Construction work and other industrial jobs that require the use of large-scale equipment have a higher risk of physical injury than most other jobs. One kind of physical injury that can harm these types of workers is a crush injury, which can be severe and cause permanent damage.
Common causes of crush injury incidents
Crush injuries occur when the body or parts of it are pinned, flattened, trapped, squeezed, squashed, pinched, run over or otherwise compressed by a large and/or heavy object. Sometimes the worker is caught between two moving objects or between moving and stationary objects, resulting in body parts being crushed. Common examples involve:
- Machinery and equipment: Powerful machines with moving parts that are used to manipulate dense materials can crush operators or those working nearby.
- Falling materials or equipment: Large objects at construction sites can harm those who are working below or near them when they fall.
- Vehicles: There are cars and trucks at worksites, as well as forklifts, backhoes, cranes, bulldozers and other large-scale vehicles that can cause crush injuries.
Physical injury can be severe
Crush injuries involve damage to soft tissues, muscles and nerves. In more significant cases, organ damage from crush injuries can be fatal. Once the crushing force is released, the body often responds with swelling in the affected areas, possible neurological dysfunction and irreparable muscle damage. Crush injuries often have serious side effects like gangrene, sepsis, risk of amputation, organ failure or even death. For these reasons, getting immediate medical care is crucial.
What to do if you or a loved one suffers a crush injury due to negligence or a defective product
Those involved in these types of incidents can suffer life-changing physical and mental trauma. Victims and their families who suffer injuries due to a negligent coworker or malfunctioning equipment can file a personal injury claim. This legal action can help families deal with the expense of related medical care and ongoing care.
