Crush injuries are among the worst traumatic injuries that can be caused by motor vehicle collisions. When a vehicle crumples due to the force of impact, limbs and extremities can suffer catastrophic damage.
Frequently, crush injuries result in amputation, as medical professionals may not be able to salvage the damaged body part. Understanding the damage caused by a crush injury can help people come to terms with the decision by medical professionals to amputate and the realities that they may face after receiving emergency medical care.
Crush injuries cause extensive tissue damage
A crush injury is more than just a comminuted fracture, where the bone breaks into many small pieces. In addition to the damage to the bones of the affected body part, there’s also the damage to the musculature and vascular tissue to consider. People may develop compartment syndrome as fluids pool around the damaged tissue.
The extreme tissue damage can also cause permanent nerve damage. People could experience chronic pain or other physical sensations that could affect their overall health and quality of life. In some cases, multiple surgical interventions can facilitate the retention of body parts severely damaged by a crush injury.
Unfortunately, even with the best medical care available, there is never any guarantee of a person recovering after a crush injury. As such, amputation is often the best medical option.
Individuals who lose body parts due to crush injuries may have significantly increased lifetime medical care expenses and substantially reduced long-term earning potential. Working with an attorney to evaluate options for compensation can be beneficial for those who experience a medical amputation as treatment for a crush injury.