Losing a limb can be an incredibly traumatic event. With the loss of a limb, the victim mobility and ability to be self-sufficient is directly hindered. Usually caused by crushing injuries that arise from automobile accidents, the amputation of a limb can also more commonly arise after a motorcycle accident. Fortunately, victims of amputation after a motorcycle accident or any other accident can seek a replacement for their lost limb through the use of a prosthetic. These artificial limbs can help a victim return to previous states of mobility and ability and can in many ways return a victim’s life to a state of semi-normalcy. However, these prosthetic limbs can be somewhat expensive, as the technology used to make them function is still experimental and very complex.
If you require more information after reading this article, consult with one of our experienced lawyers at the top-rated Normandie Law Firm. An accomplished lawyer experienced in motorcycle accident cases will be able to take your call.
The Accidents Themselves
Motorcycle accidents can leave a victim with some traumatic injuries, but few are as severe as the loss of a limb due to amputation. These accidents can result in the loss of a finger, hand, arm, and even leg, and as such can be difficult to recover from fully. Unlike other motor vehicles, motorcyclists are often left exposed to the full force of impact that can come with a motor collision. For this reason, injuries like a loss of limbs due to amputation are more likely to occur. In most cases, amputation in regards to accidents is performed to prevent infection or when a limb has been dramatically crushed by the force of an impact with another vehicle or object. An amputation can also occur because of the accident itself, rather than being performed by a medical professional. Fortunately, for victims of amputations, there is still hope. With the help of modern science and engineering, amputation victims can receive artificial limbs called prosthetics which can help a victim regain a sense of mobility and everyday functionality.
Further, with the assistance of an expert attorney who has experience handling motorcycle injury claims, you can earn compensation for your accident.
The Prosthetics
Often called a Prosthesis in the medical world, prosthetic limbs are artificial devices that replace a missing part of the body often caused by trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. In some cases, prosthetics are used to be purely cosmetic and have little to no function, such as artificial hands. However, other prosthetics are highly functional and can help a victim regain some of the past mobility lost after the traumatic event. There are some different types of prosthetics, and are bulleted below for your reference:
- Below the knee (transtibial): A prosthetic lower leg (or calf) is attached to a still intact upper leg.
- Above the knee (transfemoral): The lower and upper leg are prosthetic, and includes a prosthetic knee.
- Below the elbow (transradial): Essentially a prosthetic forearm that attaches at the elbow.
- Above the elbow (transhumeral): A prosthetic lower and upper arm attached at the shoulder; includes a prosthetic elbow.
Some of these prosthetic replacements can be fairly simple, while others can be incredibly complex machines that help a victim regain nearly complete functionality in the lost limb. For this reason, the cost of these prosthetic limbs can vary dramatically depending on the type, the area lost, and level of complexity.
A qualified attorney who has experience in motorcycle accident cases can help lower the cost of these prosthetics by earning you a fair settlement for your injuries.
The Cost of Prosthetics
As stated prior the cost of a new prosthetic leg or arm can vary dramatically. For instance, a new prosthetic leg can range from anywhere between $5,000 and $50,000. Unfortunately, even the most expensive and complex prosthetic limbs are built to only last between three to five years, which means they will need to be replaced regularly throughout a victim’s lifetime. This cost is so extensive because each limb has to be custom fit to every patient. Once a patient is appropriately fitted with their prosthetic limb, they are required to attend physical therapy for weeks or even months afterward, adding to exuberant costs. Fortunately, these expenses can be mitigated with adequate health insurance plans, meaning the victim will only have to pay for doctor visit copays and coinsurance of 10%-50%. However, how much a health insurer will cover a prosthetic limb depends on the individual’s level of amputation, condition, and needs. For those without health insurance, they will have to pay the full price of a prosthetic replacement and all future replacements. According to a study performed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the average lifetime costs for adequate prosthetics and medical care for the loss of just one leg can amount to more than $1.4 million.
This extensive amount of money can be incredibly challenging to take on alone, and if your amputation was caused by the negligence or misconduct of another behind the wheel, you have every right to file a claim for compensation for your damages through the pursuit of a motorcycle amputation lawsuit. However, like with all lawsuits, it is in your best interest to seek representation from a skilled attorney with expertise in motorcycle accident injury lawsuits to handle a case of this nature. Having the right lawyer on your side can mean the difference between receiving compensation for your prosthetic limb and having your case dismissed from court entirely.
How Normandie Law Firm Can Help
If you or a loved one has lost a limb as a result of a motorcycle accident, auto accident, or any other trauma caused the negligence or misconduct of others you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. If you file a claim with our Los Angeles law firm, you could find some, if not all, of the following damages compensable to you:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses
- Loss of Income
- Loss of potential future income
- Emotional Damages (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc…)
- Punitive Damages
Victims of amputations caused by motorcycle accidents can contact our law firm for more information on how to seek compensation for their damages. At Normandie Law Firm our injury attorneys can guide you through the often the arduous process of building a case, filing a claim, and collecting compensation for your damages. While we are based in Los Angeles, our top Los Angeles lawyers also practice in in San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, Bakersfield, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento and throughout the state of California.
Free Second Opinions
Other attorneys will sign you up to their firm but will disappear once your name is on the paper as they are busy signing up more cases. In these instances, their business is based more on volume and will attempt to sign up as many cases as possible. In turn, they will spend less time on cases resulting in severely reduced settlements. Our firm will not treat you like a number. We will be in communication with you throughout our lawsuit and will treat you like family. So if you already have an attorney, don’t worry, we’ll give you a second review of your case 100% free of charge. One of our attorneys with experience in motorcycle accident cases will be able to provide a second opinion.
Zero Fee Guarantee-No Upfront Fees Ever
If you contact our law offices today, we can walk you through the complicated process of filing your claim completely free of charge. As a show this commitment to you and your case we offer our clients the benefits of a zero fee guarantee policy. Under our zero fee policy, all clients don’t pay for our services until their case is won. If you feel in need of a second opinion, second opinion case reviews are also free under this policy. Please, feel free to give us a call, and we can guide you down the path of receiving proper compensation for your damages. Call us today to speak with an experienced attorney.
