Car accidents, especially at high speeds, can inflict a range of severe, life-altering injuries. Of course, brain and spinal cord damage are to examples of catastrophic outcomes of crashes.
Limb amputation is another potential consequence. It’s often overshadowed but no less devastating.
Amputation risk in car crashes
Any serious vehicle accident carries the risk of amputation, but the severity of the impact and the type of collision can play a significant role. One cause of post-accident amputation is crush injuries.
Imagine a forceful side impact that pins your leg against the car frame. The immense pressure can sever bones, damage blood vessels, and compress muscles and nerves. The risk of crush injuries may be high in collisions between smaller cars and large trucks due to the immense force involved.
Coping with amputation’s impact: A multifaceted challenge
Amputation survivors face a long and expensive road to recovery. Physical therapy becomes crucial to relearn mobility and self-care, fostering as much independence as possible. Rehabilitation and recovery can take years, posing immense costs for physical and occupational therapy, prosthetics and pain management.
The emotional toll can be just as impactful, often resulting in depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and low self-esteem. Unfortunately, these effects could last indefinitely. Mental health therapy usually helps but may increase your financial burdens.
Compensation for amputation injuries
In Georgia, those catastrophically harmed in a collision may be entitled to pain and suffering on top of economic damages. These additional damages can help to address the often intangible but devastating effects of limb loss, such as psychological anguish and loss of life enjoyment.
Legal guidance with your car accident claim may improve your chances of getting the maximum possible damages to help you move forward.