Personal Injury Claims Involving Amputation or Loss of a Limb

 Posted on February 12, 2026 in Personal Injury

Personal injury claims involving amputation or loss of a limb are among the most catastrophic types of injury cases. They permanently affect a person’s health, mobility, and ability to work. When someone else’s negligence causes this kind of harm, the injured person may have the right to pursue compensation for both immediate and long-term losses.

Federal data shows that more than 2 million people in the United States are living with limb loss. If you are dealing with this type of injury in 2026 and someone else is responsible for it, understanding your legal options is an important first step. Our Decatur, IL amputation injury lawyers help injured individuals seek financial support so they can focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives.

What Accidents Most Commonly Lead to Limb Loss?

Amputations usually result from severe trauma or medical complications after a serious injury. Many of these incidents occur suddenly and leave little time to react.

Common causes include:

• Major truck and car collisions
• Workplace accidents involving heavy equipment
• Construction site injuries
• Defective machinery or unsafe products
• Motorcycle crashes

When another party fails to use reasonable care, Illinois law may allow the injured person to file a personal injury claim.

How Do You Prove Liability in an Amputation Injury Claim?

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must typically prove negligence. This means showing that another person or company had a duty to act safely, failed to meet that duty, and caused your injury.

Evidence often plays a key role. Medical records help explain the severity of the injury, while accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis can clarify how the event occurred.

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. You may recover damages if you are less than 50 percent responsible for the accident. However, your compensation would be reduced based on your share of fault. Because these cases often involve detailed medical questions, starting the investigation early can strengthen your claim.

What Compensation Can You Recover After Losing a Limb Due to Someone Else’s Negligence?

The financial impact of an amputation often extends far beyond the initial emergency care. Many people face long recovery periods and must adjust to new physical limitations.

You may be able to recover compensation for:

• Hospital care and surgeries
• Prosthetic devices and rehabilitation
• Lost income and reduced future earning ability
• Home or vehicle modifications
• Ongoing medical treatment

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence and protect your right to seek compensation.

Can You Recover Pain and Suffering Damages After an Amputation Personal Injury?

Illinois law allows injured individuals to pursue non-economic damages, often called pain and suffering. These damages recognize the personal impact of an injury that does not come with a clear financial cost.

Losing a limb can bring ongoing physical discomfort as well as emotional challenges. Many people must adjust to changes in independence, career plans, and daily routines. Activities that were once simple may require significant effort or assistance.

Courts consider how the injury affects your overall quality of life when evaluating these damages. Because amputation creates permanent change, pain and suffering often represent a meaningful part of these types of personal injury claims.

How Can You Support a Personal Injury Claim After an Amputation?

The steps you take early can directly affect the strength of your case.

You should consider:

• Seeking immediate and ongoing medical treatment
• Following your doctor’s care plan
• Keeping detailed records of expenses and appointments
• Limiting conversations with insurance representatives
• Speaking with an attorney before accepting a settlement

These actions help protect both your well-being and your legal rights.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Champaign, IL Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

At Kanoski Bresney, we understand that an amputation injury can create uncertainty about your future. Our team is committed to helping injured individuals pursue accountability and secure the resources they need for long-term stability. Our attorneys offer over 100 years of combined experience. We are prepared to guide you through each stage of the legal process. If you or a loved one suffered limb loss because of someone else’s negligence, contact our Decatur, IL loss of limb lawyers by calling 888-826-8682 to schedule a free consultation and learn about your options.