If you’ve been in a car accident resulting in amputation, you may feel that life as you know it is over. The first thing to remember is that there is a path forward for you to heal, rehabilitate and move into a rewarding new life.
Here’s what you need to know about life after amputation.
PHYSICAL IMPACTS
The physical impacts can vary depending on the nature of the amputation. For example, the loss of a finger may limit your ability to do your job. Losing a leg has much more profound implications for your future. You’ll face the lifelong expense of maintaining and replacing prosthetics and other accessibility supports. If you’ve sustained an injury requiring amputation, you’ll inevitably deal with other injuries, too. Your extended well-being depends on effective emergency treatment to manage these complications, plus ongoing therapy.
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS
Any physical injury also carries a degree of psychological trauma. When you experience amputation, you suffer emotional harm from the initial accident, followed by the psychological impacts of learning to live with your changed body. It’s common for amputees to have symptoms of PTSD and phantom limb syndrome, accompanied by depression and anxiety. Just as there’s help for your physical injuries, you can get assistance for your emotional healing. Mental health support can help you heal from your traumatic experience, integrate your new physical reality, and find a renewed sense of purpose.
QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACTS
Beyond managing your injuries, it’s important to continue experiencing life as you did before your accident as much as possible. If your injuries prevent you from doing your job, you must keep the bills paid and support your family. Depending on the extent of your injuries, your home and vehicle may need accessibility modifications. In Ontario, regardless of who’s at fault, the Statutory Accident Benefits system provides some support. You can claim up to one million dollars towards medical care and rehab, a further one million for attendant care and weekly amounts for lost income and housekeeping. Beyond that, a catastrophic injury lawyer can help you seek compensation from the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, plus damages not covered by Statutory Accident Benefits.
SPEAK WITH A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN SAULT STE. MARIE
While your catastrophic injury may seem overwhelming today, the Feifel Gualazzi team can help you get through this staggering life change. Our team specializes in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, and we can help you get a fair settlement for your injuries. We can also help you navigate the insurance process so you don’t have to worry about missed deadlines or filing errors. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!