Motor vehicle crashes can lead to a variety of catastrophic injuries. One life-changing injury that might occur as a result of a collision is a traumatic amputation.
Traumatic amputations caused by motor vehicle crashes usually result from the intense forces at work during a collision. When vehicles collide at high speeds, the impact can cause severe crushing injuries or sever limbs directly. Entrapment within a vehicle or being ejected from the vehicle can also lead to amputation.
Types of traumatic amputations
A traumatic amputation is classified as one of three types: complete, partial and avulsion. A complete amputation occurs when a limb is entirely severed. A partial amputation means some soft tissue remains attached. An avulsion amputation refers to tissues and possibly a limb being forcibly torn away from the body.
Immediate medical response
Immediate medical care is critical when a traumatic amputation occurs. Emergency medical care technicians should be called to the vehicle crash site. They will help to stabilize the patient. This includes controlling bleeding and working to prevent shock. The patient must be taken to a trauma center for intensive treatment. This often involves surgery to clean the wound and either reattach the limb or prepare the stump for a prosthetic.
Long-term effects
The long-term effects of traumatic amputations are profound. People who have this injury often face extensive rehabilitation, including physical therapy to strengthen remaining muscles and adapt to using prosthetics.
Psychological support is also crucial, as coping with the loss of a limb can lead to depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, ongoing medical care is necessary to monitor for complications such as infections, phantom limb pain and issues with prosthetic fit and function.
Financial impacts
The monetary effect of this type of injury is considerable. The medical care, reduction or cessation of income and other expenses that come with a traumatic injury can have a negative impact on the financial state of a crash victim. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim from a negligent driver, but this must be done within a short time because of time limits set by state law.