If you have suffered a traumatic amputation in a car accident, a workplace accident or some other such incident, your first thought is likely for the future. What does this severe injury mean for you moving forward?
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer that applies in all cases. There are a lot of factors to consider here and a lot of potential outcomes.
For instance, did the severed limb or finger get proper care immediately after the accident? If so, even a complete amputation may be recoverable because doctors can reattach the part in an emergency procedure. Speed is very important in these cases.
The same is true for a partial amputation. Some of the soft tissues may still be connected, and doctors may be able to reattach the others if you act quickly and if the injury got proper emergency care.
That said, not all amputations have any chance of being reattached. Some of it depends on how “clean” the cut is. A crush injury resulting in amputation may not be able to be reattached, for instance.
Even if the limb can be reattached, you may never gain full use of it again. You are also at risk for things like infection, shock and significant bleeding. Sometimes an initial surgery appears to be successful, but there are future complications that mean the repair will not last.
A serious injury like this can have a massive impact on your future and your ability to work. You may have significant costs and no income. Make sure you know about Social Security Disability options and what steps you need to take.
