lost income.
Consequences of amputation include:
- Body image issues: Amputation can significantly affect how individuals perceive their bodies.
- Deep vein thrombosis: The risk of blood clots increases after losing a limb.
- Fatigue and exhaustion: Amputees often feel unusually tired and worn out.
- Infections: The surgical site can become infected, posing serious health risks.
- Loss of mobility and dexterity: Amputation severely limits movement and fine motor skills.
- Muscle contractions: Painful muscle contractions may occur in the affected area.
- Social isolation: Many amputees struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Stump and phantom limb pain: Amputees often experience pain where the limb used to be.
If you’re dealing with these challenges, our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers are here to support you in seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.
Financial and Emotional Costs
Studies reveal that amputees face hospital and treatment costs averaging $30,000, excluding prosthetics. Including prosthetic expenses, a patient’s lifetime costs can rise to $403,000.
These figures do not account for counseling, emotional pain, suffering, or the challenges of finding a new career. Our attorneys are here to offer support and guidance during these tough times.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientRecoverable Damages for Amputation Injury Lawsuits
Damages refer to the losses you suffer due to an injury, covering both financial costs like medical bills and the physical impact of pain and suffering.
When you file a claim, the aim is to secure financial compensation for these losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies often push for settlements that are less than fair.
Our Lake Charles amputation injury attorneys are committed to helping you secure the maximum possible compensation. We fight vigorously to obtain justice for our clients, addressing both financial losses and emotional distress.
Current and Future Medical Expenses
The medical costs associated with an amputation can be staggering, often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Beyond the initial surgery, amputees frequently require lifelong care, including new prosthetics, prosthetic supplies, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
An amputation can severely impact your ability to work. Even the loss of fingers or toes can lead to lasting issues with balance and grip. Workers’ compensation only covers a percentage of lost wages, and accidents outside the workplace might leave you without any support for lost income.
Non-Economic Damages
The impact of an amputation extends beyond just medical bills and lost income. Such an injury can drastically alter your lifestyle and affect your mental health. We advocate for comprehensive compensation, covering both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment in life
Punitive Damages
In cases where injuries result from particularly reckless behavior, courts may award punitive damages to penalize the negligent parties. This can apply to situations involving drunk drivers or impaired medical professionals.
Laborde Earles is dedicated to seeking all applicable damages to support your recovery.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientUnderstanding Amputation
An amputation involves the partial or complete removal of an external body part, such as a finger, toe, arm, hand, or leg. This significant loss can greatly impact an individual’s quality of life and hinder their ability to perform previous job duties.
Seeking guidance from an amputation injury attorney in Lake Charles, LA, can help you navigate these challenges.
Key Facts About Amputations in Louisiana
- According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the state averages 74 amputations annually, with 6,759 occurring nationwide from 2003 to 2015.
- Non-fatal, work-related amputations with days away from work in Louisiana ranged from 20 to 170.
- In the manufacturing industry, amputation poses a significant risk, causing over 1,400 serious injuries each year.
- In 2015, there were 2,600 amputations nationwide, with 57% occurring in the manufacturing sector.
- OSHA reports that amputation injuries are most common in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientCommon Causes of Amputations in Louisiana
Amputations can result from various accidents or conditions that severely damage tissue, necessitating surgical removal. Here are some common causes:
- Traffic accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles
- Industrial workplace accidents
- Severe burns
- Crush injuries
- Infections
- Frostbite or conditions cutting off circulation
- Maritime and offshore accidents
- Agricultural mishaps
- Firearm incidents
- Medical malpractice
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientPreventing Workplace Amputations
Workplace amputations often stem from inadequate training and the absence of proper safety measures. It’s vital for employers to train workers on safe machinery operation. When accidents occur due to insufficient training, employers may be held accountable.
For assistance, our attorneys, including our amputation injury lawyer in Lake Charles, LA, can guide you through the process and help you seek justice.
Why You Need Laborde Earles By Your Side
Dealing with an amputation can be scary, and securing fair compensation for your losses is essential. Having a skilled attorney by your side can make a significant difference. A Lake Charles amputation injury lawyer can provide the support and guidance you need during this tough time.
Laborde Earles has a proven track record, winning over $1 billion for our clients. This demonstrates our commitment to achieving justice and financial recovery for those we represent. Our experience and dedication can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered an amputation, don’t face it alone. Contact Laborde Earles to work with a compassionate and knowledgeable lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you move forward—we’re the Louisiana attorneys who care.
