Is Lifetime Compensation Available for Amputees?

 Posted on September 13, 2023 in Personal Injury

Amputation injuries can profoundly and last impact a person’s life. In personal injury cases, the question arises whether injured persons can receive lifetime compensation to help them cope with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with amputation. The potential for lifetime compensation will depend on the severity of the injury, its impact on the individual’s daily life, and the jurisdiction where the lawsuit is filed. However, no law states that amputees are entitled to lifetime compensation. 

If you were injured and suffered an amputation as a result, contact an attorney to begin the process of seeking compensation. Your lawyer will walk you through everything that needs to be considered, granting you the knowledge you need to make as informed a decision as possible. 

Damages in Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases feature many different forms of compensation to equate to injuries suffered. These can include economic and medical damages, rehab costs, prosthetics, loss of earning capacity, and more. Additionally, damages not related to financial matters, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, may also be awarded. Remember, according to Colorado law, people have two years to pursue a personal injury case from the time of their accident. In cases involving car accidents, this is extended to three years. 

Calculating Future Damages

When determining the amount of compensation, courts consider the future needs and losses of the injured person. This includes estimating the cost of their ongoing medical care, prosthetic devices, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments. Additionally, the impact on the person’s ability to work and earn a living is also taken into account. Professional testimony, medical documentation, and other evidence will likely be utilized to calculate the potential lifetime expenses and losses. 

Structured Settlements 

In personal injury cases, lifetime compensation for amputation injuries can often be secured through structured settlements. A structured settlement is a financial arrangement where the injured individual receives periodic payments over an extended period, typically for the remainder of their life. This can provide a stable income stream to cover ongoing medical expenses, assist with daily living costs, and ensure financial security. Structured settlements are particularly common in cases involving catastrophic injuries like amputations. 

Contact a Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney

Do not face the legal system alone. Call the dedicated Larimer County personal injury lawyer with Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. if you were injured and suffered an amputation. Call 970-225-2190 for a free consultation.