What happens when a joke goes too far? For this man, a seemingly harmless prank by his cousin ended up causing irreparable damage to his prosthetic leg. The prank, meant to be “fun,” has left him feeling betrayed and forced to rely on crutches.
His family isn’t supporting him, instead telling him to wait for a solution after the holidays. Is he right to consider legal action against his cousin, or is this a situation that’s better handled privately within the family? Read on to find out how he navigates this painful dilemma.
A man wants to sue his cousin for damaging his prosthetic leg during a prank, but his family is urging him to let it go
A prosthetic limb is not just a tool, for many people, it’s fundamental to their mobility, independence, and daily life. When someone damages that equipment, even “accidentally” or as a prank, the impact goes far beyond a broken item. It affects someone’s ability to function normally, their emotional well‑being, and their quality of life.
In this case, the OP’s cousin hid the prosthetic limb as a joke, not once, but repeatedly, and the most recent time it was damaged. Prosthetic limbs are expensive and highly specialized devices, often costing thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending on model and technology level.
People who use them rely on them for basic mobility, and damage can leave them feeling dependent, insecure, and physically uncomfortable while they wait for a repair or replacement.
From a legal standpoint, the law currently treats prothetic limbs as property, not as part of someone’s body, even though they are essential for mobility and daily functioning.
Traditionally, damaged prosthetics are considered property damage, meaning the owner might recover the cost to repair or replace the device, but not necessarily compensation for the broader harm caused. (warriorsforjustice.com)
That legal classification has led to debates among lawyers and disability advocates. Some argue the law should treat damage to prosthetics as more than simple property damage because these devices are intimately connected to someone’s body and identity, but as of now, the prevailing legal framework still views them as replaceable property. (Wolf & Pravato)
However, personal injury law in many places allows for lawsuits when one person’s negligence or misconduct causes harm to another’s property.
To succeed in a legal claim, a plaintiff typically must show (1) the defendant had a duty to act reasonably, (2) they breached that duty, (3) the breach caused harm, and (4) there were monetary losses from that harm.
In this scenario, purposefully hiding a prosthetic limb could satisfy the duty and breach elements, and the cost of a new prosthetic would be a measurable loss.
The family’s reaction, telling the OP to wait through the holidays or handle it internally, might be rooted in a desire to avoid family conflict. But minimizing the situation as “no big deal” overlooks how deeply prosthetics affect someone’s independence.
Damaging such a device isn’t like breaking a TV or a pair of shoes; it disrupts daily functioning and can cause serious discomfort. The emotional impact of losing a trusted mobility aid can even be tied to pain and suffering in legal terms, the physical and psychological distress tied to the harm.
So was the OP a jerk for wanting to hold someone accountable and considering a lawsuit? Maybe not, for wanting compensation or accountability. The prosthetic limb is crucial to his mobility, and its damage has real financial and physical consequences.
His cousin’s repeated “pranks” crossed the line by targeting something that isn’t a joke but a necessity. In legal practice, seeking restitution for property damage (even expensive items) is common, and holding someone responsible for serious damage, even within a family, isn’t unjustified if they caused the harm.
That said, lawsuits between family members can have long emotional consequences, especially around holidays. But from a purely legal perspective, this isn’t about being petty, it’s about reparations for a tangible loss that materially affects daily life.
Take a look at the comments from fellow users:
These Reddit users strongly agree that the cousin’s behavior is unacceptable and that the OP has every right to demand compensation
This group emphasizes that the prosthetic is a vital tool for mobility and that the cousin’s actions were deeply disrespectful
These commenters highlight the severity of the situation and criticize the family for enabling the cousin’s behavior
This group acknowledges the potential legal challenges the OP may face but insists on the importance of holding the cousin accountable
![[Reddit User] − NTA not only is something that impacts your mobility and accessibility not funny, but prosthetics are expensive af.](https://dailyhighlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/wp-editor-1767695127299-38.webp "Man Wants To Sue Cousin For Damaging His Prosthetic In A “Prank,” Family Tells Him To Let It Go")
OP’s cousin’s “prank” was not just a funny moment gone wrong, it was a serious violation of OP’s personal space and autonomy. By hiding his prosthetic leg and causing irreparable damage, the cousin not only made OP’s life harder but also tested the boundaries of what’s acceptable in family dynamics.
OP was well within his rights to demand compensation for the damage, but the family’s refusal to support him and their insistence on downplaying the issue has created a toxic environment. The situation is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for yourself, even when family members try to minimize your feelings.
Do you think OP was right to demand payment for the damaged prosthetic, or did they overreact? How would you have handled the situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
