Amputations are considered catastrophic injuries. Traumatic amputations occur when a body part is severed from the body because of an unexpected event, like, for example, a car accident. A surgical amputation occurs when a doctor removes a body part. An unexpected accident can also result in a surgical amputation.
Amputations can be extremely debilitating for the accident victim. Losing a limb or other body part changes a person’s life forever. Because an amputation impacts every aspect of a person’s life, it can help to work with a Hawaii personal injury attorney. An attorney can help seek maximum compensation from the at-fault party to provide the funds you need for the future.
Physical Consequences of Amputations
Learning to live without a limb or other body part can be difficult. It is not easy to accept that you cannot do the same things you did before the accident. For instance, if you were an avid climber or runner, losing a portion of your leg can be devastating. You might learn new ways of participating in the sport, but it might take years to learn how to use prosthetics or other equipment. The journey can be difficult emotionally and physically.
For many individuals, the main battle during the first few weeks after an amputation is dealing with the pain and the wound. Caring for the wound requires meticulous attention to make sure that the wound heals without infection. Doctors may also perform several surgeries or procedures to try to improve the appearance of the wound.
Emotional and Mental Impact
During this time, a victim may deal with a variety of emotions, including grief, anger, frustration, embarrassment, and despair. At times, the emotional and mental struggles can be more difficult for a victim to deal with than the physical consequences.
Working with a counselor can help deal with the negative effects that an amputation has on a person’s life. Working with occupational therapists and physical therapists can help an amputee adjust how they perform various activities. Therapists also teach amputees how to use various equipment, such as a prosthesis or wheelchair effectively.
The long-term impacts of an amputation on physical and emotional health can also be difficult to deal with. Some amputations can increase the risk of other health conditions. For instance, amputations that restrict mobility can result in poor circulation, weight gain, and other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. “Phantom limb” is a long-term side effect of an amputation where the person feels pain and other sensations even though the limb is not there.
Financial Impact of an Amputation
Ongoing medical care and personal care can be expensive. Some amputees require daily assistance with personal care. Some individuals may also be unable to work because of the amputation. The financial cost of care combined with the inability to work can create a severe financial burden for the victim and their family.
Contact a Hawaii Personal Injury Attorney for Help
Losing a limb in an accident is a terrifying and painful experience. If another party caused the accident that resulted in the amputation, you might be entitled to compensation.
A Hawaii personal injury attorney can help you build a strong case for maximum compensation. Your attorney investigates the accident, gathers evidence of fault, documents damages and losses, and aggressively argues for full compensation of all damages. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Cummings Law today. While you focus on your health, let our attorneys protect your legal rights.
