Pittsburgh Amputation Attorneys

Suffering an amputation injury is one of the most traumatic experiences any individual has to endure. Losing a limb is a life-altering event that leaves a person with a permanent and debilitating injury, one that they will never fully be able to recover from. An injury like this means having a lifelong disability that in many cases renders the person unable to perform even routine tasks, let alone gainful activity.

Amputation injuries are not only devastating for those who lose a permanent part of their body, they are very hard on close family members as well. Spouses, for example, often find themselves thrust into the role of a caregiver without any warning. This leaves them with the stress of becoming the sole financial provider while having to look after their spouse’s medical care as well as manage the household.

If you or a loved one suffered an amputation injury that was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, you may have the right to significant compensation. Unfortunately, responsible parties and their insurers will typically not willingly pay you for the entirety of your losses.

They will often look for ways to say you were partially at fault so they can pin some of the blame on you. Or they might make the absurd claim that you are exaggerating the extent of your injuries. With a case like this where there is so much at stake, you need strong legal counsel in your corner fighting hard to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we have nearly five decades of experience representing amputation injury victims and those who have suffered all other types of personal injuries in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and throughout the US. Our firm is focused exclusively on personal injury and related areas of the law, and we have a successful track record with even the most complex cases.

We are skilled litigators and strong negotiators. Whenever possible, we look to negotiate a fair settlement that is in keeping with our clients’ best interests. However, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and pursue full damages if the other side is not willing to negotiate in good faith. From the start, we work to prepare a strong case that will stand up at trial, and opposing attorneys know that we are serious about litigating if they do not give our clients a reasonable offer.

Common Causes of Amputation/Loss of Limb Injuries

An amputation is defined as the partial or total removal of a limb or extremity, such as toes, fingers, hands, feet, arms, and legs. The most common type of amputation is to the leg, either below or above the knee, and a large number of amputations result from traumatic events, although some happen because of infections as well.

There are approximately 900,000 survivors of traumatic amputation living in the United States, and there are more than 30,000 new cases reported in the US each year. The vast majority of traumatic amputation victims are men between the ages of 15 and 40.

Some of the most common reasons for amputations include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: A traumatic amputation/loss of limb typically happens when a body part is crushed after being caught in-between an enclosed space. The risk of an amputation injury is heightened in crashes that occur when the vehicles involved are traveling at higher speeds. These types of injuries are also more likely when a vehicle crashes into a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian.
• Workplace Accidents: Thousands of workers suffer amputation injuries on the job each year. Amputation/loss of limbs are more common in industries like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture where heavy machinery is frequently used. The risks are greater when OSHA safety guidelines are not followed and when workers are not properly trained to deal with the dangers of the job.
• Medical Malpractice: Medical negligence can be the cause of an amputation/loss of limb. For example, a botched procedure can lead to an infection which could spread to the point where a limb needs to be removed.
• Defective or Dangerous Tools/Machinery: Many products that are used in the home are dangerous or they might even contain defects that could result in the loss of a limb. For example, power saws, lawn mowers, and some kitchen appliances contain sharp edges that could cause someone to lose a finger or toe if they have a mishap.
• Caught-In Between Injuries: A traumatic amputation can result from various incidents when someone gets caught in-between or crushed. For example, if a child gets his/her hand caught in a car door or window.

Pursuing an Amputation Injury Claim in Pennsylvania

When someone suffers the loss of a limb or extremity and it was someone else’s fault, they are entitled to damages for a wide range of losses, which may include:

• Medical Expenses (both present and future)
• Lost Wages
• Loss of Earning Capacity
• Property Damage
• Pain-and-Suffering
• Mental Anguish
• Psychological Trauma
• Loss of Enjoyment
• Loss of Consortium
• Disfigurement
• Permanent Injury

In the case of an amputation injury, these costs could be astronomical, and they will often run well into the six figures or even exceed seven figures. Many of these losses are intangible and very difficult to quantify, because of course no amount of money can give you back the body part you were born with or restore your ability to participate in activities that you once enjoyed. That said, monetary compensation is the best remedy the legal system has to try to make the victim whole and to help ensure that those who cause these types of injuries are held fully accountable.

Your Experienced Pittsburgh Amputation Injury Attorneys

At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, we understand that the trauma that comes with losing a limb or extremity can take a major physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families, and we are here to provide strong legal guidance and moral support during this difficult time. We work closely with our clients, and we handle all of the complicated legal tasks, so you can stay focused on getting recovered as much as possible. Throughout the process, we provide frequent updates on the progress of your case, and we are always available whenever you need to contact us with questions or concerns.

To schedule a free consultation and case assessment with a member of our legal team, call our Pittsburgh office today at 412-567-1232 or toll-free at 866-466-5789. You may also send us a message through our online contact form.