Austin Lawyer Handling Amputation Injuries
Last updated on March 18, 2026
The sheer impact of an amputation cannot be understated. Between dealing with the shock of the injury itself and enduring the long-term effects, injured Texans can feel completely overwhelmed. Seeking justice is possible, though, and victims should have hope that they can overcome this traumatic time in life, even if it means engaging in a long-term legal battle.
I am Matthew Shrum, an injury attorney and founder of The Law Office of Matthew Shrum, PLLC. Since 2006, I have provided personalized and dynamic legal guidance to clients in Austin and the surrounding communities, including Travis, Hays, Williamson and Bastrop counties. With my counsel, people in Central Texas who have experienced catastrophic injuries like amputation can find answers, begin the process of holding the responsible parties accountable, and start recovering physically.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Amputation Injuries?
Beyond the health-related amputation injuries, there are many other accidents or events that can lead to the loss of a limb or body part. Trauma-related accidents, including motor vehicle crashes, account for about one-third of required amputations and are the most common reason that necessitate the removal of a limb.
The second most common cause of amputation injuries is occupational accidents, which typically involve heavy machinery and dangerous tasks. Accidents in the agriculture industry are the next most frequent cause of amputations, due to the nature of the work and the machinery used by employees on a daily basis.
Another leading cause of amputations is infections that were left untreated, misdiagnosed or rapidly progressed. While this is far less common compared to the other possible causes, the potential is real and necessitates the need for urgent care and treatment.
Who Is Liable For Your Amputation Injury?
Depending on the exact cause of an amputation injury, determining liability can be fairly straightforward in most cases. Individuals who suffered an amputation injury after a car accident can attempt to sue the negligent drivers responsible for causing the crash. Victims may also target the government entities in charge of maintaining the condition of roads if that was a factor in their injury.
If a worker was injured on the job, their employer may be held responsible for causing their suffering. If the employer allowed an unsafe work environment to persist, failed to maintain equipment or did not adequately train their employees, taking legal action against them may be in a victim’s best interests.
Amputation victims can also file a personal injury claim against the manufacturers or distributors of certain products if those items were defective and their use had a direct correlation to the injury. Medical professionals may also have some responsibility for a person’s amputation if they missed a diagnosis, failed to identify a condition or committed a surgical error.
What Is The Deadline To File A Lawsuit?
The deadlines concerning an amputation injury lawsuit can vary based on the root of the claim. For a standard personal injury, Texas has a statute of limitations of two years. If a medical professional or facility is to blame for the injury, the deadline will also be two years to take action.
If a medical error caused an infection that led to an amputation at a later date, the statute of limitations extends to 10 years, as long as the mistake or injury was not identified immediately. Finally, when a government entity is responsible for an injury, the statute of limitations can be as short as 90 days or six months.
Can You Sue For Medical Malpractice?
Yes, victims of amputation possess the right to file a lawsuit against a medical professional if their negligence contributed to the injury. To begin the process of suing a doctor or surgeon, individuals must prove that a patient-doctor relationship in fact existed and that the medical professional violated their standard of care obligation.
Next, individuals must obtain a second opinion from an impartial medical professional. After receiving another opinion, gathering evidence to document the injury is recommended. Finally, victims should contact a local amputation injury lawyer to begin building their case and defending their interests.
What Are The Long-Term Damages And Costs Associated With Amputation Injuries?
Amputation injuries can lead to lifetime medical needs and long-term damage. Over the course of a lifetime, amputee victims can typically face medical costs that exceed half a million dollars and can even surpass one million dollars. An individual’s expenses can reach totals this high due to the need for prosthetics, additional surgeries and rehabilitation.
Moreover, individuals may need to make adjustments to their home in addition to their personal vehicle, increasing their financial burden. Victims will also face further challenges, including mobility issues, loss of earning capacity, chronic pain and phantom limb syndrome.
The mental impact of an amputation can lead to severe psychological and emotional trauma as well. Victims will likely need and benefit from attending therapy to treat underlying issues, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
If you have experienced an amputation, you can seek compensation for both your immediate and your long-term expenses and losses. An experienced injury lawyer can help you understand what you could be entitled to.
Protecting Amputation Victims Throughout The Austin Area
Amputations are a catastrophic injury that can profoundly affect every area of a person’s life, including their mental well-being. While returning to complete normalcy may not be possible, Texans can move forward and obtain control over their lives once again.
Let me begin battling today to ensure no time is wasted and that a resolution is on the way. To obtain my impassioned support, please call my office at 512-994-0313 or complete my online contact form.