Springfield Crush Injury Lawyers

Fighting For Crush Injury Victims in Missouri

There are numerous different accident and injury types that a worker can suffer while on the job. For workers in certain industries, particularly those that feature large equipment and machinery, such as construction and manufacturing, the risk of a workplace accident is particularly high. One type of serious injury that may befall an employee who works around large equipment and machinery is that of a crush injury. A crush injury can be devastating, completely changing the course of the injured party's life.

Call Webster & Carlton today at (417) 545-3775 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our crush injury attorney in Springfield.

What is a Crush Injury?

A crush injury refers to an injury in which a finger, arm, hand, or other limb/part of limb is caught within a piece of equipment or machinery, and is literally crushed as a result of the force involved. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that being caught in or in-between machinery is one of the four most common workplace accident types, leading to devastating injuries and fatalities each year. Crush injuries can also happen as a result of trench cave-ins, or being compressed or crushed between rolling, shifting, or sliding objects, including large trucks and truck trailers and a dock wall.

What are the Impacts of a Crush Injury?

The impacts of a crush injury can be devastating for an affected worker. A worker who suffers a crush injury may suffer complete loss of the affected area and may even require the affected area/limb/extremity to be amputated. This is not only an obvious physical loss and impediment but also an emotional and psychological one. Further, the injury can impair the worker's ability to perform new work in the future, putting additional financial strain on the employee and their family.

Your Options for Financial Recovery After a Crush Injury

If you are involved in an on-the-job accident in Missouri, you maintain the right to file a workers' compensation claim for damages. (All employers with five or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, and employers within the construction industry with one or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation.) Workers' compensation insurance can be used to pay for your medical expenses, as well as a portion of your lost wages, after such a devastating workplace injury type. 

In addition to workers' compensation insurance, you may also be able to file a third-party liability claim depending upon the circumstances of your case. Unlike a workers' compensation claim, a third-party liability claim seeks to hold another party liable for damages based on that party's negligence and can be used to recover compensation for the full value of one's economic losses as well as noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.

Types of Crush Injuries

Crush injuries occur when part of the body is subjected to significant force, causing severe damage to tissues, bones, and organs. These injuries can vary greatly depending on the severity and the body part affected. Common types include:

• Soft Tissue Crush Injuries: These injuries affect muscles, skin, fat, and connective tissues. The crushing force can lead to contusions, lacerations, or internal bleeding. Soft tissue crush injuries can cause long-lasting pain and scarring.
• Bone Fractures from Crush Injuries: When a heavy object compresses a body part, it can cause bones to fracture or break. The force may result in compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, or simple fractures, which are less visible but still highly painful.
• Nerve Damage Caused by Crushing Forces: Crushing forces can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or permanent loss of sensation in the affected area. This type of injury can impair movement and function, often requiring long-term medical attention.
• Compartment Syndrome: A severe and often life-threatening condition caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment. This can result in muscle and nerve damage and may require emergency surgery to relieve the pressure and prevent permanent damage.

Common Industries at Risk for Crush Injuries

Crush injuries are common in high-risk industries where workers operate heavy machinery, vehicles, or work in environments where large objects are moving. Some of the most common industries affected include:

• Construction: Workers may be exposed to crush injuries when operating heavy equipment, such as cranes, excavators, or forklifts, or when working in trenching operations, where cave-ins can occur.
• Manufacturing: In factories, workers can get caught in machinery or equipment, especially in environments where automated processes are involved.
• Warehousing and Shipping: Crush injuries are common in warehouses where heavy goods are moved by forklifts or pallets, and workers may be at risk of getting trapped between loading equipment and storage racks.
• Trucking and Transportation: Truck drivers and loaders face crush injury risks when unloading goods, handling heavy packages, or getting caught between trucks and cargo.
• Agriculture and Forestry: Workers in agriculture and forestry may suffer crush injuries from large machinery like tractors, harvesters, or logging equipment. Additionally, workers can be crushed by falling trees or heavy loads.

