Some of the injuries that occur in a car crash scenario are only temporary. Lacerations and broken bones usually heal with proper medical care. However, not everyone walks away with only minor injuries after a collision. Sometimes, crashes are serious enough to put people in the hospital because of catastrophic injuries. They have consequences from those injuries that are likely to last for the rest of their lives. Not only do they have to adjust to injury symptoms, but they have to find ways to cover the costs generated by their injuries.
Limb loss (amputation) is one of the most serious catastrophic injuries that occurs. Such injuries tend to have a significant negative impact on an injured person’s financial circumstances. What makes limb loss so economically devastating?
The medical costs
In a traumatic amputation scenario where the craft severs a body part, the injured person requires emergency transportation to the hospital. They likely need surgery and blood transfusions. They are at risk of severe infections and may require extensive medical rehabilitation. Surgical amputations after severe injuries are also quite expensive. Even after professionals stabilize their condition, the injured party may need ongoing care to help manage their symptoms and to limit the functional consequences that losing part of a body can produce. The immediate large expenses followed by a lifetime of ongoing costs can add up to more than insurance covers.
The mental health consequences
Limb loss tends to cause mental health challenges for the injured party. It is common for people to experience severe depression after the initial injury. Some people even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The mental health challenges of recovering from an amputation can persist for years and may require costly professional support. Not only is the injured person likely to struggle with this change, but their closest family members may also need mental health support while adjusting to the new family situation.
The reduction in earning potential
Limb loss can have a significant negative impact on someone’s income. Obviously, they likely require a lengthy leave of absence when they first heal from the injury. They may not be able to return to the same position because of their injury. Especially if the affected party is a blue-collar professional, limb loss can significantly reduce someone’s earning potential.
All of those consequences combined can produce a profound negative economic impact. Filing a personal injury lawsuit is often necessary because catastrophic injuries result in more losses than basic liability insurance covers. Injured individuals aware of the economic consequences of their injuries can explore their options for reducing their financial harm.