Any industry that uses heavy machinery or motor vehicles carries the risk of a crush injury. These incidents involve part or all of a person’s body caught or crushed by a heavy object. Often, these accidents involve the use of moveable machinery or vehicles.
If you were hurt on the job, a Galveston crush injury lawyer may be able to help. While you might assume your options are limited to workers’ compensation benefits, the reality is that you could have a chance to sue your employer and secure a wider range of damages. Let a dedicated work accident attorney advise you of your options.
How Crush Injuries Happen
A crush injury is physical damage to the body caused by contact with another object. Often, this object is large and substantially heavier than a person, although that is not always the case. An incident can involve a person being pinned to the ground or caught between two large pieces of machinery, but the end result is damage to the body resulting from extreme pressure. It can lead to internal bleeding and broken bones, among other conditions. Some of the situations where these injuries occur include the following:
These incidents can alter a person’s life forever by limiting their ability to earn a living or meet their own basic needs. A crush injury lawyer in Galveston can review the facts and determine if there are viable grounds for a civil lawsuit.
Crush Injuries at Work
In most states, worker compensation laws prevent someone from filing a personal injury lawsuit against their employer. This is the tradeoff that comes with offering a system where workers can quickly secure benefits after being hurt on the job, regardless of who is at fault.
Texas has adopted a workers’ compensation system, but it stands out from all the others. Companies in this state have the option to opt-out, and many major employers choose to do so. This means that their employees do not have access to workers’ compensation claims, but they have the right to file a lawsuit when negligence results in a workplace injury. A crush injury attorney in Galveston can assist with pursuing legal action against these companies.
Types of Compensation
When these types of lawsuits—known as non-subscriber claims—are successful, an employee has the potential to recover different types of financial compensation. This could help them recover the financial, physical, and emotional losses they sustained due to their crushing injury. Some of the most common examples include the following:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Medical bills
It is not possible to predict with certainty what a case is worth, but knowing the types of damages that could be available is valuable. It provides insight into what to expect if the non-subscriber claim is ultimately successful.
Reach Out to a Galveston Crush Injury Attorney Right Away
If you were hurt at work, a Galveston crush injury lawyer might be able to help. These incidents can radically alter the course of your life, but having financial resources can give you the best chance of living comfortably as you recover. Reach out as soon as possible to discuss your options during a private consultation.