How to Prevent Crush Injuries in the Workplace

Employers and employees should take proactive steps to prevent crush injuries. Effective prevention can save lives and reduce the risk of serious injuries:

• Proper Training and Safety Protocols: Workers should receive training on how to operate machinery safely, identify potential hazards, and respond to emergency situations. Training should be ongoing to ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Equipment Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of machinery and tools are essential to prevent equipment failure that could lead to accidents. Faulty equipment should be repaired or replaced promptly.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing the appropriate PPE, such as helmets, gloves, steel-toed boots, and protective clothing, can help protect workers from being injured in the event of an accident.
• Safety Audits and Risk Assessments: Regular safety audits and risk assessments should be conducted to identify potential hazards in the workplace. Corrective actions should be taken to address any issues before they lead to injury.

Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation for Crush Injuries

Crush injuries can require immediate medical attention and long-term care for recovery. Treatment and rehabilitation vary based on the injury's severity:

• Immediate Medical Care: Initial treatment focuses on stabilizing the victim’s condition. This may include pain management, wound care, surgery to repair damaged tissue or bone, and addressing any internal injuries such as bleeding or organ damage.
• Long-Term Rehabilitation: After the initial injury is treated, rehabilitation is crucial to help the worker regain function. Physical therapy is often necessary to rebuild strength and mobility. In cases where surgery is required, further rehabilitation may be needed to recover full use of the affected limb or area.
• Prosthetic Devices for Amputations: In cases where a limb is amputated due to a crush injury, prosthetics may be needed. This includes the fitting of artificial limbs and ongoing therapy to help the patient adapt to the new device.
• Psychological Support and Counseling: The emotional impact of a severe crush injury can be significant. Victims may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Psychological counseling or support groups can be beneficial to help them cope with the trauma and emotional strain caused by the injury.

By understanding the different types of crush injuries, the risks associated with various industries, and the steps to prevent such injuries, both workers and employers can take measures to protect health and safety in the workplace. Proper medical treatment and rehabilitation are essential to help workers recover and regain their quality of life after a crush injury.

FAQ: Springfield Crush Injury Lawyers

• What is a crush injury?
  A crush injury occurs when a body part, such as a finger, arm, or leg, is caught and compressed between heavy equipment or machinery, resulting in severe trauma. These injuries are common in industries like construction and manufacturing.
• How do crush injuries typically happen?
  Crush injuries can result from various workplace incidents, including being caught in machinery, trench cave-ins, or being compressed between moving vehicles and heavy objects. Negligence, such as improper safety measures or lack of training, often contributes to these accidents.
• What are the potential impacts of a crush injury?
  The consequences of a crush injury can be life-altering. Victims may face permanent disabilities, including loss of limbs, chronic pain, and psychological impacts such as depression and anxiety. These injuries can also hinder the ability to work in the future, leading to financial strain.
• What options do I have for financial recovery after a crush injury?
  You can file a workers' compensation claim to cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. Additionally, if a third party is liable due to negligence, you may pursue a third-party liability claim for greater compensation, including pain and suffering.
• How do I file a workers' compensation claim?
  To file a workers' compensation claim in Missouri, notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. You will need to complete the necessary forms and provide documentation of your injury and treatment. It’s advisable to consult with an attorney to navigate the process effectively.
• What benefits does workers' compensation provide?
  Workers' compensation can cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and a percentage of your lost wages due to the injury. It may also provide benefits for permanent disabilities if applicable.
• What is a third-party liability claim?
  A third-party liability claim seeks compensation from someone other than your employer, typically for negligence that led to your injury. This could include equipment manufacturers, contractors, or other drivers involved in the accident.

Contact Our Crush Injury Attorney in Springfield Today

Our Missouri workplace injury lawyers at The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton know that suffering a crush injury can be a tragic experience that raises questions about your future. 

We want to make sure you are compensated for your harm - call our Springfield crush injury lawyers today at (417) 545-3775 for a free consultation about your options and how we can help.