A chunk away is still manageable. A competent repair would make it nearly -though probably not entirely- invisible. If you're healing from any kind of wrist injury it's definitely worthwhile to purchase an instrument that puts as little stress on your wrists as possible. I'm not surprised that a Lakland was best thing on the wall for your hand. Their necks are supremely comfortable and their instruments tend to be balanced and rest well on the knee or a strap.
$1600 is undeniably a HUGE outlay for most of us and I'd never downplay the price factor. I only own one bass in that price arena and I had to sell a fair amount of gear to afford it. However, if you're ok with the way it looks now and/or are willing to pay to have it fixed later, its a phenomenal deal. Maybe the GC would cut you deal since it's damaged and has been sitting around for a while.
Damage on an electric instrument is a curious thing. I completely understand the desire for pristine instruments -especially when one is paying a grand and a half and it isn't a vintage piece- however, when you look at professional doublebassists, their instruments often look like someone took a hammer and chains to them. When you consider that you're getting a Lakland for the price of a mid/upper-level production Fender though it puts things in perspective a bit.
Anywho, all the best with a tough decision and good luck with your hand and wrist heal-up.
