Crush injuries are some of the most devastating injuries possible. They can lead to permanent disabilities, result in amputations, keep people out of work for extended periods, and even prevent people from returning to work. Unfortunately, crush injuries are relatively common in some professions. People who work with heavy machinery—including factory workers, construction workers, and agricultural workers—are at an elevated risk of these injuries.
Workers’ compensation covers crush injuries as long as the impacted worker was an employee and the injury occurred in the course of employment or at the workplace. However, these injuries are often costly and can come with lifelong expenses. Insurers may deny claims, even if they are valid. A San Bernadino crush injury lawyer could help prove the accident is a workplace injury, file a claim, or handle an appeal of a denial.
What Is a Crush Injury?
A crush injury occurs when some part of the body gets trapped between two heavy objects. The objects apply force to body parts, which can compress them, rip them, or otherwise damage them. When the force is sufficient, it can damage all the body parts in the impacted area—leading to broken bones, muscle damage, nerve damage, and more.
Crush injuries can lead to two different syndromes—compartment syndrome and crush syndrome. Compartment syndrome happens when the swelling and bleeding from a crush accident increase pressure in a muscle compartment, cutting off the blood supply and increasing the risk of tissue death. Compartment syndrome can lead to amputations caused by necrosis. Crush syndrome happens when crushed muscles release toxins, which can damage the kidneys and other organs. These toxins can lead to complications in entire systems, hindering recovery and increasing the risk of serious injuries or death. A lawyer in San Bernardino could account for these issues in workers’ compensation for a crush injury.
Causes of Crush Injuries
Heavy equipment accidents are responsible for many crush injuries. Equipment malfunction can lead to accidents, but a more common cause is when a person gets caught in a moving part. Workplaces should have strict rules about the type of clothing and equipment people use near heavy machinery to try to reduce the risk of those injuries. However, even with exemplary safety standards, no workplace can eliminate the risk of heavy equipment injuries.
Construction Sites
Construction sites have many hazards that can lead to crush injuries. Heavy building materials like concrete and steel can fall, trapping a worker and leading to crush injuries. Structural collapse is another risk.
Agricultural Work
Agricultural work also presents many opportunities for crush injuries. Tractors and other heavy farm equipment can roll over or trap workers, leading to injuries. Large animals can also trample or crowd workers.
Falling Objects
Even seemingly minor incidents, like falling objects, can lead to crush injuries that can break bones or worse. Significant accidents can lead to more severe injuries, which can lead to amputations or systemic injuries.
Unlike some other workplace injuries, proving the cause of crush injuries is generally straightforward. The crush incident is usually noticeable, the worker typically gets immediate medical attention, and the medical record clearly connects the workplace event to the injury. However, it is not always straightforward. A San Bernardino crush injury attorney could help link the workplace event and the injuries.
Talk to a San Bernardino Crush Injury Attorney
Recovering from a crush injury can be a long, painful, and frustrating process. The last thing you should have to worry about is whether your employer’s insurer will approve your worker’s compensation claim. Instead of dealing with the frustration of the claims process and any possible appeals, contact a San Bernardino crush injury lawyer.
In addition to handling your worker’s compensation claim, an attorney could examine whether you have any other potential remedies. Some crush victims are eligible for disability, while others may have claims against third parties. Taking advantage of other potential remedies will not invalidate your worker’s comp claim. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
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