Las Vegas Amputation and Loss of Limb Accident Attorneys
Help when negligence leads to traumatic amputation and limb loss injuries
Loss of limb is one of the most disabling injuries a person can experience. It’s a permanent injury that affects every day of the rest of your life. These types of catastrophic injuries can cost you your job, the way you live your life, enjoy your friends and family, and cause long-term health complications. When you suffer a traumatic amputation due to the negligent actions of another, you need the right legal team to hold that person accountable.
Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers is that legal team. Our Las Vegas injury attorneys have a winning track record of verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we want to help you like we’ve helped so many others. When you or a loved one suffer a life-altering injury like limb loss, we want to help make things right. And, we ensure the person or party that caused your injuries is held responsible for their negligence. Let our attorneys help you get closure and move on to a new chapter in your life.
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“My experience with Claggett & Sykes has been nothing outside of outstanding top notch service and representation...I have felt like a VIP client throughout the process and they have shown me genuine concern. I am grateful to have this team working hard on my behalf.” – Austin L.
What is loss of limb or traumatic amputation?
A traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part or limb, usually a finger, toe, arm, or leg, as a result of an accident or injury. The amputation may occur at the scene of the accident or surgically as a result of the physical trauma. Approximately 30,000 traumatic amputations happen every year in the United States. Out of the two million people living with limb loss, about 25 percent are due to traumatic amputations.
Seventy percent of traumatic amputations involve the upper limbs, with the most common being partial hand amputation with the loss of one or more fingers. The second most common is the loss of an arm.
What types of accidents cause amputation injuries?
Any type of severe accident can cause a loss of limb injury; whether it’s a car wreck, workplace accident, or defective product. Our attorneys work to find out the cause of your injury and its devastating results. Common accidents leading to traumatic amputations include:
Motor vehicle accidents. Car, commercial truck, and motorcycle wrecks can easily lead to limb loss when the accident is severe. High-speed crashes, rollovers, or any crash where a passenger may suffer crushing or caught-between injuries puts victims at risk for traumatic amputation.
Workplace accidents. Worksite, farm, or construction site accidents cause a great number of limb loss injuries each year. Crushing accidents, falls from heights, and heavy machinery accidents can all lead to traumatic amputation, especially when companies fail to implement proper safety precautions.
Explosions and firearms accidents. Any incident involving firearms, explosives, or fireworks puts a person at high risk of an amputation injury, typically upper limb loss like hands or fingers. These types of accidents generally happen due to inexperience, negligence, violence, or a product defect. The Las Vegas attorneys at Claggett & Sykes can help determine exactly who was responsible for your injury.
Burn injuries. Some burn injuries can be so severe they may lead to the loss of the affected limb in order for the patient to survive. A person can suffer burn injuries in motor vehicle crashes, work accidents, house fires, electrocution, or through toxic chemical exposure.
Medical malpractice. In the most egregious cases of medical malpractice, a surgeon may perform an amputation on the wrong patient. Or, a patient may contract a preventable infection leading to loss of limb. It’s crucial you consult with an experienced attorney in these types of catastrophic cases.
The effects of traumatic amputation last long after the original injury. Our legal team takes into account all the ways your injury affects your life – both now and in the future.
What are the long-term complications of amputation injuries?
Although the immediate effects of an amputation injury are obvious and overwhelming, they don’t stop there. After the loss of a limb, patients are at risk for a variety of future complications:
Loss of mobility or dexterity. The loss of a lower limb means loss of mobility; in the majority of cases, the patient can be fitted with a prosthetic limb. However, that does not make up for the loss of a body part. Patients who lose an arm, hand, or finger may struggle with day-to-day tasks that require dexterity or balance. Even things like writing, tying shoes, or driving a car can all be affected.
Phantom limb and stump pain. Phantom limb pain is a real and common condition experienced by many patients, ranging from chronic pain to burning or stabbing pain. Patients may also experience pain at the site of amputation, typically from nerve damage.
Infection. If the skin at the stump site breaks down and wounds re-open, the patient is at risk of infection and blood clots. Infections can also prevent a patient from using a prosthetic limb, limiting mobility even further. Severe infections may lead to more surgeries and even further loss of the remaining limb.
Extreme fatigue. The increased energy needed to use a prosthetic limb, or the extra exertion required to perform tasks with decreased mobility, can result in increased tiredness for many patients. This can be exacerbated by pain medication or the traumatic psychological effects of the injury.
Psychological effects. The emotional effects of a traumatic amputation can affect a person for the rest of their life. They may be dealing with grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, body image issues, and loss of enjoyment of life. Many amputation patients benefit from therapy.
Our attorneys can help you get the right care, both physically and psychologically, and work to make things right for you and your loved ones.
How do damages work in Las Vegas traumatic amputation claims?
When another’s negligence causes your amputation injury, you are likely eligible for a personal injury claim, and the attorneys at Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers are here to help. Amputation injuries are unlike other personal injury claims in that they are truly catastrophic and you’ve literally lost a part of your body. Nobody can reverse that, but we can help right some wrongs, give you some closure, and hold the negligent parties accountable for what they’ve done. Our skilled trial lawyers seek a wide variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses, past and future. These include hospital bills, surgeries, follow-up appointments, physical and occupational therapy, medication, and any other expenses related to your injury.
- Costs for prosthetic devices, mobility aids, and necessary fittings, maintenance, and replacements.
- Accommodations for your home or vehicle, including wheelchair ramps and other modifications.
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential.
- Reduced quality of life and loss of enjoyment of relationships.
We take all of this into consideration, along with the severity of your injury and your specific circumstances, when we present your case to a jury or during a settlement negotiation. We advocate for your best interests and your best interests only.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Las Vegas?
The statute of limitations to file an injury claim in Nevada is two years after the date of the accident. If you don’t bring a lawsuit by this deadline, the courts will more than likely refuse to hear your case and you’ll lose your right to compensation. These deadlines can change depending on the type of case and whether or not a minor is involved – which is why it’s so important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after you or a loved one suffer a serious injury.
Las Vegas traumatic amputation injury attorneys on your side
Losing a limb is a catastrophic, life-changing injury. When you or a loved one suffer traumatic amputation because of the negligent or reckless actions of another, the attorneys at Claggett & Sykes can help. You may be entitled to damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. Look to the attorneys with the skill and experience to help make things right. To find out more, set up a free initial consultation at our Las Vegas offices. Call our team at 702-333-7777 or fill out our contact form today.