There are multiple ways for car crashes to result in limb loss or amputations. Some people experience traumatic amputations at the scene of a crash. The force of the collision is so powerful that they lose a body part. Such cases can result in nerve damage, dangerous blood loss and infection risk.
Vehicle occupants can also lose limbs because of medical amputation after a crash. Crush injuries and other major traumatic injuries might be too severe for healthcare professionals to treat. They may determine that amputation is the safest and most effective treatment plan given the circumstances.
An amputation can create financial devastation for the injured party. What makes limb loss so costly?
The expense of trauma care
Whether an amputation is surgical or traumatic, the injured party likely requires immediate medical attention after the crash. They may be in the hospital for several days and may need to undergo a surgical procedure. That initial stay in the hospital can easily produce tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
The long-term medical care needs
Amputation frequently creates lifetime medical care needs. People may need to obtain prosthetic limbs or undergo physical and/or occupational therapy to adjust to life after their injury. They may require ongoing support with pain management and other medical challenges.
They may also have lasting mental health consequences. More than a third of people who have suffered limb loss report long-term depression. Others could develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Limb loss and other injuries can affect self-esteem and conduct in social environments. The cost of treating long-term physical and mental health challenges can prove quite costly.
Lost earning potential
In some cases, amputations may end careers. People who lose body parts may no longer be able to work in kitchens or fast-paced blue-collar environments. Even if the injured party can continue working, their injury may affect their productivity, advancement opportunities and social relationships. The unfortunate reality is that significant traumatic injuries can have a long-term negative impact on earning potential even in cases where the injured person wants to continue working.
Those adjusting to life after sustaining car crash injuries may need help reviewing their options for compensation and seeking appropriate financial support. Identifying potential sources of long-term financial pressure can help people more easily quantify the lasting impact of limb loss and other catastrophic collision injuries.