Car crashes can cause many different types of debilitating injuries. Some people injure their brains, resulting in a host of symptoms that affect their ability to work or live independently. Car crashes can cause spinal cord injuries that put people in the hospital and permanently alter their motor function.
People involved in motor vehicle collisions can also lose body parts because of a wreck. The size, weight and momentum of vehicles make them very dangerous, especially when they strike one another or people who are on foot. Limb loss or amputations can cause a massive increase in lifetime medical expenses and may force people to change their professions.
What are the most common scenarios in which car crashes may lead to limb loss?
1. Traumatic amputations
While it is rare, the force of impact in the collision scenario can be sufficient to immediately sever a person’s limb from their body. A traumatic amputation typically requires immediate medical attention to stop blood loss and minimize the risk of infection. Recovering after a traumatic amputation can be particularly challenging due to the extent of the tissue damage caused.
2. Crush injuries
When two vehicles collide, the force often crumples the vehicles. Despite the use of strong materials and clever design to minimize crush risk, people can still sustain crush injuries to their limbs and extremities. In some cases, people respond to extensive medical care when they sustain crush injuries. However, the amount of damage to the musculature, Bone and nerves nearby may make amputation a much better treatment option in some cases.
3. Severe fractures
Comminuted and spiral fractures are not just painful. They are truly debilitating injuries. People whose bones break into many tiny pieces may need to undergo surgery to set and reinforce the damaged bone. Even with immediate medical care, severe fractures often do not fully heal. The injured party may have permanent pain symptoms and a lifelong reduction in strength and range of motion. Physicians may sometimes determine that they cannot salvage the damaged body part and that its removal offers the best long-term prognosis for the patient.
Those recovering after an amputation may have many financial losses to address. Pursuing appropriate compensation for catastrophic car crash injuries can be a challenge, and those adjusting to life after the loss of a body part may need help securing an appropriate amount of compensation. Seeking personalized legal guidance is a great way to get started.