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Coping with Limb Loss After Traumatic Incident
Coping with limb loss after traumatic incident
by punith.s@thomsonreuters.com | Oct 3, 2022 | Catastrophic Injuries
Physical, emotional and financial challenges await anyone who loses a limb in a traumatic incident. A person may have a limb severed in a motor vehicle accident or doctors subsequently amputate the injured arm or leg in order to save a person’s life.
Many challenges surface and many new scenarios await the victims who have lost limbs stemming from a traumatic situation.
Amputations from motor vehicle, workplace accidents
Trauma is the second-leading cause of limb loss accounting for 45% of the 185,000 amputations that occur annually in the U.S., according to The Amputee Coalition, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that supports people with limb loss.
A study conducted by Rutgers University revealed that the majority of traumatic amputations were the result of motor vehicle accidents (43%); industrial accidents (26%) and motorcycle crashes (21%).
Faced with many challenges
Amputees face numerous challenges. As result, the costs will add up significantly. Here are some of the main challenges:
- Countless surgeries: Removal of the limb and reconstruction is necessary as surgeons operate on bones, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Subsequent procedures such as skin grafts and reconstructive surgery are likely as well as getting fitted for an artificial limb.
- Lengthy hospital stays: Recuperation after major surgeries takes time along with the help of many medical professionals. In addition, you may expect multiple admissions to a hospital.
- Psychological trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder is a potential side effect of such a severe injury. Seeking the guidance of a mental health therapist may be necessary.
- Continued therapy: Physical, occupational and mental health therapy is essential for a person’s healing process.
- Getting used to a prosthetic limb: In certain cases, amputees get fitted with a new limb and must meet with therapists to adjust.
- Dealing with everyday activities: You may have to relearn how to eat, brush your teeth, walk and drive with or without a prosthetic limb.
Overcoming such an injury will take time, patience and support. With the right combination, success is possible.
Seeking legal guidance
Whether your injury was caused by the negligence of another driver or your employer, you need to find ways to cope with the pending challenges after the loss of a limb. Confront these challenges the best way you can. It is also a good idea to seek legal guidance.