Those seriously hurt in motor vehicle collisions often focus on their physical injuries. People who experience limb loss due to traumatic amputation or surgical amputation after a motor vehicle crash have a long road to physical recovery ahead of them.
Given the profound change to their overall physical capabilities and daily life, it makes sense that those dealing with limb loss after a car crash often focus on their physical symptoms and needs. However, the physical consequences of amputation are often only part of the impact that these injuries have on individuals.
Limb loss causes emotional changes as well
Those who have survived a car crash that produced permanent injuries may have significant emotional trauma to address. In some cases, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that flares up when they drive or encounter certain sensory stimuli.
Other times, people may develop depression because of how limb loss affects their daily lives. The mental health consequences of limb loss can have a major effect on the quality of life of the injured person. Mental health consequences can even impact earning potential.
Limb loss affects relationships as well
Those who have experienced a major traumatic event and who live with disabling medical conditions may notice that their personal and professional relationships change. Relationship changes can affect a person’s quality of life and earning potential.
Particularly when interpersonal interactions play a major role in an individual’s profession, they may find that they struggle to continue doing their job as effectively as before the amputation. The reactions of others can affect a manager’s rapport with their co-workers or a salesperson’s ability to keep prospective customers focused and engaged.
Work relationships aren’t the only ones that may change. Family relationships and romantic relationships may undergo drastic changes when an individual sustains a permanent injury such as an amputation. In some cases, they may find that their relationships end because other people cannot adjust to their injuries or the way that they affect their personality.
People pursuing compensation for major car crash injuries often need help identifying and quantifying the long-term consequences of their injuries. Amputations and limb loss can have a ripple effect on an individual’s life, generating costs beyond medical expenses.