Texas Pedestrian-Vehicle Accident Leads to Amputation
On Nov. 2nd, Texas actress and country artist Savannah Welch was struck by a vehicle while at a local Wimberley farmer’s market. The vehicle was attempting to leave the market when the driver may have confused the brake and gas pedals, ultimately running into a vendor area, hitting a van, and striking Welch and another individual. Due to the extent of her injuries, physicians had to amputate Welch’s right leg. Amputations following auto accidents are relatively common. In many situations, an individual’s limb may be too damaged to heal correctly and allow that individual adequate function and mobility in the future. In order to protect that person’s life and wellbeing, doctors will amputate the limb.
If you suffered a traumatic amputation because of a collision, you may have the right to bring a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the accident. For more information on filing a personal injury lawsuit in Texas, contact an attorney today.
Limb Loss in America
About two million people live with limb loss in the Unites States. While more than half of amputations result from an issue with a person’s blood vessels, such as diabetes, about 45 percent result from trauma such as a car accident. Amputations can range in level, from partial foot or hand amputations to the loss of both arms of legs. Whatever an individual’s amputation level may be, they may have to go through multiple procedures, endure physical therapy, purchase medical aid equipment like wheelchairs or prostheses, and learn how to live without an integral part of their bodies. Additionally, the sudden and traumatic loss of a limb can lead to severe grief and psychological repercussions that require mental health treatment.
Traumatic Amputations Result in Significant Costs
Even with insurance coverage, a traumatic amputation can cost an individual tens of thousands of dollars. Between surgeries, medications, physical rehabilitation, in-home care, transportation, adaptive devices, and prostheses, an individual’s health care costs can grow rapidly. Additionally, a prosthetic limb only lasts so long. Individuals who need a prosthetic foot, leg, hand, or arm will likely need another in a few years. This increases their anticipated future medical expenses considerably.
The strain amputations place on individuals and their family is more than medical costs. Many individuals are out of work for weeks or months. Some cannot return to their previous jobs because they are no longer physically capable. The positions they are able to find in their communities may not pay as much as they previously earned.
Additionally, the emotional results of a traumatic amputation can be catastrophic. It can be difficult to measure the pain, suffering, and grief an individual experiences upon waking up from an accident to find that they have lost one or more limbs.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you lost a limb in a car accident, you deserve to hold the person who caused the collision responsible for your expenses and emotional turmoil. You can do this by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. During a personal injury suit, your attorney will provide evidence to the court supporting your argument that the other driver was negligent in their actions behind the wheel. If you prove the other driver was careless, reckless, or willfully disregarded your safety, you can recover damages for:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability; and
- Disfigurement.
To learn more about recovering from a traumatic amputation, contact The Bettersworth Law Firm right away. Our passionate New Braunfels personal injury attorneys are eager to help you today.
Sources:
http://wimberleyview.com/articles/2016/11/02/farmers-market-accident-sends-two-hospital
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/limb-loss-resource-center/resources-by-topic/limb-loss-statistics/limb-loss-statistics/#1
