Did you know that car crashes are a leading cause of trauma-related amputations in the United States? Amputations happen for several reasons such as due to being crushed or being badly injured by glass, debris or other objects.
Amputations are normally performed when a limb cannot be restored or has been lost. For example, if a person’s forearm is badly crushed in a collision, it may not be possible to stabilize the bone or to safely surgically repair the arm. An amputation may be less painful and result in a better outcome for the patient.
Unfortunately, amputations are complex and lead to issues such as phantom limb phenomena, chronic pain and emotional trauma for some people.
Trauma and amputation
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, around 45% of all amputations are caused by traumatic injuries. This may include body parts that have been torn off during collisions, badly crushed or severely burnt. Sometimes, amputations caused by trauma can be repaired. For example, if a finger is lost, it may be surgically reattached in some instances. In other cases, the damaged body part may need further surgery to repair it. Further amputation may be recommended depending on where the injury occurred and how it has affected the limb.
Will victims of amputations need repeat surgeries?
Sometimes, they will need further surgeries in the future. If they deal with chronic pain or have problems with scarring or healing, then further surgery may be needed to address those issues. That surgery is called a revision procedure and may involve removing nerve sensations in an area or addressing the breakdown of tissues due to blood flow-related problems.
Amputations are life-changing, but you can get help
Amputations are major injuries and will change your life. You may feel there is a difference in how you are perceived or become depressed or anxious. As a victim of a serious injury, it’s your right to pursue a claim to receive compensation for what you’ve been through. You should not have to worry about covering the cost of your medical care or struggling without your typical income. There is support to help so that you can focus on your recovery.