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Amputation injury could merit significant compensation

Man Loses Foot in Motorcycle AccidentA recent Santa Clarita CA motorcycle accident resulted in a man losing a foot, according to a representative of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

Officials described the injury as “from the ankle down,” and indicated the foot was actually severed in the accident. The man was immediately taken to a local area trauma center and is reportedly doing reasonably well.

Though the details of the accident were not described, photos of the scene of the accident show the motorcycle ditched at the intersection of Golden Valley Road and Green Mountain Drive, with a white Buick sedan with significant front end damage nearby.

Based on these photos, it is possible to theorize that the Buick might have struck the motorcyclist while one of them was turning across the intersection. Of course it is impossible to say at this time who caused the accident—and who will be liable for the motorcyclist’s injury—without access to the Sheriff Department’s official incident report.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accident Amputation Injuries?

Injuries to the lower extremities (legs and feet) are common in motorcycle accidents. According to an analysis from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 47 percent of all motorcycle accident victims will suffer a leg injury. Foot and ankle injuries are less common, with only about 10 percent of victims suffering either type of injury. Of these foot injuries, only 1 percent resulted in amputation.

What Does Recovery Involve?

However rare a motorcycle foot amputation injury may be, it is extremely traumatic for the unlucky victim and will require an extensive and costly recovery time. Victims who have had a foot or leg amputated can expect:

  • Severe pain in the area, including the possibility of phantom pain
  • Inability to use the limb or put weight on the wound for at least 2 weeks
  • Possible complications with the healing process
  • The need to have to learn to use a walker or crutches and eventually a prosthesis to get around
  • Feelings of sadness, anger, or depression

What Kind of Compensation Can Be Expected for an Amputation Injury?

In cases where a motorcycle accident amputation injury occurs due to the recklessness or negligence of another party, the victim should be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills related to the injury
  • Future costs (such as physical therapy or prosthetics)
  • Lost wages
  • Lost income (if the amputation affects the victim’s chosen career)
  • Pain and suffering

In order to fully communicate the trauma of an amputation injury and the difficulty of the recovery process to the defendant’s insurance company or to the court, it is essential to have an experienced personal injury attorney such as Fernando D. Vargas on your side. Attorney Vargas knows how to fight aggressively to get any motorcycle accident victim the compensation they deserve. Contact our office at 909-982-0707 to learn more and to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Vargas.