The lasting impact of amputations caused by a car accident

Car accident victims in Westchester County and New York City can suffer injuries from minor lacerations to life-changing physical damage. One of the most traumatic injuries these victims can face is losing one or more limbs due to a crash. We have served victims that have lost a limb in negligent car accidents and we are familiar with the ways this can change a person’s life.

Many physical effects of an amputation persist even after victims leave the hospital. These effects include phantom limb pain that endures after amputation as well as pain in the remaining portion of the limb. Each case is unique, which means that it is not possible to provide a list of all the physical effects a victim may experience.

Victims of serious car accidents leading to limb loss also typically experience a wide range of psychological effects. In many cases, these effects endure for months or years or possibly for a lifetime in the wake of an accident. Examples of common psychological effects include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Lapses in caring for one’s self post-amputation
• Poor self-esteem and body image
• Depression, stress and severe anxiety
• Lasting irritability, anger and withdrawal from friends and family
• Problems with functioning sexually

As you can see, the psychological effects of a car accident-related amputation are often more troubling and persistent than its physical effects are. Fortunately, help is available, but it is typically quite costly. When car accident victims suffered the amputation because of negligence, a personal injury claim may be the solution to acquiring enough financial compensation to pay for the treatment required.

Please, continue exploring our injury pages for additional information about your options in the wake of an accident. This can be particularly helpful if you have suffered a catastrophic injury such as the loss of a limb.