Personal injury news

Car accident victim’s leg stolen for second time

Californian police are trying to understand why a teenage car accident victim's prosthetic leg was stolen- and returned- twice in four months.

The cosmetic leg, valued at nearly £7,000, was stolen from Melissa Huff's Los Angeles home in November 2005, but was thrown back into her garden several months later. But on Valentine's Day this year, the leg once again went missing, along with a new replacement limb, only to reappear last week in the back of the family's car.

The car had been left unlocked at Melissa's school for two hours when the prosthetics were returned, and police officer Sergeant David Austin told reporters how they were discovered. He said, "When she drove away she heard some rattling and ultimately found the two legs.

"This is grand theft and burglary and if we find out who's responsible we'll take appropriate action."

16-year-old Miss Huff was forced to become an amputee after a serious car accident two years ago left her with personal injuries and a badly damaged leg. She has refused to let the incident prevent her from living an active life and is a keen softball player.

Telling the media about the thefts, Melissa said, "It doesn't bother me. I'm not scared of them."