Losing a limb can change how you work, move, and live your daily life. If another person or business caused your amputation injury, our personal injury lawyers in Chicago can help you hold them responsible.
Call Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC at (312) 701-0090 or message us online for a free consultation.
What You Can Expect From Our Legal Team
- We have represented injured people and their families for decades, providing the stability and perspective that serious amputation claims demand.
- We treat every client with patience and respect, recognizing that limb loss affects far more than medical treatment and financial losses.
- We give honest assessments, realistic expectations, and only get paid when you do.
What Accidents Can Cause an Amputation?
An amputation may occur during an accident or become medically necessary when doctors cannot save a severely damaged limb. Common causes include:
- Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents.
- Construction and industrial machinery accidents.
- Defective tools, equipment, or vehicle components.
- Explosions, fires, and severe burn injuries.
- Falls that cause extensive crush damage.
- Medical negligence involving delayed treatment, surgical errors, or uncontrolled infections.
- Workplace incidents involving forklifts, presses, conveyors, or cutting equipment.
Some injuries require immediate removal of a limb, while infections, circulation problems, crush damage, or failed treatment may lead to surgery later.
What Compensation Can an Amputation Claim Include?
An amputation injury claim may include compensation for:
- Current and future medical care, including surgeries, rehabilitation, pain management, and treatment for complications.
- Prosthetic devices, fittings, maintenance, repairs, and replacements.
- Physical and occupational therapy.
- Lost income and reduced future earning capacity.
- Home modifications, accessible transportation, mobility equipment and in-home assistance or personal care.
- Physical pain and phantom limb pain.
- Emotional distress and psychological treatment.
- Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability.
- Loss of independence and normal daily activities.
A Chicago catastrophic injury lawyer will develop a supported valuation of your claim before settlement negotiations begin. Each offer will be compared against the evidence, similar case outcomes, available insurance coverage, and the likely result of litigation. If the insurer applies unsupported deductions or minimizes the claim, your attorney can challenge its position and present a counteroffer. Preparing the case for trial can also increase pressure when negotiations stall.
Illinois Laws That Apply to Amputation Injury Claims
Personal Injury Filing Deadline
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most Illinois injury lawsuits must begin “within 2 years next after the cause of action accrued.” Different deadlines may apply to government claims, medical malpractice cases, or workplace injuries.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Illinois follows modified comparative negligence under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. An injured person may recover compensation when their fault is “not more than 50%,” but the court reduces the award by the assigned percentage. For example, a person found 20% responsible would receive 80% of the damages. Responsibility above 50% generally prevents recovery.
Defective Product Claims
Amputations caused by unsafe machinery, tools, vehicles, or components may support a product liability claim. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-213, product liability actions can involve defects in a product’s design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, instructions, or warnings. This law may apply, for example, when missing guards, faulty controls, defective brakes, or unsafe equipment contribute to limb loss.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Protects Your Future
An insurance company may offer a settlement before the long-term consequences of your amputation become clear. Once you accept and sign a release, you generally cannot seek additional compensation later. Your Chicago amputation injury attorney can develop a complete valuation with input from medical specialists, prosthetists, vocational experts, and financial professionals. They will then use that evidence to negotiate from a well-supported position. If the insurer refuses to settle fairly, your lawyer will be prepared to try the case in court.
Discuss Your Amputation Injury Case with a Trusted Attorney
Reach Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC at (312) 701-0090 or connect with us online to arrange a free consultation.