The victim of a traffic collision may suffer the amputation of a limb either in the crash itself or later, in order to save their life.
A “traumatic amputation” is defined as “the loss of a body part, usually a finger, toe, arm, or leg that occurs as the result of an accident or injury.” Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading cause of traumatic amputations in this country, as are workplace accidents (for more, see the discussion in our previous post).
In a traumatic amputation, the bodily injury itself may involve the complete or partial severance of the body part or limb in the accident. Accident victims that survive the event to receive emergency medical care can still face the potential loss of limb in a surgical amputation which may be required in order to save the patient’s life.
Johns Hopkins reports that seventy-five (75) percent of upper extremity amputations (arms, fingers, hands) are related to traumatic events (accidents). Almost half of all Americans living with limb loss today are victims of a traumatic amputation (45%).
Traumatic Amputation in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Collisions involving all varieties of motor vehicles can result in amputation injuries. This may include:
- Car crashes (sedans, SUVs, minivans, passenger vans, pickups)
- Motorcycle accidents
- Semi-truck crashes (semis, big rigs, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers)
- Pedestrian accidents.
There will be horrific accidents where the motor vehicle accident victim suffers a traumatic amputation as part of the injuries sustained in the event itself. However, amputations may not be something that happens in the crash.
For many motor vehicle accident victims, the bodily injuries they have sustained to the fingers, hands, toes, feet, arms, or legs, may be so catastrophic that there can be no medical option but to amputate. Either the body part is too damaged to be reconstructed, or the amputation must take place in order to save the victim’s life (for instance, in order to stop loss of blood). These traumatic amputations may occur weeks or months after the actual crash.
Any traumatic amputation resulting from a motor vehicle accident, regardless of its timing, will involve significant financial consequences (monetary damages) and the need to determine the underlying causes of the event (liability).
Aftermath of Traumatic Amputation
The medical costs and expenses following these types of accident injuries are tremendous, and can impact families for many years. Accident victims suffering an amputation will initially spend around two weeks in the hospital, as a general rule, and then will face a long and difficult journey of treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation. Amputation patients may need many months of rehabilitation and therapy as they learn to cope with the aftermath of the traumatic amputation.
Surgeries
They may need more than one surgery. There may be additional surgeries required due to complications including skin problems and developing infection. Accident victims suffering traumatic amputations may need additional surgeries months or years after the crash occurred.
Pain and Suffering
Pain will need to be addressed. There will be the victim’s pain and suffering in dealing with the accident itself, along with the initial medical care and treatment (surgery, rehab, etc.). Long term pain and suffering will also be a part of the victim’s future.
Many amputees will also experience pain that is called “phantom pain,” which is real pain felt in the missing limb. Today, researchers have confirmed that “phantom pain” is not psychological, but a physical pain (sometimes severe) that originates in the brain and spinal cord.
Pain medications and various forms of pain management therapy may be needed by the accident amputation victim.
Prosthetics and Physical Therapy
Prosthetics can be provided as part of recovery and rehabilitation. These are artificial limbs that must be individually fitted to the victim. This may take some time and effort before the prosthetic fit is right. Over time, replacements may be necessary (due to wear and tear, advanced technology, or other reasons).
Afterwards, there will be rehabilitation and training so the accident victim learns how to use their artificial limb. Physical therapy can be extensive for the amputee.
Psychological Counseling
For both the amputation accident victim and their loved ones, this particular type of personal injury can be extremely difficult to face. Psychological care will be needed. Emotions including anxiety, depression, anger, despair, frustration, hopelessness, withdrawal, and more can be felt not only by the accident victim but their spouse, parents, and other loved ones.
Changes to Environment
Amputation victims will need to have physical changes made to their personal and professional environments. They may need ramps, handlebars, and more installed within their homes. They may need an alternative type of motor vehicle to drive that accommodates their limb loss.
Amputation Victim’s Claims for Justice after Motor Vehicle Accident in Indiana or Illinois
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic amputation in an accident, then it is vital to investigate whether or not the state laws of Indiana or Illinois provide an avenue for justice in dealing with the ensuing financial realities.
Medical expenses, lost wages, long term health care needs, psychological treatment, and more may be the legal responsibility of the party (or parties) that caused the accident which resulted in the amputation. Negligence laws as well as negligent supervision, product liability, and more may provide legal bases establishing the duty of those who caused the accident to bear the costs of its consequences.
For more, read: Pain Awareness: Claims to Cover an Accident Victim’s Pain Damages.
Motor vehicle accident amputations are horrific tragedies that change the lives of both the amputee victim as well as his or her loved ones. Please be careful out there!
