One of the most traumatic types of auto accident injuries is amputation of a limb or digit. Not only do motor vehicle amputation injuries entail a challenging and painful physical recovery with permanent deficits, there is also a significant psychological component to recovery. 

The ongoing financial and emotional costs of amputation injuries can make your recovery even more stressful. If another driver’s negligent behavior resulted in your amputation injury, you may be able to recover compensation for costs like lost wages, medical bills, and emotional distress.

Our team of auto accident attorneys at Osborne & Francis is dedicated to helping our clients recover fair compensation in motor vehicle accident lawsuits. Schedule a free consultation with our team by calling (561) 678-0156 or contacting our offices in Boca Raton or Orlando. 

How Does an Amputation Happen in a Florida Car Accident

In an auto accident, a limb, finger, or toe may be severed by a sharp edge, or a considerable amount of pressure. In some cases, the initial collision may not result in an amputation, but it is necessary for a limb or digit to be amputated at the hospital due to the extent of the damage.

For example, after being ejected, a motorcyclist could lose a leg to sharp metal debris from another vehicle in a wreck. In another scenario, a driver may sustain an amputation in a rollover car accident, with the weight of the car frame separating their hand from the rest of their arm. 

Amputation is also possible when a motorist or other road user first sustains a crush injury, where a limb is compressed. For example, a motorist could have their leg crushed into the dash in an underride truck accident or a pedestrian’s arm may be pinned under a car’s tire.

Crush injuries can pulverize bones, making surgical reconstruction impossible and necessitating amputation to remove the damaged limb. Surgical removal may also be needed if a crush injury causes irreparable damage to the nerves and muscles, or if blood supply has been cut off for too long.

Physical Consequences of an Amputation After a Car Accident 

In the immediate aftermath of an amputation, there is the risk of life-threatening blood loss. Once the bleeding is under control, there is still the persistent danger of developing an infection, given the wound’s exposure to harmful bacteria both at the accident scene and in the hospital. 

After the amputated limb has been surgically repaired, possibly with the help of a skin graft, the car accident victim is permanently without an arm, leg, finger, or toe. Reattachment may be an option if the amputated part is properly cared for, but it is far from a guaranteed outcome.

It is more common for an amputation to result in a survivor using aids like wheelchairs, crutches, scooters, and prosthetics to regain at least some degree of mobility or function. Losing a leg obviously impedes a person’s ability to walk, run, stand, and move independently.

An arm amputation can present many challenges in navigating everyday life, including cooking, writing, bathing, and getting dressed. It often requires extensive lifestyle adjustments, especially if the dominant hand is affected. Amputations of toes or fingers can also have a significant impact. 

Toes are critical for balance, so an amputation can make it difficult to walk, as well as safely execute movements like climbing stairs, lifting, or dancing. Without certain fingers, it can be tough to grip objects and complete work that requires precision.

Understanding the Psychological Impact of an Amputation Injury

The experience of losing a limb is considered a traumatic event, even if it was surgically removed after a severe car accident injury. Survivors may develop PTSD related to the crash or hospitals. Depression is another risk, as the recovery process can be painful and isolating.

As the brain recalibrates after an amputation, many people are also tormented by excruciating phantom limb pain. Then, there’s the additional pain and suffering associated with surgery and physical therapy. This can prove incredibly frustrating and reduce a person’s quality of life. 

Many car accident survivors who have lost limbs struggle mentally with both the physical appearance of their injury and with accepting the limitations of their amputation. Disfiguring scars can be a constant reminder of the trauma and invite unwelcome opinions from others.

Coming to terms with giving up certain hobbies, dealing with pain and suffering, changing career paths, and relearning how to care for yourself can be an overwhelming process that takes a toll on your mental health. In addition to your financial losses, the invisible costs of your amputation injury can be reimbursed. 

The Auto Accident Lawyers of Osborne & Francis Will Work to Maximize Your Compensation

At Osborne & Francis, our auto accident lawyers will work to prioritize your needs throughout the personal injury claims process. We understand that losing a limb is a life-altering event with far-reaching impacts for your lifestyle, career, health, and the way that you experience the world.

That’s why we have an Amputation Foundation that offers financial assistance to Floridians who need help affording their prosthetic devices. This is one part of our commitment to supporting Floridians who have been injured as a result of another party’s negligence.

Our nationally-recognized personal injury law firm has garnered a reputation for being tough negotiators who reliably recover fair compensation for our injured clients. Osborne & Francis clients can attest to the efficacy of our skills and the respectful, attentive service we provide.

Contact Osborne & Francis for Help With Your Car Accident Lawsuit Today

Auto accidents are a leading cause of amputations in the U.S., and they often entail staggering medical bills, lost wages, and life-long adjustments. The personal injury lawyers of Osborne & Francis have guided amputees through the process of recovering compensation for their damages.

You can trust our team of expert auto accident attorneys to hold the negligent party responsible. We will work diligently to secure a settlement that recognizes the magnitude of the damages you have incurred, as well as the costs you will continue to face as a result of your amputation injury.

We recommend scheduling a free consultation with our team by calling (561) 678-0156 or contacting our offices in Boca Raton or Orlando. This gives you the opportunity to discuss your case with a Florida auto accident lawyer who can explain your rights and advise on next steps.