Amputation is a common motorcycle accident injury. One study found that nine percent of patients admitted to a hospital for motorcycle accident trauma suffered amputation. They found that lower limb amputations are more common for motorcycle victims than upper limb amputations. However, both types occur in significant numbers.
NHTSA reports that three percent of lower leg injuries in motorcycle accidents are amputation injuries. Among hip injuries for motorcycle accident victims, two percent are amputation injuries above the knee.
Lawyer for Motorcycle Amputation Injuries
A motorcycle amputation accident is devastating for the victim—physically, personally, and economically.
That’s why Bobby Jones Law fights on behalf of motorcycle accident victims.
Let’s talk about motorcycle amputation injury and how an attorney can help you.
Causes of Amputation Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
Severed limb
Also called a traumatic amputation, a severed limb is when the entire limb detaches from the body. This may occur to the feet, toes, legs, hands, fingers, or arms. A severed limb may be completely detached, or it may be partially severed with some remaining tissue.
In motorcycle accidents, the most common cause of a severed limb is becoming entangled in the motorcycle. Components of the drive system, such as the bike chain, belt, or shaft, may wrap around a limb and sever it. In addition, a sharp piece of glass or sharp object may cause traumatic amputation.
Crush injuries
A rider may become trapped under a heavy vehicle or debris from the accident. If a limb is crushed, amputation may be necessary. The crushing force itself may not cause amputation.
However, tissue death or dysfunction in the blood vessels and nerves may make it necessary to remove the limb. Amputation may be necessary to prevent infection and toxicity in the body.
Degloving
Degloving amputation occurs when layers of tissue are torn away from the body. Like taking off a pair of gloves, the outermost tissues tear away from the body. Degloving usually results from the body being trapped, with only a limb being pulled at high force. Degloving is also called avulsion.
Infection
Infection is a common risk factor following a motorcycle accident. If an infection sets in, amputation may become necessary. If left untreated, infection may become sepsis, overwhelming the body’s defenses. The limbs are vulnerable, and if they don’t receive blood flow, or if the blood they receive is toxic with infection, tissue may become unhealthy, resulting in amputation.
Legal Options for Victims of Amputation Due to Motorcycle Accidents
An amputation is a severe and catastrophic motorcycle accident injury. The standards for compensation for South Carolina motor vehicle accident claims apply. If another party is at fault, you may receive compensation for the accident.
What amounts to legal fault can be a complex question. We invite you to contact our law firm for a case consultation to evaluate your right to compensation.
Compensation for amputation
Compensation should reflect the severity of the injury. For an amputee, this means immediate medical care, rehabilitation, and care that is likely needed in the future. It may include fitting for a prosthetic, periodic adjustments, and replacement.
Plus, the claim should reflect the personal loss that has occurred. Disfigurement and the change in a person’s mobility should be compensated. A claim should reflect the emotional anguish and physical suffering that a person has when they have an amputated limb from a car accident.
A lawyer for motorcycle accident claims involving amputation can ensure that your claim is complete. Bobby Jones Law is currently taking new cases.
Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Solutions for Amputees
Rehabilitation is important for anyone suffering an amputation from a motorcycle accident. Rehabilitation may also include prosthetics.
A prosthetic is manufactured medical equipment that may help a person adapt to having a missing limb. Lower leg prosthetics help a person walk. Upper arm prosthetics may interact with the nervous system, allowing sophisticated fine motor control.
Along with prosthetic solutions, an amputation patient will benefit from physical therapy to restore function as much as possible. Often, the person will have other serious injuries and will be immobilized for a period. Muscles may become weak and inflexible so therapy can help.
The person should receive training to use their prosthetic device. They may first walk using a cane and then independently. Walking with a prosthesis takes more effort from the body than walking on two natural limbs. The person will need strength and stamina. Occupational therapy can help a person achieve maximum independence.
The amputation site must heal before the introduction of a prosthetic limb. The healing process can take several weeks. A proper fit and use according to instructions may help prevent pain, skin damage, and infection.
In addition to physical rehabilitation, a person sustaining a motorcycle amputation injury may benefit from psychological care. The victim has the trauma of the accident itself, plus the additional trauma of having an amputated limb. They may benefit from treatment for anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions.
How To Seek Full Compensation for Catastrophic Amputation Injuries
Seeking full compensation for a catastrophic amputation injury begins with getting the medical care that you need. It means identifying necessary therapies. Medical expenses in the future should be projected and supported with evidence. Care must be taken to address the admissibility of evidence to make sure that information can be presented to the jury.
Identifying the various types of damages is important to receiving the full compensation amount.
You may rely on factual witnesses who understand your personal situation. Testimony from experts may help explain the impact of the amputation on daily life. Even when damages are non-economic, they must be proven with evidence. An attorney can assist you in building and presenting this evidence.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At Bobby Jones Law, we help motorcycle accident victims. The impact of amputation on a motorcycle accident victim is life-changing.
We’re ready to litigate your case.
Robert “Bobby” Jones of Bobby Jones Law is an experienced attorney serving motorcycle accident victims, including cases involving amputation. Call or message us today.
