Few situations are as frightening as being trapped in a confined space between two heavy objects. This scenario can result in a severe injury known as a crush injury. As the name implies, a crush injury occurs when excessive force or pressure compresses a part of the body or the entire body. Crush injuries often occur in workplaces that regularly use heavy machinery, such as construction, industrial, and agricultural sites. The risk increases significantly if a work environment fails to follow proper safety procedures.
If you have sustained an injury at work due to being pinned between two machines or trapped under a structural collapse, seek the assistance of a credible workers’ compensation attorney. A Van Nuys crush injury lawyer at Glauber Berenson Vego could help you obtain your deserved workers’ compensation benefits after a work injury.
Crush injury is a broad term that includes two types of conditions: compartment syndrome and crush syndrome. Although there are differences between the two, both involve injuries resulting from body parts being squeezed between two solid objects. The excessive force applied to the body part can cause damage to muscles, internal organs, and bones.
Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds in the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels to the point that blood cannot flow to a specific part of the body, such as the forearm. This reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for the body part to function. If left untreated, nearby muscles and other tissues could die. Compartment syndrome can result from a severe bone fracture or muscle bruise.
In contrast, crush syndrome is not localized to a particular body part; rather, it is a systemic condition that affects the muscle tissue and internal organs. Crush syndrome occurs when traumatic pressure damages muscle cells, causing them to leak into other parts of the body.
A lawyer in Van Nuys could assist in gathering necessary medical documentation and evaluating the severity of a person’s crush injury.
A crush injury is likely to cause catastrophic damage due to the immense force applied. Common crush injuries may include:
The damage from a crush injury can be permanent, whether due to the loss of a limb or chronic complications that impact functionality. For workers, a crush injury could permanently affect their ability to perform their jobs and provide for their families. A dedicated crush injury attorney could help guide an injured worker in Van Nuys pursue a workers’ compensation claim to receive maximum benefits.
The state allows injured workers to file a work injury claim to seek benefits for their damages. Workers’ compensation insurance offers benefits such as medical care, temporary disability, and permanent disability. Additionally, benefits may be available to offer supplemental training for a new job.
The benefits an injured worker may receive after a crush injury will depend on the extent of the damage. For instance, losing a finger may result in different benefits compared to losing a leg. A knowledgeable Van Nuys lawyer could explain what benefits may be available to an injured worker through a crush injury claim.
Being pinned down by a heavy object is a real risk in certain workplaces. If you have been injured on the job, contact a Van Nuys crush injury lawyer to discuss potential workers’ compensation benefits. Retain our attorneys today to begin filing a claim.
