Who Will Pay for My Prosthetic Limb After My Accident?
Losing in a limb in a car accident permanently changes your life. Besides the considerable emotional and physical adjustment involved with any amputation, you are concerned about the cost of your prosthetic limb.
New York is a no-fault state when it comes to car accident insurance. However, amputation counts as a reason to step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver. However, if you lost your limb on a motorcycle in a collision with a car, you are not covered under New York’s no-fault law.
A New York City Personal Injury Lawyer at Douglas & London knows how much a suitable prosthetic limb for your type of amputation will cost. We will protect your rights and negotiate with the insurance company so that the responsible party pays for it. Our dedicated attorneys will help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and long-term needs.
Prosthetic Limbs
Losing a limb is a traumatic experience. You may no longer have the ability to work at the same job or participate in many of the activities you enjoyed. The only good news is that many prosthetic limbs can help an accident victim regain mobility and live a “new normal” life.
Because there is so much variation in what a prosthetic limb can do, there is also a significant price differential. A leg may range between $5,000 and $50,000. However, prosthetic limbs are not permanent. Most are designed to last for no more than five years. After that, a new one is needed. A person losing a limb at a relatively young age may need 10 or more limb replacements in a lifetime, and that is a large sum of money.
After your accident and initial surgery, you receive a temporary prosthesis to help while the area heals. After undergoing intensive physical therapy, you should receive a new artificial limb. Training to use it takes a significant amount of time, as you learn to relearn how to make movements consciously. These are actions you do not think about when using your natural limbs.
Prosthetic Types
The type of prosthetic an individual needs depends on where the limb was amputated. For leg amputations, a transtibial prosthesis is fitted below the knee and attached to the upper leg. A transfemoral prosthesis is used when the entire leg is amputated. This prosthesis has a prosthetic knee.
When the amputation involves the arms, a trans-radial prosthesis attaches at the elbow, while a trans-humeral prosthesis is used when the entire arm is amputated. This includes a prosthetic elbow.
Other Compensation
In addition to costs relating to your ongoing need for a prosthetic limb, additional compensation, or damages, you may receive after an amputation may include:
- Medical expenses relating to the accident, present, and future
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Many amputees must remodel their homes. Your vehicles may need lift or hand controls to enable driving. Your attorney will factor in all of your future expenses when negotiating a settlement. If a reasonable settlement is not possible, your case will go before a court.
It’s essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible
If you lost a limb in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, contact a compassionate personal injury lawyer at Douglas and London. We understand that your life has turned upside down, and you are dealing not only with the immediate situation but perhaps with feelings of anger or despair.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years. It is critical, however, to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your devastating injury. Without a prompt investigation into the crash, crucial evidence is often lost.
Contact us for a free consultation
After reviewing your case, we will discuss your options. Amputation is a catastrophic injury, and individuals have lifelong requirements. Our experienced attorneys have recovered more than $18 billion in settlements and verdicts for clients. Because we work on a contingency basis, there is never a fee unless you receive compensation. Arrange a free consultation by calling or texting us 24/7 or completing our online form.
