Motorcycle Accident Amputation Injuries

For motorcyclists, time on their bikes is a precious thing. Going for a ride with almost nothing separating them from nature represents the very idea of freedom. What happens when that freedom is ripped away because of a horrific accident? What if they were injured in a way that may prevent them from ever riding again? What can they do? They, or a loved one, can pick up the phone and dial Steelhorse Law.

Steelhorse Law has earned our reputation of winning big for victims of motorcycle accidents. For the last 10 years, we've been representing riders going through one of the worst times of their lives and always do our best to recover maximum compensation for them. If you were injured severely enough to need an amputation from a motorcycle accident, our firm can help you seek justice.

What Leads to Amputations?

According to a study by the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 82,687 motorcycle accident injuries in 2022, with about 226 accidents PER DAY. While any sort of injury is emotionally traumatic for those involved in crashes, how badly does a person have to be injured to require an amputation? Well, there are multiple answers to that question. When involved in a motorcycle accident, amputations may be necessary if there is a traumatic injury, crush injury, degloving injury, or another medical condition.

• Traumatic Injuries. Traumatic amputations are the loss of a body part, usually a finger, toe, arm, or leg, resulting from a high-impact collision. Such amputations are most often caused by a limb being severed or cut off by a sharp object.
• Medical Conditions. Severe injuries, such as crushing, burning, severing, or infection, caused by a crash may lead to amputations. In some instances, crashes can cause additional medical conditions that, if worsened, can require an amputation.
• Crush Injuries. When a limb is compressed between two objects, causing cell/tissue damage and a lack of blood flow, cell disruption may lead to an amputation. This is mainly seen when heavy machinery is involved.
• Degloving Injuries. Degloving occurs when the top layers of skin and tissue are torn away from the underlying bones, muscles, or connective tissue. If very severe, left untreated, or involving the heel pad, it could lead to an amputation.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Amputations

There are many types of amputations that a person may be forced to experience after a devastating accident. The main difference between each comes down to how the removal of the limb occurs based on the affected body part, the severity of bone and tissue damage, and the reason for the amputation (crushing vs. medical conditions). For example, a digit amputation is a minor but intensive surgery involving tendons, skin, and nerves— the goal will be to preserve fine motor function and optimal hand usage. In comparison, a motorcycle accident leg amputation is a significant procedure involving at least one surgeon who is capable of stabilizing different tissues of the leg, including skin, blood vessels, muscles, nerves, tendons, and bone.

The main categories of amputations are:

1. Upper extremity amputations— The removal of the arm, forearm, hand, or fingers.
2. Lower extremity amputations— The removal of the upper leg, lower leg, foot, or toes.
3. Double amputations— The removal of both hands, feet, arms, or legs.
4. Partial amputations— A partial limb is detached, but tissue remains to connect it to the body.
5. Complete amputations— A limb entirely detached from the body, leaving no tissue connecting it.
6. Disarticulation amputations— Surgically removing a limb at a joint such as an elbow or knee.
7. Trans-tibial amputations— The removal of the lower leg below the knee.
8. Trans-femoral amputations— The removal of the upper leg above the knee.
9. Trans-radial amputations— The removal of the forearm below the elbow.
10. Trans-humeral amputations— The removal of the arm above the elbow.

The removal of a body part, though not ideal, may take place in multiple stages. This is often due to irreversible tissue damage in the lower extremities (i.e., leg, foot, toes). Multi-stage procedures have various benefits for the victim, such as reduced muscle retraction, a lower chance of infection and necrosis, and a lower rate of stump revision. However, they may also take a toll on the individual's mental state and be costly, on top of requiring a more extended hospital stay. A revision procedure may sometimes be necessary to fix tissue breakdown, chronic pain, scarring, or another problem.

Aftermath of an Amputation

Amputation surgeries most commonly occur after medical professionals have determined that the limb injured in the collision cannot be repaired. Regarding the timeline of amputations, unfortunately, time is of the essence. Some victims may have only minutes to agree to an amputation from a motorcycle accident— which isn't enough time to come to terms with the extent of the procedure. In the worst cases, individuals are operated on without ever having gained consciousness, waking up to the loss of the limb.

Immediately following an amputation, you will face a period of intensive recovery. Hospitalization may be necessary for some time following the surgery to manage the wound and monitor it for complications and pain management. It may need to be cleaned, and bandages should be changed regularly to promote healing. Your recovery may include rehabilitation, physical therapy, prosthetic devices, psychological support, and vocational rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation/physical therapy

Once your surgical wound has fully healed, you enter the rehabilitation period. This involves training sessions to perform basic activities without your missing limb. This is often the most frustrating part of the recovery period for patients as struggling to do daily tasks you once did without thinking is challenging to come to terms with. Physical therapy sessions may also benefit victims in a social capacity, as dealing with the trauma of the accident is a lot to handle alone. It can be beneficial for them to work through any depression or post-traumatic stress that they are experiencing.

Prosthesis

When the surgical wound has healed, motorcycle accident leg amputation victims and others may be approached and fitted with a prosthetic to replace the missing body part. Some prosthetics are simple and have limited function, which makes them less costly, while others are very sophisticated and cost more. In instances like the latter, insurance may not cover the entire cost. It's essential to select the most affordable device for the patient.

Psychological Support

Aside from attending physical therapy sessions, motorcycle crash amputees should also consider enrolling in physiological support. Traumatic experiences like accidents can have a severe emotional impact on those involved. Counseling or therapy can help work through the trauma and emotions brought on by the crash. It may also allow victims to adjust more quickly to the changes in their lives.

Vocational Rehabilitation

In some instances, an accident victim may require vocational therapy. Depending on your job type, you may need assistance returning to work to relearn specific tasks or find a new career path.

Amputation Complications

Following a motorcycle accident amputation, you may experience complications. Amputation patients may be at risk of complications based on their age, general health, the type of amputation they underwent, and whether it was planned or an emergency. Common complications include:

• Increased pain
• Excessive swelling
• Decreased muscle strength or sensation
• Slow wound healing or infection
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Decreased oxygen saturation
• Increased resting heart rate/heart problems
• Pneumonia
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Renal failure
• Stroke
• Sepsis
• Stump or "phantom limb" pain

For Legal Representation with Nerves of Steel, Call Steelhorse Law.

After a motorcycle accident amputation, there's a long road ahead of you. Amputations are extensive and require time, patience, and understanding— mostly with yourself. That's why the attorneys of Steelhorse Law fight tooth and nail to protect your rights as a victim. Your entire focus should be on your recovery, not worrying about paying bills.

Our team of legal professionals will passionately defend your right to retribution. Those who caused your injuries should be held responsible in a court of law. We won't rest until we've seen your case through to the very end. To schedule a free consultation, call Steelhorse Law today. We'll do our very best to secure you maximum compensation.