The Scope of Amputation Injuries in the U.S.
Amputation is more common than many people realize. According to the National Limb Loss Information Center, about two million people in America are currently living with limb loss. Each year, over 185,000 amputations are performed in the U.S., with the majority—about 82%—resulting from vascular diseases such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). However, a significant portion of amputations are caused by traumatic injuries that could have been prevented. When this happens, survivors and families should turn to a firm they can trust to help them seek justice.
Arnold & Itkin has an impressive track record of success in amputation cases:
- $44 million record-setting verdict for a construction superintendent who lost his leg in a crane collapse.
- $9.5 million settlement for a longshoreman who had his leg amputated after an industrial crane accident.
- $9.25 million settlement for a young man who was struck by a delivery truck, losing his leg.
- $6.75 million settlement for a worker who lost his leg in a pipeline cleaning accident.
These results represent lives changed for the better. Our New Mexico amputation lawyers are committed to helping our clients rebuild after the worst accidents and injuries.
Primary Causes of Traumatic Amputation in New Mexico
While disease is a leading cause of amputation, accidental injuries are responsible for many traumatic amputations.
The primary causes of traumatic amputation in New Mexico include:
- Construction Accidents: Serious accidents in construction, such as those involving power tools, heavy machinery, or cranes, can lead to immediate amputation or damage so severe that surgical amputation is required.
- Industrial Work Accidents: Workers in industrial settings are at high risk for traumatic amputations due to dangerous equipment, inadequate safety measures, and other hazardous conditions. These accidents often involve machinery, tools, or heavy equipment, and they can result in the loss of fingers, hands, arms, or legs.
- Vehicle Accidents: Traffic accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, including amputation. The force of a collision, particularly with a large truck or commercial vehicle, can crush limbs or cause other severe trauma that necessitates amputation. Motorcyclists, pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of smaller vehicles are at particular risk.
- Oil and Gas Industry Accidents: New Mexico’s oil and gas industry is a major economic driver, but it is also one of the most dangerous sectors to work in. Refinery fires, pipeline explosions, equipment failures, oilfield accidents, and other catastrophic oil and gas incidents can lead to life-altering injuries, including amputations.
The Lifelong Impact of Amputation
The consequences of an amputation go far beyond the physical loss of a limb. Victims often face long-term challenges that affect every aspect of their lives. Everyday tasks such as walking, eating, or dressing can become difficult or impossible without assistance. Depression, anxiety, and a sense of loss are common among amputees, and the trauma of the accident itself, combined with the challenges of adjusting to life without a limb, can be overwhelming.
To make matters worse, the cost of medical care for amputation victims is often astronomical. This includes not only immediate hospitalization and surgery but also ongoing care such as physical therapy, prosthetics, and modifications to the home or vehicle to accommodate the victim’s new needs. Combined with an inability to work in the same capacity, this can lead to significant financial challenges that may seem impossible to overcome.
As amputation attorneys in Albuquerque, we are committed to helping amputees and their families seek the level of compensation that helps them face stable futures—despite these many challenges.
Holding At-Fault Parties Accountable
To seek and recover financial compensation after an amputation injury in New Mexico, we must identify the at-fault party (or parties), gather evidence of their negligence or wrongdoing, and build a compelling case against them.
Determining who is legally responsible for an amputation injury depends on the circumstances of the case:
- In cases of workplace accidents, the employer may be held liable if it is found that they failed to provide a safe working environment, did not follow safety protocols, or provided defective equipment.
- If a dangerous or defective product caused the accident that led to the amputation, the manufacturer of that product could be held accountable through a product liability lawsuit.
- In vehicle accidents, the driver who caused the crash may be held liable for the injuries resulting from their negligence. In commercial vehicle accidents, it may be the company that employs the driver who is to blame.
- If an amputation occurred due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, the property owner might be held responsible under New Mexico premises liability laws.
Compensation for NM Amputation Lawsuits
Due to the catastrophic nature of these injuries, victims of amputation may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages. This compensation cannot erase a survivor's pain and losses, but it can make all the difference in their ability to get the care and support they need for the rest of their lives.
A successful New Mexico amputation lawsuit may include compensation for:
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Prosthetics and assistive devices
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Ongoing care
- Lost income
- Loss of future income
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Therapy and counseling services
Choose a Leading Albuquerque Amputation Attorney
At Arnold & Itkin, we understand the profound impact that an amputation injury can have on your life. Our compassionate, experienced legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of success in helping New Mexico personal injury victims recover substantial compensation, and we’re not afraid to take on powerful corporations or insurance companies to fight for your rights.
Our firm is known for taking on the toughest cases and achieving results that other firms simply can’t match. We’re proud to stand by our clients every step of the way, from the initial consultation through trial and beyond. When you choose Arnold & Itkin, you’re choosing a team of trial attorneys who are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you and your family. If you or a loved one has suffered, don’t wait to seek legal help.
Contact our amputation lawyers in New Mexico now by calling (888) 493-1629. Your consultation is free.