Accidents in New Orleans can lead to serious injury. Some of these injuries are so severe that the victim loses part or all of a limb as a result. Amputation injuries can change a person’s life forever and have an overwhelming impact on the victim and their family.
If you’ve suffered an amputation due to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Louisiana state law gives you the right to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. An experienced New Orleans amputation attorney at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso will fight to ensure you get the total compensation you deserve for your losses.
Types of Amputations
An amputation is the removal of all or part of a limb or other body part. Amputations are often necessary in cases of severe trauma, such as an accident injury, or to prevent the spread of an infection or disease, such as gangrene.
There are several types of amputations, depending on the location and extent of the removal:
- Above and below-the-knee amputations
- Above and below-the-elbow amputations
- Partial hand amputation
- Partial foot amputation
- Partial toe or finger amputation
- Hip disarticulation (removal of the entire lower limb at the hip joint)
- Wrist disarticulation (removal of the hand at the wrist joint)
- Shoulder disarticulation *removal of the entire arm at the shoulder joint)
- Transmetatarsal amputation (removal of the front part of the foot, usually across the metatarsal bones)
- Syme’s amputation (removal of the foot at the ankle joint, preserving the heel pad)
After an amputation, the remaining part of the limb may be reshaped and closed over (closed amputation) or left open (open amputation) to heal. Patients frequently require extensive rehabilitation to learn how to function with their new physical condition. They may also be left unable to return to their old job.
Legal Options for Amputation Victims
Amputations are often the result of negligence, including:
- Automobile collisions
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace mishaps
Those who have to undergo an amputation as a result of the negligent actions of another have many legal options available to them, including filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurance company.
To prevail in an amputation injury lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that an accident occurred, the defendant’s negligence was responsible for the accident, the amputation was necessary as a result of the accident, and they suffered damages because of their amputation. This can be a daunting task, especially if one isn’t familiar with Louisiana’s personal injury laws. Most people in this position hire an experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyer to represent their interests and protect their rights.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of amputation may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Current and ongoing medical expenses (including long-term medical care, rehabilitation therapy, prosthetics, etc.)
- Lost wages and loss of employment
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
A lawyer can help the victim identify the full extent of their injuries. They’ll also be able to help assign a dollar value to the damages. While some damages are easy to assess (such as medical expenses and lost wages) others, like pain and suffering, may be more difficult to estimate.
How Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso Can Help
New Orleans-based personal injury law firm Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso is committed to providing compassionate support and aggressive advocacy for our clients. Let us handle the legal hassles while you focus on getting your life back to normal. We offer:
- Free initial consultations to assess your case.
- Experienced representation from investigation to litigation.
- Contingency fee arrangements — our services have no upfront costs; we collect our fee as a percentage of your final cash settlement.
We’ve been protecting the rights of injured clients for nearly 50 years. During that time, our lawyers have recovered over a billion dollars in compensation for our clients. We have the expertise and resources to handle any type of catastrophic personal injury case, including amputations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso handles all amputation injury cases on a contingency basis. There are no upfront retainers or other fees if we decide to represent your case. We collect our fee as a percentage of your final compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim for an amputation injury in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally one year from the date of the accident. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to speak with a personal injury as soon as possible after your accident.
Can I claim compensation if my amputation was partially my fault?
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, which means your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault for the accident that caused your amputation injury. For example, if you suffered $150,000 in damages as a result of your injuries, and it was determined you shared 10 percent of the liability, you would only be eligible to collect $135,000.
Speak to an Experienced New Orleans Amputation Attorney Today
If you’ve lost all or part of a limb in an accident that resulted from the negligent action of another, it’s important that you take immediate action to protect your legal rights. Call Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso today at (800) 521-1750 or contact us online to schedule a free, initial consultation with one of our Louisiana amputation lawyers. The sooner we get to work on your case, the better your chances of obtaining the total compensation you deserve.