Crush InjuriesAccording to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), crush injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the workplace. A crush injury occurs when a body part is placed under significant force or pressure. It usually occurs when a body part is squeezed between two heavy objects. The weight and pressure can cause internal and external damage to the body.

What are the Effects of a Crush Injury?

Crush injuries most frequently result in fractures. Complicated fractures may never heal completely and can require multiple surgeries to repair. Lacerations can also result if objects cut through the skin and tissue. The pressure of a crush injury can also result in tissue and organ damage.
Crush injuries can also result in “compartment syndrome” which occurs when a body part is crushed for an extended period of time. Lack of blood flow to a particular area of the body can lead to muscle and tissue death. If the pressure is not relieved quickly, the result can be permanent muscle damage and even amputation. Signs of compartment syndrome include:

  • Numbness
  • Swelling
  • Pale, shiny skin
  • Weakness
  • Pain

“Crush syndrome” can also result from a crush injury. Crush syndrome occurs when a body part has been trapped for a significant period of time. Once the pressure is finally released, the by-products of muscle deterioration, such as potassium, myoglobin, and phosphate, rush into the bloodstream and can lead to shock or kidney failure.

Where do Crush Injuries Occur?

Crush injuries most frequently occur at construction sites and in manufacturing since they usually involve heavy machinery or equipment. Employers and companies are required to uphold safety regulations, properly train employees, and ensure that all equipment is working properly in order to prevent injuries. Common causes of work-related crush injuries include:

  • Falling loads
  • Getting caught in machinery
  • Collapsed structures
  • Getting pinned between a vehicle and a surface

Motor vehicle accidents are also a common cause of crush injuries. Crush injuries can occur when a pedestrian or bicyclist is struck by a vehicle. They can also occur when a victim becomes pinned inside a vehicle or if a vehicle rolls over in a crash.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

If you’ve suffered a crush injury due to someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.