Whether it’s your arms or your feet, your limbs are essential for your daily life. But limbs are surprisingly fragile, and it takes just one accident to lose an arm or a leg.
Traumatic amputation refers to losing a body part due to an accident or injury. According to a study, at least 30,000 traumatic amputations happen in America annually, and traffic accidents are the most common cause of these limb loss incidents. Traumatic amputations account for about 45% of all amputations in the U.S.
How your limbs are at risk in a car accident
Sufficiently severe collisions can lead to amputations in some form or another – you don’t have to lose your limb immediately during the impact. The following risks can lead to limb loss:
- Crushing injuries that pin limbs and cut off blood flow
- Deep cuts through muscle and bone
- Post-treatment complications such as infection
Traditionally, many believed collisions leading to rollover accidents were the most likely scenarios for traumatic limb loss injuries. But research in 2021 found that speed on impact was a more significant factor.
Amputation injuries cost a lot to treat; the average cost of treatment ranges from $20,000 to $60,000. The surgery to remove diseased flesh and crushed bones while sealing off the blood vessels is an incredibly involved medical process. Patients often must go through physical and mental therapy to deal with the loss of a limb, which can take years and adds to their medical bills. And prosthetics are also costly. Your job is also at risk if you lose a critical limb, so your wages are on the line.
If you suffer from a limb loss injury caused by a car accident, you can seek compensation for your amputation through a lawsuit. To ensure that you receive the maximum amount, you may want to call a personal injury lawyer. Taking your case to trial shouldn’t be your biggest problem when you’re dealing with a lost limb, so it would be wise to have a legal professional represent you.