Losing a limb is one of the most traumatic injuries a person can face. The physical recovery alone is extensive, but the emotional and financial impact can last a lifetime. If your amputation injury was caused by someone else’s actions—or inaction—you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Stritmatter Law, we help people in Seattle and throughout Washington understand their legal rights and take steps to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Common Causes of Amputation Injuries
Amputations can happen in an instant or become necessary after severe injury or infection. In many cases, they occur because someone failed to act safely or responsibly. Some of the most common causes include:
- Vehicle accidents involving cars, motorcycles, or trucks, where the force of impact can crush limbs or cause traumatic injuries
- Construction or industrial accidents, especially where heavy machinery or safety violations are involved
- Medical malpractice, such as failing to treat an infection in time or making surgical errors
- Defective products that malfunction and cause severe harm
- Severe burns or infections that require surgical removal of a limb to protect a person’s life
Whether the amputation happened immediately or was the result of complications down the line, it’s important to determine whether someone else’s negligence played a role.
The Impact of an Amputation Injury
Amputation injuries affect every part of a person’s life. Many people require long-term rehabilitation and adaptive devices to perform daily tasks. Others must stop working altogether or take on lower-paying jobs that accommodate their new limitations.
Some of the long-term effects can include:
- Ongoing medical care and follow-up surgeries
- The cost and maintenance of prosthetics
- Modifications to the home or vehicle
- Chronic pain, including phantom limb pain
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Families are often deeply affected as well. Loved ones may need to provide care, adjust their work schedules, or deal with the emotional fallout of such a life-altering event.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?
You may have a legal case if your amputation injury was caused by another person’s carelessness. For example:
- A driver who ran a red light
- A property owner who failed to fix unsafe conditions
- A doctor who failed to diagnose a life-threatening infection
- A manufacturer who sold a defective tool, machine, or other product
Washington law allows injured people to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. However, there’s a time limit to do so. In many types of claims, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury. If you do not take appropriate steps within the applicable statute of limitations, you may lose the right to recover damages. That’s why it’s important to take action as soon as you’re able.
What Compensation Might Be Available?
Amputation injuries often result in significant financial burdens. A personal injury claim can help cover a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and prosthetics
- Future medical needs and ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and emotional distress
In some cases, we may also pursue damages for the impact on your family, such as loss of companionship or support. Every case is different, but our goal is always the same: to help you recover what you need to rebuild your life.
How Stritmatter Law Can Support You
At Stritmatter Law, we’ve represented clients across Washington who have experienced catastrophic injuries, including amputation. We understand the medical, legal, and financial implications of these injuries. But more importantly, we know how personal this is for you.
We work closely with each client to understand their needs and goals. Whether we’re gathering medical records, speaking with witnesses, or negotiating with insurance companies, we do the heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery. If your case requires going to trial, we’re fully prepared to fight for you in court.
Take the Next Step Toward Justice
You don’t have to go through this alone. If you’ve suffered an amputation injury in Seattle and believe someone else may be at fault, we’re here to help. Contact Stritmatter Law today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide what comes next.
