Limb loss can occur for several different reasons. In most cases, people lose a limb because of medical conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, vehicle accidents can also lead to the amputation of a limb.
In addition to the injury itself, losing a limb may result in dramatic changes to the way a victim lives in the wake of a crash. For example, those living with limb loss often suffer from anxiety and depression. Most victims must also make significant changes to their lifestyle, their homes and the way they earn an income. Other unsettling facts about limb loss include the following:
- Artificial limbs can cost between $4,000 and $10,000.
- Prosthetic limbs must be custom-made, which explains why they are so costly.
- Amputees can expect a prosthetic limb to wear out within five years, at which point they will need a new one.
- Victims of limb loss often experience phantom limb sensations after amputation.
- Before getting an artificial limb, victims must first heal and recover from their surgery, which typically means a long time without good mobility.
- One in 200 Americans suffers from the loss of a limb.
Sometimes, a negligent party is responsible for a catastrophic injury leading to limb loss. Examples include a drunk driver colliding with an innocent motorist or a negligent doctor removing a limb unnecessarily. In these cases, victims can pursue compensation with help from a dedicated legal advocate.
Uncovering all sources of compensation helps victims of a catastrophic injury pay for prosthetics and other technologies that can make life easier. In other words, targeting those responsible for your harm can improve your circumstances significantly in the wake of an amputation.