One of the worst things that could happen to you in a traffic crash is losing a limb. Whether severed in the crash or removed by surgeons afterward, it will affect you for the rest of your life.
While prosthetic limbs have come a long way, losing part of your body will be tough to overcome. Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) is common among amputees. Here are some things to consider:
You will be off work for some time
It does not take long without an income to push you into debt. If you miss mortgage payments, your house could be at risk of foreclosure. If you cannot pay your credit card bills, they will accrue interest and penalty fees.
You may not be able to return to the same job
Once you get out of the hospital, you might need to look at retraining. It could be your old job brings back traumatic memories of the crash. Or it could be that you no longer have the physical ability to do it.
You might need adaptations
You might choose a prosthetic replacement that does not come cheap. You might need to alter your house or car to enable you to get around more easily.
You’ll probably need therapy
Aside from physical therapy to help you adapt to life without the lost limb, you will likely need emotional therapy. Amputations can affect you in many ways, from your sense of self to your relationship with others and sex life.
Do not risk dealing with an insurer alone. Seek legal help to understand how much compensation you may be due and fight for it.