Degloving Injuries in South Carolina Motorcycle Accidents

In a motorcycle accident, one of the worst types of injuries you might suffer is a degloving injury. With this type of injury, an extensive area of the skin is degloved or peeled off your body. A degloving injury is also known as an avulsion.

When you suffer a degloving injury, your skin and tissue will be pulled off your leg, arm, foot, or hand, exposing the bones and muscles. These are very difficult to treat and may require the limb to be amputated. At the Lovely Law Firm, our attorneys sometimes represent people who have suffered degloving injuries in motorcycle accidents caused by people being dragged across the pavement. We can help you to determine liability and work to recover full compensation for your losses.

Whether the accident is caused by operator error, a longitudinal joint issue in the road, or another party hitting you on your bike – ensuring you’re covered in the case of this type of extensive injury (and recovery) is extremely important.

Types of Degloving Injuries

There are two primary types of degloving injuries, including open avulsions and closed avulsions. In an open avulsion, the skin is pulled completely away from the limb and is either severed or hanging off by a skin flap. In a closed avulsion, the top skin layer is pulled up from the underlying tissue, creating a space. Fluid can accumulate in this area. This type of motorcycle accident injury normally occurs around the hip. Closed and open degloving injuries are both serious and should be promptly treated by a doctor.

How are degloving injuries treated?

The treatment you might receive for a degloving injury will depend on its location and whether it is closed or open. If your avulsion is closed, your doctor will likely drain fluid and remove necrotic tissue. If your avulsion is open, you might need specialized care at a hospital. In many cases, an open degloving injury will require skin grafts because the skin is unable to be reattached. You might have to undergo several surgeries. When the injuries are extensive and the bones have been injured, the affected limb may need to be amputated. After an open avulsion, you will likely need to undergo physical therapy to relearn how to use your limb, especially if it is your hand.

Liability in a degloving injury accident

If you suffered a degloving injury in a motorcycle accident because of the negligence of another motorist, you can file a lawsuit to recover damages. It can be very expensive to treat degloving injuries. Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver can help you to recover compensation to pay for your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You might also be eligible for other non-economic losses, including emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and others.

An attorney at The Lovely Law Firm can review your case and help to determine liability. To learn about the options you might have, contact us today at 843.281.7452.

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