The loss of a limb may be one of the more serious consequences of a catastrophic car accident. After all, regardless of the affected limb, you are likely to have difficulty performing your job duties and supporting yourself and your family. You may also have to give up your favorite hobbies.
Car accidents are a leading cause of amputation in the U.S. Regrettably, individuals who have accident-related amputations often require both lengthy hospitalization and extensive physical rehabilitation. In a car crash, amputations usually happen in one of two ways.
Traumatic amputations
According to figures from Johns Hopkins University, 75% of all amputations in the U.S. occur because of a traumatic or unexpected event. A car accident falls into this category. If medical professionals have access to the limb and work quickly, though, they may be able to reattach it. Consequently, it is critical to seek emergency medical care for this type of amputation.
Surgical amputations
Surgical amputations happen when doctors must remove a limb for medical reasons. While chronic diseases, such as diabetes, may lead to surgical amputations, the aftermath of a car accident may also trigger a surgical amputation. For example, doctors may have to amputate a reattached limb that does not thrive. Additionally, surgeons may recommend amputation of an infected or damaged limb following a crash.
How you arrive at your amputation, of course, may make little difference to either you or your loved ones. Because medical care is often expensive, you may have to deal with both a life-altering injury and financial insecurity at the same time. Ultimately, though, you can probably pursue compensation from the driver who caused or contributed to the crash.
