Losing a limb in a workplace accident will obviously be catastrophic. Yet people sometimes underestimate the full effect it can have on your life.
Here are some things to consider if you suffer an amputation of any kind at work:
You might no longer feel whole
Many amputees suffer mental trauma for years to come. They feel incomplete or feel that everyone is looking or laughing at them. In many cases, it can lead to depression. It can affect their relationships, self-esteem and more.
You may struggle to sleep
Some suffer post-traumatic stress syndrome, walking up in the middle of the night after a nasty dream where they relived the horror of the accident. Some end up with suicidal thoughts, and some follow through on them. Anxiety attacks are also common.
Adaptations are expensive
Depending on what you lose, you may need to adapt your car, bathroom or other things to pursue as much of an independent life without help as possible.
It restricts your ability to earn, at least for a while
You may be unable to return to your line of work or at least be unable to perform it to the same level. Even if you eventually adjust and regain your previous speed and competence, you might lose out on a lot of earnings in the meantime. Other workers will need to retrain in a different career, which again costs money.
It can be tempting to accept the first figure the insurer offers when you have hospital bills to pay. Getting legal help to examine how much you should seek for a workplace amputation helps you avoid decisions you regret that leave you short of funds in the long run.