Although Houston has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, maintaining its position as America’s fourth-largest city, accidents causing life-changing injuries can still happen in an instant. Whether you’re commuting on I-10, working at the Port of Houston, or enjoying time at Memorial Park, a devastating accident could occur at any moment.
Some Houston residents understand this reality all too well. Living with the devastating effects of an auto or workplace accident is a challenge that many people in our community face every day. Adjusting to life after a severe injury such as amputation requires more than medical care. Whether a person loses a single finger or a complete limb, healing can be a physical, emotional, and psychologically traumatic experience.
If you or a loved one has had an amputation that was caused by someone else’s negligence in Houston, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced Houston personal injury attorneys will fight to make sure the responsible person or company is held liable for your injuries.
The Seen and Unseen Challenges of Amputation
Rehabilitation after an amputation can take years. Recovery will likely involve support from friends, family members, and a wide range of health professionals at Houston’s world-renowned medical centers—not to mention super-human determination from the accident victim.
Depending on the circumstances and type of amputation, the person could suffer emotional and physical pain for many months or years. Just some of the challenges a person recovering from an amputation injury might face include:
- Long-term physical therapy
- Prosthetics
- Loss of income
- Mental health care
- Changes in the home to improve accessibility
The physical consequences of amputation may be obvious, but many of the effects go unseen and are only known to the patients themselves.
Physical Recovery
Every situation is different. A person’s overall health, as well as any other injuries they may have suffered in the accident, will impact their physical recovery. Some amputations are more difficult to heal from than others. While still serious, the loss of a toe is less impactful overall than the loss of an entire leg.
In all cases, a rehabilitation program will begin while you are still in the hospital recovering from surgery. The program may involve physical and occupational therapy. You might be fitted for a custom-made prosthetic, too, which can require numerous adjustments to improve both comfort and function.
Physical therapy helps patients deal with issues like swelling, skin care, and phantom pain. Learning how to care for and use a prosthesis is another aspect of physical therapy. Your therapist will suggest strengthening exercises and stretches to help you regain balance and endurance.
Occupational therapy focuses on the tasks needed to maintain independence in daily living. Depending on the amputation, everything from brushing your teeth to completing household chores may become difficult. With help from occupational therapists, patients learn how to use assistive equipment and develop the skills they need for daily living.
Mental Health Recovery
A number of factors affect a person’s mental health after a catastrophic injury. Even without amputation, being involved in a serious accident can cause depression, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD.
Losing part of your physical self can also cause body image issues that are difficult to overcome. A person may lose confidence in themselves or their ability to enjoy a romantic relationship, even those in established long-term partnerships.
Depression and PTSD are treatable conditions, but some symptoms can be difficult to manage and may seriously diminish your quality of life. Working with a mental health professional who is experienced in helping amputation patients is key.
Social Recovery
Many, if not most, people living with amputation lead full, satisfying lives. They meet educational and career goals, marry, have children, travel, and enjoy the same activities they did before their accident. However, it can be a long road.
Changes in the physical body may make it difficult to participate in favorite activities at the same level they once needed. Meeting new people might be more challenging. Dealing with the natural feelings of anger and isolation could lead them to avoid socializing with others altogether.
Full social recovery depends on your ability to continue with physical and mental health therapy. Without adequate financial resources, it may not be possible to receive the long-term support that’s necessary to return to “normal” life.
Let Hernandez Sunosky LLP Help
If your injury was caused by someone else’s carelessness or illegal actions in Houston, the legal system is on your side. Our attorneys understand the difficult road to recovery after an amputation. You or your loved one should be able to focus on healing after a serious injury, not on the mounting medical bills. Contact Hernandez Sunosky LLP, personal injury lawyers in Houston, today to schedule a free consultation. We will fight to help you receive the compensation you need to recover from all the ramifications of amputation.
Based in Kingwood, Hernandez Sunosky LLP serves clients in Houston, Atascocita, Humble, New Caney, Porter, Pearland, and across Texas. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to support you in your time of need, providing the guidance you require to seek justice and compensation.