Crush Injuries and Their Severity in the Workplace
Crush injuries occur frequently in the construction workplace and usually involve limbs or other body parts being crushed by equipment or machines. For instance, somebody caught in between a forklift and a shelf could be crushed in the leg, or a factory worker could suffer a crushed hand when their arm is caught in a machine. Crush injuries can be extremely permanent and prevent a worker from being able to use a limb, and in some severe cases amputations or death could even occur.
Examples of Crush Injuries
Many crush injuries happen in New Jersey every year due to safety measures being avoided in the workplace. In one case, a worker was crushed from the waist down when 4,000 pounds of steel fell on him at a bed frame company. An investigation showed that a machine moving equipment lost its load and fell on the worker, trapping him, but somehow still leaving him conscious. However, it was determined that he would lose both of his legs.
In another case, a New Jersey man was actually killed when a container fell and crushed him at a rail facility. The company had a history of safety violations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Since 2012, in fact, they had paid nearly $17,000 in fines for their infractions.
Damages From These Injuries
Some of the injuries that you may sustain from a crush-related accident include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Compartment Syndrome, causing increased pressure in an arm or leg
If you have been injured in a crush accident, you could receive very serious injuries. You are lucky if you survive one of these accidents with all of your limbs in tact. If so, a hospital will treat your injuries to reduce swelling and let you know if surgery or surgical amputation are right for you.
We Can Help
Luckily, we are on your side if you have suffered from crush injuries on the job. Many of the victims of these accidents suffer long-term symptoms, making them unable to return to work or sustain financial hardships from medical treatment. It is important to speak to an attorney about how to make a case against the various property owners, contractors, or subcontractors that could be involved in your case. Call us for more information on how we may be able to help you.
