$9,950,000 Settlement for Leg Amputation Due to Car Accident
A 28-year-old social worker was loading groceries into her car when she was suddenly hit from behind by a van that careened into the parking lot. As a result of the crash, she sustained a traumatic above-the-knee amputation of her left leg. Represented by Partners Stephen Murphy and David Scher, she received a $9.95 million settlement.
Court and County
Supreme Court, Erie County
Case Summary
The Plaintiff was a 28-year-old woman who lived in Buffalo, New York, where she was employed as a social worker. She was standing in her office’s parking lot, loading groceries into her car to bring to clients — poor families in need. She was suddenly struck from behind by a commercial van, which had careened into the lot after colliding with another vehicle on the adjacent street. Both vehicle operators and owners were sued.
If you or a loved one suffered an amputation or other serious injury after a crash, it’s important to understand your legal rights in the aftermath of a devastating accident. The personal injury attorneys at Block O’Toole & Murphy offer compassionate and skilled legal advice to injury victims. For a free legal consultation, please call 212-736-5300 or fill out our Contact Form.
Injuries/Damages
Plaintiff suffered a traumatic above-the-knee amputation of her left leg, after two emergency surgical attempts to salvage her leg failed. One such surgery, a vein harvesting procedure, left a large and permanent scar on her right leg. About two months later, she underwent a debridement procedure to her stump. Plaintiff completed a course of rehabilitation and was fitted with a prosthetic leg.
Plaintiff made great strides prior to the settlement; she was able to continue living on her own, drive and she resumed many travel and leisure activities. However, she continued to suffer with pain and discomfort, including phantom limb pain at nighttime, and required daily use of several pain medications.
At the time of settlement, Plaintiff was preparing to resume her career. Plaintiff made claims for substantial future medical costs, pain and suffering and a reduction of her otherwise expected future earnings due to the anticipated functional challenges of amputees as they age.
Settlement Amount
Following a private mediation, and approximately two months prior to the scheduled trial date, the case settled for $9,950,000. Notably, this is the largest known result of its kind in New York State history.
Handling Attorneys
This case was handled by firm Partners Stephen J. Murphy and David L. Scher.
Legal Representation for Clients Who Suffered Amputation Due to a Car Accident
Losing a leg or other limb after an accident is both devastating and painful. Amputation is one of the most serious and debilitating injuries that auto accident victims may suffer. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash or other accident, it’s important to learn your legal options.
The Law Firm of Block O’Toole & Murphy provides compassionate and skilled representation in personal injury cases and have recovered over $1.5 billion for clients to date. Since 2012, no other law firm attained more results exceeding $1,000,000 than Block O’Toole & Murphy.
Select results for clients who suffered amputation after a serious accident include:
- $14,000,000 jury verdict for a motorcyclist who sustained a below-the-knee amputation among other injuries after he was hit by a truck in Long Island
- $7,300,000 settlement for a worker who sustained an arm amputation after an on-the-job accident at a Brooklyn construction site
- $4,000,000 settlement in a Queens case for a car accident victim who sustained an above-the-knee amputation
To speak with an attorney experienced with litigating amputation accident cases, please call 212-736-5300. We serve both New York and New Jersey.