When a severe accident takes away part of your body, your entire world changes in an instant.
The loss of a limb or body part doesn’t just affect you physically. It impacts your career, your independence, and your family’s future. If someone else’s negligence caused your amputation injury, you deserve full compensation for everything you’ve lost.
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the enormous challenges amputation victims face. Willens & Baez has recovered millions for clients who suffered limb loss, including a $500,000 settlement for a motorcycle accident amputation and a $1.7 million medical malpractice settlement involving delayed treatment.
Consult for free with our experienced amputation attorneys in Chicago. Call us at (312) 957-4166 today.
The Reality of Amputation Injuries in America
Amputation injuries affect more people than you might expect. According to medical research, over 150,000 people undergo lower extremity amputations in the United States each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 6,200 work-related amputations occurred in 2018 alone.
These numbers represent real people facing life-changing injuries. Research from NIOSH shows that approximately 20,000 occupational amputations happen annually across all industries.
Men face higher amputation rates than women. Studies indicate that 87% of nonfatal amputees are male, while 13% are female. The manufacturing industry accounts for 53% of nonfatal workplace amputations, with machinery involved in 44% of these cases.
Types of Amputation Injuries We Handle
Traumatic Amputations
These occur when extreme force severs a limb during an accident. Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Industrial machinery accidents
- Construction site incidents
- Train accidents.
Surgical Amputations
Sometimes doctors must remove a limb to save a patient’s life. This happens when:
- Infections spread despite treatment
- Blood clots cut off circulation
- Medical errors delay proper care
- Trauma damages tissue beyond repair.
Upper Limb Amputations
The loss of fingers, hands, arms, or shoulders creates unique challenges for daily tasks and employment.
Lower Limb Amputations
Leg, foot, and toe amputations affect mobility and often require extensive rehabilitation and prosthetic devices.
Common Causes of Amputation in Chicago
Vehicle Accidents
Chicago’s busy streets and highways see thousands of serious crashes each year. High-speed collisions, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes can cause crushing injuries that lead to amputation.
Workplace Incidents
Construction sites, factories, and warehouses present daily risks. Unguarded machinery, defective equipment, and safety violations cause preventable amputations.
Medical Malpractice
Healthcare providers sometimes fail to recognize serious conditions or make surgical errors. Delayed diagnosis of infections, blood clots, or circulation problems can result in unnecessary limb loss.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. Dangerous machinery, inadequate security, and poorly maintained equipment can cause severe injuries.
Hiring Willens & Baez Means Proven Track Record: Real Results for Real Clients
Our track record speaks to our commitment to amputation victims. Attorney Matthew Willens and our legal team have secured substantial compensation for clients facing limb loss, such as:
- $1.7 million medical malpractice settlement: We secured compensation for a woman who underwent leg amputation after physicians failed to timely treat blood clots. This preventable amputation occurred due to medical negligence in recognizing and treating a serious vascular condition.
- $500,000 motorcycle accident settlement: A 51-year-old man suffered major trauma to his right leg when broadsided by another driver in Richmond, Illinois. Initially requiring below-the-knee amputation, he later needed above-the-knee amputation when his knee couldn’t be saved. The case settled within one year for full insurance policy limits, allowing our client to purchase a prosthetic of his choice rather than settling for what his health insurance dictated.
These results demonstrate our ability to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the resources our clients need for their future.
The True Cost of Amputation
Immediate Medical Expenses
Emergency surgery, hospital stays, and wound care create enormous bills. For instance, in the US, the initial surgery alone for leg amputation costs from $5,000 to $60,000 as of 2025, according to the Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions.
Prosthetic Costs
Prosthetic legs range from $5,000 to $50,000 in cost. Even expensive prosthetics last only three to five years, requiring multiple replacements throughout your lifetime.
Lost Wages and Career Impact
Many amputees cannot return to their previous jobs. Vocational retraining and reduced earning capacity create long-term financial hardship.
Home Modifications
Your living space and even vehicle may need significant changes to accommodate your new physical limitations.
Ongoing Medical Care
Physical therapy, pain management, and psychological counseling often continue for years.
Why Choose Matthew Willens and Our Chicago Legal Team
Attorney Matthew Willens brings decades of experience to amputation cases, his deep understanding of both the legal and medical aspects of limb loss allows him to build compelling cases that secure maximum compensation.
The Willens & Baez approach to amputation cases, sets us apart:
- We work with top medical experts who understand amputation injuries.
- Our investigators thoroughly examine accident scenes and gather crucial evidence.
- We calculate the true lifetime cost of your injury, not just immediate expenses.
- We prepare every case for trial, which motivates insurance companies to offer fair settlements.
Compensation Available for Amputation Injuries
Economic Damages
- All medical expenses, past and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Prosthetic devices and replacements
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs.
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium for spouses.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme negligence or willful misconduct, additional damages may apply.
Time Limits for Filing Your Case
Illinois law generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file an amputation lawsuit. However, some cases have shorter deadlines, especially those involving government entities or medical malpractice.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Insurance companies use delay tactics to reduce their liability. Early investigation strengthens your case significantly.
Contact Us And Take Your First Step Toward Justice
No amount of money can restore your limb or erase the trauma you’ve experienced. However, proper compensation can provide the resources you need to rebuild your life and secure your family’s future.
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has earned recognition as top-rated amputation attorneys in Chicago. Our proven results and client-focused approach have helped numerous families recover from devastating injuries.
Our amputation cases work on contingency fees. No recovery means no legal fees for you.
Recent Amputation Case Results
- $1.7 million medical malpractice amputation settlement
- $500,000 motorcycle accident amputation settlement.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. Contact our experienced Chicago amputation lawyers today. Call (312) 957-4166 for your free consultation, or reach out online.
