One of the things that motorcyclists most dread is a degloved foot motorcycle accident. Degloving is a serious injury that has risky complications. If you are in an accident and experience such an injury, there are steps you should take to treat it, prevent more severe injuries, and perhaps receive compensation.
What Constitutes a Degloved Foot Motorcycle Accident
A degloved foot injury occurs when the top layers of the skin rip from underlying bones, tissues, and muscle, resulting in a deep wound. This injury occurs to the feet when the rider is not wearing sturdy boots or other footwear.
There are two types of degloving injuries. With open degloving, you can see the exposed underlying structures. With closed degloving, these are not visible, which makes it harder to detect and diagnose. Most degloved foot injuries are of the open type.
Steps To Take With a Degloved Foot Injury
Many degloved foot motorcycle accident injuries are serious, so you should not treat them lightly.
Contact the Police
Call the police immediately after the accident occurs. Even if you go straight to the emergency room, the police can investigate the crash site, take witness statements, and file a report.
Receive Emergency Care
If you are in a crash and notice that your skin has ripped from your foot or other area, you should call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room right away. Immediate care prevents infection and minimizes blood loss. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include:
- Skin reattachment
- Reattachment of toes
- Skin grafts
Treatment may include multiple surgeries and a lengthy hospital stay. In severe situations, amputation may be necessary.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Once you have received acute treatment, you or a loved one should contact a lawyer. Serious injuries require costly medical care and time off work. If a faulty motorcycle part or another driver is liable for the crash, you may be able to recover damages.
Even if you were partly at fault, Arizona law allows you to recover a percentage of damages. A skilled Phoenix personal injury lawyer can review your case and determine if you should take legal action.
Keep an Eye Out for Complications
One of the risks of a degloving injury is underlying infection. During your recovery, reach out to your doctor immediately if you notice:
- Swelling around the injured area
- Red-colored edges around the injury
- Foul-smelling oozing
- Body aches
- Fever
An untreated infection can lead to serious issues and even death, so treating it immediately is crucial.
Attend Rehabilitation Sessions
After you begin to heal from surgery, you will likely need to relearn how to use the injured foot. Physical therapy is often part of your rehab, and you will gain the most function if you attend all recommended sessions.
Let Us Help With Your Degloved Foot Motorcycle Accident Case
A degloved foot motorcycle accident is serious and painful. If your injury is severe, contact us at Sargon Law Group. Our specialized Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers can take a look at your case and help you along the way.