Crush injuries occur when your body experiences great force on it for a prolonged period of time. Generally, this impacts limbs and torsos. However, crush injuries can occur on any part of the body. This type of injury can prove extremely serious.
There are multiple types of injuries that fall under the category of crush injuries. These may include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Muscle/Soft tissue damage
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Amputation
- Asphyxiation
- Respiratory issues
- Hemorrhaging
- And more!
While most common in the construction and industrial industries, crush injuries can (and do) occur in any industry. Construction and industrial industries commonly involve heavy machinery and a lack of safety regulations and training. Here are the leading causes of crush injuries.
1. Moving Parts of Machinery
When a worker works near machinery that has moving parts, the risk of crush injuries goes up exponentially. Someone can get stuck in between moving part of these types of machines which will compress their body part(s), resulting in a crush injury.
2. The Collapse of Construction Materials
When construction materials collapse it can result in crush injuries – and often fatalities. Scaffold accidents as well as trench work accidents can pose serious threats. Construction workers generally lack protective gear other than a hard hat. So, while they can protect their head, their limbs, torso, and other body parts can easily be crushed.
3. Workers are Run Over by Equipment
Another common cause of crush injuries is when workers are run over by large equipment. Since construction equipment, such as forklifts and bobcats, weigh thousands of pounds, they can easily crush workers and cause catastrophic injuries, often killing them.
4. Crowd Surges
When a large group of people (usually hundreds or thousands) push into each other, people can experience serious injuries, including broken bones, soft tissue damage, and respiratory distress since their lungs are often compressed. This can keep them from being able to inhale oxygen, which often proves fatal. This has occurred at concerts, sporting events, and even religious pilgrimages.
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Suffered a Crush Injury
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to a crush injury caused by the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand to what you are entitled under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make the important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that an accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
