Houston Amputation & Disfigurement Injury Lawyer

Some of the most serious accidents are those that lead to permanent disfigurement or the need to amputate a limb.

These are considered “catastrophic” injuries that may require lifelong rehabilitation and considerable changes to your life.

If your injury was the result of the negligence, recklessness or intentional actions of another party, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

However, it can be difficult to receive what you deserve due to difficulties in negotiating with insurance companies.

The successful track record and considerable experience of DeHoyos Accident Attorneys LLP can help you or a family member face the future with more financial certainty after your accident.

What is considered an Amputation or Disfigurement Injury in Texas?

Car accidents in the Houston area are a common cause of both amputation injuries and disfigurement injuries.

The force of impact in such accidents can be so violent that it renders limbs unusable or causes permanent damage to the body.

It is important to understand what constitutes such injuries, according to the law in the state of Texas.

Amputation

Amputation is the removal of any limb. This includes everything from part of a finger to an entire leg.

The amputation may be a result of trauma directly from the accident or due to the infection of a limb following an accident.

Disfigurement

Disfigurement is permanent damage to the body – either the skin, muscles, fascia, ligaments, or bone.

It may be due to lacerations and scarring, abrasions, burns, nerve damage, or other serious types of wounds, and it may require plastic surgery to partially correct the damage.

Apart from car accidents, other types of serious accidents in Houston can cause amputation or disfigurement, including:

• Fires or chemical burns in the workplace
• Dog bites
• Sports accidents
• Escalator accidents
• Airplane accidents
• Accidents in amusement parks

Why are amputation or disfigurement injuries unique?

Amputations and disfigurement injuries are different from most other accident injuries in that they result in permanent damage with lifelong implications.

Most injuries from accidents cause initial pain and suffering, financial losses, restrict the ability to live a normal life temporarily, and result in some loss of earnings.

Where amputation and disfigurement injuries are different is largely in the higher medical expenses incurred and the long-term physical and emotional stresses suffered.

An amputation can mean:

• Restriction of movement
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Fitting of a prosthetic limb
• Relearning of certain physical skills
• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
• Longer-term loss of ability to earn income
• Loss of ability to enjoy sports and other activities

A disfigurement injury can mean:

• Restriction of movement
• Feelings of embarrassment or shame
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Extensive follow-up medical care
• A requirement for plastic surgery

In both cases, medical bills are likely to be extensive, especially when taking into account the follow-up and continuing care required.

What to do if you Have Suffered an Amputation or Disfigurement Injury

After receiving the necessary medical care following your accident, it is important to involve a lawyer who is experienced in amputation and disfigurement injuries in the Houston area.

It is best to arrange this as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is two years.

Representation from DeHoyos Accident Attorneys will allow you to focus on your recovery without worrying about your claim.

Once we have carefully examined all the facts of your case (through medical records, bills, outstanding expenses, police reports, and other documentation), we will file the necessary paperwork and liaise with the insurance company.

From a legal standpoint, claiming compensation for amputations and disfigurement injuries can be complex because of the degree of loss suffered in such cases and the possibility of multiple parties being at fault.

Using our experience in such cases, we will be able to gauge the level of compensation that you should be due.

However, proving certain aspects of your losses may require more medical testimony than in a normal case.

Insurance companies want to avoid as many of the costs as possible by trying to minimize their client’s degree of fault. Litigation may be required if no settlement can be reached.

It is usually in everybody’s interests to settle out of court to avoid excessive legal costs but we will be prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf if an agreeable settlement is not forthcoming from the insurance company.

What Resources are Available to Texas Amputee & Disfigurement Victims?

People who have been involved in serious accidents involving amputation or permanent disfigurement often suffer long after their injuries have healed.

This is partly because they have a constant reminder of their injury.

While the funds received from a compensation claim can make the financial side of things significantly easier, there are also organizations that can provide psychological support.

One of the best national resources for amputee victims is the Amputee Coalition, whose mission is to “reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention.”

Amputee victims in Texas might also like to look up the following organizations for support:

• Texas Centers for Independent Living
• Texas Assistive Technology Network
• Texas Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Texas Department of Protection and Advocacy

Claim for an Amputation or Disfigurement Injury in Houston

If your injury is serious, as with an amputation or disfigurement injury, you need serious legal representation.

DeHoyos Accident Attorneys will help you navigate the legal maze and negotiate with the insurance company to claim the compensation you deserve.

Failing that, we will go to court and let a judge or jury decide what you deserve.

Our focus will always be to seek maximum compensation for your injuries. We receive no fee unless you are compensated. Start by booking a free consultation here.