Crush injuries can be a serious and often overlooked risk in various environments, from industrial workplaces to our own homes.
What is a Crush Injury?
A crush injury happens when a part of the body gets squeezed between two heavy objects. This kind of injury can cause serious damage to your skin, muscles, bones and nerves, depending on how heavy the objects are and how long the body part is crushed. Crushing can lead to serious, long-term damage and complications, making it important to seek immediate medical attention after an accident.
Common Causes of Crush Injuries
Crush injuries can occur in various situations where the body experiences extreme force or pressure. This could be something like a hand getting squashed by a heavy door, a leg getting stuck under a falling object, or the body being pinned down during a car accident. Other causes include falls from heights onto hard surfaces and being trapped in a crowd. Natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides, as well as situations like building and tunnel collapses can also lead to life-threatening crush injuries.
Long-term Impact of Crush Injuries
Crush injuries can have severe long-term effects on someone’s quality of life. For example, a person might suffer from Crush Syndrome, which leads to a huge body shock and kidney failure because the body is releasing broken-down muscle parts into the blood. Other common side effects include major nerve and muscle damage, long-lasting pain and losing the ability to use the injured area properly. Some victims may also suffer from psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following such incidents. In really serious scenarios, crush injuries can lead to the need to amputate, causing a lifelong disability.
Industrial Accidents and Crush Injuries
Industrial workplaces can be dangerous environments, where injuries commonly occur including crush injuries. Industrial crush injuries usually happen when a worker’s body part gets wedged between two heavy objects or machines. For example, in a factory, a worker’s hand or fingers might get caught in a machine. At a construction site, a worker might get stuck under a pile of heavy materials like bricks or steel.
Certain types of industrial accidents are more likely to result in crush injuries than others. Here are some examples:
- Machinery Accidents: In factories and manufacturing plants, moving machinery parts pose a risk of causing a crush injury.
- Vehicle-Related Accidents: Industrial vehicles, such as forklifts, can cause crush injuries if a worker becomes trapped underneath or between them.
- Material Stacking Accidents: In warehouse settings, poorly stacked material can fall and trap workers, resulting in crush injuries.
- Building or Structure Collapse: In construction sites, the sudden collapse of structures or falling of heavy materials can cause serious crush injuries.
Prevention and Safety Measures for Crush Injuries in the Workplace
Preventing crush injuries in the workplace requires a proactive approach to safety. This can include regular training and safety drills, so workers know how to use equipment safely and handle emergencies. Workers should stay alert to what’s around them and follow safety rules, like wearing safety gear when needed. Employers should make sure all the heavy machines and equipment are checked and fixed regularly to stop any breakdowns that could cause accidents. Clear signage indicating potential dangers can also help prevent accidents. In high-risk areas, enforcing guidelines for safe lifting and material handling can help to reduce the chance of crush injuries. Through these measures, employers can create a safer working environment and significantly reduce the likelihood of crush injuries.
Seeking Legal Help After a Crush Injury
Following a crush injury, attorneys can guide clients through the complex legal process, helping them understand their rights and options. Additionally, attorneys can help to collect evidence, record witness accounts and gather other information needed to build a strong case. They can negotiate with an employer or insurance company to ensure victims receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. In situations where employers are negligent, such as not providing proper safety training or equipment, an attorney can work to hold them accountable.
Our team at Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello offers dedicated legal expertise and compassionate support for a wide range of cases, including crush injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a crush injury, schedule a free consultation with us today.