Wisconsin Amputations Attorney

After an accident, you may suffer from a number of different types of injuries. One of the most life-altering types of injuries you could sustain is an amputation. Most people who suffer an amputation will have to adjust throughout their entire life. They may have to make changes at home and in the workplace to accommodate their injury. Each new day can present new challenges.

If you have sustained an amputation due an accident in Wisconsin, that was the fault of someone else, Our Wisconsin amputation lawyers can help you file a claim against them to recover your damages. While financial compensation can never undo the accident, it can help relieve the costly burden amputation injuries place upon you. Get in touch with our helpful legal team now!

Understanding Amputation Injuries

An amputation involves the removal of a bodily appendage such as an arm, leg, finger, or toe. Amputations can be surgical or accidental. Accidental amputations are also known as traumatic amputations because they happen during an accident. Surgical amputations occur after an accident when the limb or digit is so badly damaged it cannot be saved.

Amputation Injuries are Quite Common

Due to the fact that amputation injuries are so traumatic, and people do not come across amputees every day, it is natural to think that these injuries are relatively rare. Unfortunately, that is not true. 

While the main cause of an amputation injury is vascular disease due to peripheral arterial disease and diabetes, amputations caused by accidents are also very common. According to the Amputee Coalition, there are more than 19 million people in the United States currently living with a loss of limb.  Additionally, in 2020 the WHA Information Center reported there were 1,250 hospitalizations for amputation of the lower limb except toes in 2019.

Not only are amputation injuries quite common, they are also very expensive to treat. You can initiate a claim against the liable party, but it is first important to identify the cause of the injury.

What Causes an Amputation Injury?

While any accident can cause an amputation, there are some types that more commonly result in these injuries than others. They are as follows:

• Auto accidents: Motorcycle crashes, truck accidents, and car collisions are one of the leading causes of amputation injuries. These accidents often happen at high speeds and the force of impact is often too much for certain parts of the body to sustain. Sharp glass and flying debris can also cause an accidental amputation at the scene of a car accident.
• Dog bites and attacks: A vicious dog attack may result in an accidental amputation if the dog manages to tear away a part of a person’s body. However, surgical amputation is also sometimes required after a dog bite or attack. A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria that can enter a person’s bloodstream during an attack. This can cause infections which, if left untreated or not caught soon enough, may result in surgical amputation.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: Neither pedestrians nor bicyclists have a great deal of protection when they are out on the road. When they are struck by a large vehicle, they will suffer some of the most catastrophic injuries, including possible amputation.
• Slip and falls: Slip and falls can result in an amputation injury, particularly when someone falls from a great height or suffers a crushing injury due to the fall.

Long-Term Impacts of an Amputation Injury

An amputation injury will have an enormous impact on your life. It may affect your ability to work, move, and enjoy hobbies and activities that you once did. It may also affect your independence and ability to interact with others. In addition to the emotional distress, may also have to deal with other long-term impacts. Some of the most common of these are as follows:

• Phantom limb syndrome, or perceived sensation in the missing limb
• Chronic pain caused by nerve damage
• Balance, mobility, and coordination issues
• Sensory issues
• Increased risk of falling
• Fatigue due to physical exhaustion
• Medical complications, including muscle contractions
• Deadly blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis
• Self-esteem issues
• Mental health disorders such as PTSD and depression

How Much are Amputation Injury Claims Worth?

If another person’s negligence, or carelessness, caused your amputation injury, you can file a claim against them to recover compensation. No two amputation cases are exactly alike, however, and the amount of damages you receive will depend on the facts of your case. Still, there are guidelines you can use to estimate the amount of damages you may deserve. The most common types are as follows:

• The cost of your medical expenses including surgeries, hospitalizations, medication, medical devices, physical therapy, and more,
• The income you lost due to your inability to return to work right away,
• The difference in your income before and after the amputation if you cannot return to the same line of work in the future,
• Losses for the permanent disfigurement and/or disability you sustained,
• The cost of renovations to your home or vehicle necessary to accommodate the injury, and 
• Pain and suffering damages for your physical and emotional trauma

It is not always easy to determine what damages are available after an amputation injury. While you may understand the immediate losses you have incurred, it is also important to include future losses in your claim. It is also difficult to calculate certain types of damages, such as those for pain and suffering, that do not have a concrete value. Before filing an amputation injury claim, it is critical that you speak to a Wisconsin amputations attorney who can accurately value your claim and negotiate a fair settlement.

Why Hire Our Exceptional Wisconsin Amputation Lawyer?

Navigating the legal process after an amputation can be overwhelming. Having an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney by your side can make all the difference in securing fair compensation. Here’s how Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC can help:

• Building a Strong Case: To win compensation, we need to prove that another party was at fault for your injury. Our team will gather crucial evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a compelling case on your behalf. Whether it was a negligent driver, an unsafe workplace, or a defective product, we’ll work to hold the responsible party accountable.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are notorious for offering low settlements that don’t cover the full extent of your damages. We handle all communications with insurers, ensuring they receive the necessary paperwork and medical records while negotiating on your behalf for a fair settlement.
• Fighting for Maximum Compensation: Whether through settlement negotiations or litigation, we fight for the maximum compensation available to you. Our goal is to ensure you are financially secure as you recover from your injury. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
• Litigating in Wisconsin Courts: Wisconsin has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, meaning you have limited time to file a lawsuit. We’ll make sure your claim is filed on time and will aggressively represent you in court if necessary.

Our Amputation Lawyer in Wisconsin Can Help You Claim Full Damages

Amputation injuries are extremely traumatic and when filing a claim, you need legal advice. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin amputation lawyer can provide it. Our Wisconsin amputation attorneys can advise you of your legal options, determine the value of your claim, and negotiate with the liable party for the maximum damages that are justly yours. Call us now at (608) 784-4370 or contact us online to request a free consultation and to get the legal help you need.