A crush injury occurs when two objects or a heavy force compresses part of your body. Heavy machinery or cargo can create crushing hazards on construction sites, in warehouses, and on loading docks, leading to serious injuries. Vehicle collisions and dangerous premises may cause similar trauma when a substantial force pins or strikes a person.
If you suffered this type of harm, a League City crush injury lawyer could investigate how the incident happened and determine who may bear legal responsibility. A seasoned work injury attorney could also assess whether the claim involves an employer or another responsible party. At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we could help you understand the legal issues surrounding your serious injury while you focus on your medical needs.
The Serious Consequences of a Crushing Injury
The force in a crush accident can damage structures beneath the skin, even when the full extent of the injury is not immediately apparent. Our League City attorneys could review medical evidence and accident circumstances to determine how the compression trauma may affect a legal claim. Compression trauma may cause:
- Crushed or fractured bones
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Internal organ damage
- Compartment syndrome
- Amputation
Compartment syndrome is serious because pressure can build within muscles, restricting circulation. Some injuries require surgery or prolonged rehabilitation. When another party’s negligence caused the incident, the extent of these medical consequences may affect the damages you seek.
What Changes When Your Employer Does Not Carry Workers’ Compensation?
Many crushing accidents occur at work, but state law does not require private employers to subscribe to the state’s workers’ compensation insurance program. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may bring a personal injury lawsuit directly against them if their negligence caused your injuries. A League City attorney handling crush injury claims could investigate whether unsafe equipment or another workplace condition contributed to the accident.
Texas Labor Code § 406.033 limits the defenses available to a non-subscribing employer. For example, the employer generally cannot avoid liability by arguing that your contributory negligence caused the injury. The statute also bars defenses based on a fellow employee’s negligence or the assumption of workplace risks. These rules significantly affect how we evaluate a workplace injury case. Our focus is on whether the employer was negligent and whether that negligence caused you harm.
Third-Party Liability for Crush Injuries and the Time To File
A workplace crush injury does not always involve only the employer. An equipment manufacturer could be responsible for a defective machine, and a property owner could also face liability if an unsafe condition contributed to the accident. Our League City attorneys could investigate the roles of these parties in a compression trauma accident and determine whether more than one claim is appropriate.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 generally gives you two years from the incident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting makes it harder to preserve evidence or identify witnesses.
Contact Our League City Attorneys About Your Severe Crush Injury
A serious crushing injury can affect your health and ability to work. Determining who is legally responsible requires careful attention to the accident scene and employment relationship.
A League City crush injury lawyer from our firm could review the incident, explain your legal path, and help you understand your options. Contact Schechter, Shaffer & Harris today to discuss your situation and proceed with clarity.
