I am also an amputee, as well as a personal injury attorney, so I understand how traumatic an amputation can be both physically as well as mentally. If you have suffered an amputation because of an accident at work, you should speak with an attorney.
In most cases, if you are injured on the job, you cannot sue your employer directly for your injuries, even if it was your employer’s negligence that caused your injuries. Instead, you are limited to workers’ compensation, which is a type of insurance program. Your employer pays into the workers’ compensation system, and when an employee is injured, the employee is limited to benefits from workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. If an employee is permanently disabled, the employee may receive a settlement.
Although you cannot in most cases sue your employer directly if you are injured on the job, you can sue any third party that contributed to your injury. For example, if you were harmed because the equipment that fell on you was unstable and poorly designed, you may be able to sue the equipment manufacturer. Typically, you will receive more compensation from a personal injury lawsuit than from workers’ compensation.
If you have suffered an amputation on the job, you should consult with an attorney to find out all legal options that are available to you. Call me, Conal Doyle, Amputation Attorney at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.