After an auto accident, some people have injuries so severe that the only option is for medical providers to turn to amputations. Amputations remove a part of the body, whether it’s a hand, arm, foot or leg.
Depending on the kind of amputation that is performed, the patient may have long-lasting consequences to deal with. While there are prostheses available for some, others may have to live without them. Additionally, there is a risk of chronic pain and other dysfunctionality.
2 kinds of amputation
One thing to know is that there are technically two categories that amputations fall into. The first is traumatic. During traumatic amputations, limbs are removed because of an accident or injury. They may be cut off in a car accident, for example.
Surgical amputation is the second category. Someone who has been badly injured may have to have their limb removed to help stop chronic pain or other problems. Sometimes, if a limb has been lost, the surgeon may have to amputate more of the wound to seal it off correctly.
How amputations affect you in the long-term
In the longer term, amputations may lead to chronic pain and disability. For many people, there are options to stop pain, but not everyone will be able to. This could lead to a regular need for pain medications and other supports.
Recovering from an amputation requires input from medical providers of multiple disciplines. For those with amputations that qualify, there may be some options available, like using prosthetics to assist with walking or hand movements.
The problem with amputations is that there is no way to reverse the damage that has been done to the limb. That’s why amputations are used as a last resort. They’re costly and require significant medical care. That care may take weeks, months or years to complete.
Any victim of an auto accident who has to go through an amputation has to know their rights. It is possible that you could pursue a claim against the at-fault driver to get the compensation you need after such a serious injury. You have a right to look into all your legal options.