People often walk away from car accidents with minor or no injuries. But in some cases, the blunt force trauma can damage a limb so severely that it must be amputated to save the victim. If this describes your situation, know that you’re not alone: there are two million people in the United States living with a lost limb. Of that group, 45% lost it due to trauma, such as from an auto accident. Here’s what you need to know about this life-threatening injury.

When a Limb Has to Be Amputated

The vascular system is made up of veins and arteries that carry blood throughout the body. After a car accident, the blood vessels in a damaged limb may be too narrow to effectively circulate oxygen and nutrients. Without this essential supply, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves will slowly deteriorate, leading to permanent damage and eventually death. In many cases, the limb will have to be amputated to restore circulation and prevent infection. Symptoms of trauma after an accident include bruising, a lump beneath the skin, bleeding, and pain.

An amputation can have lasting effects after treatment. For example, around 90% experience phantom limb pain, which describes the sensation of pain in the limb that was amputated. This discomfort is often treated through medication and noninvasive treatments, such as acupuncture. Muscle weakness due to reduced mobility is also common. In this case, rehabilitation exercises are recommended to strength remaining arm and leg muscles.

Recovering Damages

If you can prove another party, such as a negligent driver, was responsible for the accident that resulted in your amputation, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation. The amount will be based on two types of damages: economic, which deals with quantifiable losses, and noneconomic, which deals with intangible losses. Medical treatment falls under economic damage. This will cover everything from surgery and prescription drug costs to fittings for prosthetics. Economic damage also encompasses lost wages, which can cover income lost due to missing work and as well as your decreased ability to earn in the future. Meanwhile, noneconomic damage covers pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment.

If you’re seeking compensation due to a lost limb, contact The Law Offices of Daniel L. Crandall & Associates. Located in Roanoke, these personal injury attorneys have been helping victims throughout Virginia recover financially from life-altering accidents. Thanks to his compassionate service and unrelenting pursuit of his clients’ interests, founding attorney Daniel L. Crandall received the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers Award, and he was twice named best local lawyer. Visit the firm online to learn more about their practice areas, and call (540) 342-2000 to set up a consultation.