Crush injuries are perhaps one of the most dangerous things we can experience, because of the negative impacts it can have on the affected area of our body. As if this is not bad enough, they are also very common in both workplace accidents and vehicle accidents. The injuries left behind will also vary from minor to catastrophic, depending on the situation.
If you or a loved one has suffered because of a crush injury, it can be helpful to know your rights, and whether you can seek compensation from the negligent person or entity that caused your injuries. We want you to know that our Missouri City crush injury lawyer is here to help.
What Is a Crush Injury?
Crush injuries occur when significant force or pressure is exerted on a particular area of the body. These injuries most often result from body parts becoming trapped between two heavy objects, leading to severe trauma in the affected region. The extent of injuries sustained by the affected body part is determined by both the magnitude of force involved in the crushing incident and the specific cause of it.
Common Crush Injuries in Missouri City
In Missouri City, crush injuries can happen for a variety of reasons. This is due in part to the abundance of construction work and manufacturing companies in and around the region. However, it is important to understand that crush accidents can happen in any type of situations. The most common crush injuries are those that happen:
- In the workplace due to faulty machinery or falling objects
- In vehicle accidents
- Because of defective products
- In slip and fall accidents if a person is trapped under something heavy
- During natural disasters
The effects of a crushing injury can involve minor bruises, abrasions, and lacerations, but the more severe injuries can leave a victim with:
- Muscle or nerve damage resulting in tingling, numbness, and pain
- Bone injuries including fractures or breaks
- Compartment syndrome which may damage blood vessels, nerves, and muscles
- Loss of limbs if the damage to arms and legs causes irreparable damage
- Organ failure if there is significant force on internal organs
Some symptoms may heal quickly, while others may lead to long-lasting complications and death.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Crush Accident
In most situations, the initial crushing injury is just the beginning as the crush injury can trigger a variety of serious, life-threatening complications. Therefore, immediately after an incident, it is vital to seek medical assistance. We recommend calling 911 first. Then, depending on the situation and the affected part of the body, victims or those nearby can:
- Apply pressure if bleeding
- Elevate the affected limb so it is above the heart
- Limit movement of back, head, and neck if it is the impacted part
Even if a crush injury does not seem to be severe, having a doctor look at the injury is always recommended to look for potential complications such as broken bones or muscle injuries before they become serious.
If possible, it can be helpful to take photos of the accident scene, injuries sustained, and other pertinent information. It can also help to gather witness information. However, with the severity of these injuries, it may not always be possible to do. Police reports, incident reports, and a physician can provide the details that are not retrieved during the incident by those involved.
As a final thing to do, anyone impacted by a crush accident, whether it is the victim or their family, will need to speak with an attorney if they wish to seek compensation from a negligent person. The sooner this is done, the more likely a claim will be successful. the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is limited to two years from the date of the incident as shown by Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003.
Our Missouri City Crush Injury Lawyer Is Here to Help
After a crush injury in Missouri City, the victim and their family may feel helpless and confused. Pain and suffering are one of the most common things we hear about from victims. At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris LLP, we want you to know that we understand the complexity of these types of cases, and we want to help you get the compensation you deserve if someone else caused your suffering.
Contact us today to request a consultation with our highly competent and experienced lawyer today. We will be happy to help you file a claim.
