Colburn Law

What Are Crush Injuries?

Imagine the weight of a fallen tree, a collapsed wall, or a heavy machine pressing down on your body. This intense, sustained pressure can lead to a devastating type of trauma known as a crush injury.

Crush injuries can cause severe damage to the skin, muscles, blood vessels, and internal organs, often resulting in long-term disability or even life-threatening conditions. If you suffer this type of damage during an accident, you may qualify for various types of legal action.

Contact a Seattle wrongful death attorney today if a loved one was fatally crushed at work.

The Most Common Causes of Crush Injuries

Crush injuries can occur in various settings, from industrial workplaces to everyday environments. While the specific circumstances may differ, the underlying cause remains the same: a part of the body becomes trapped or compressed between two forces.

Some of the most common causes of crush injuries include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: These incidents can lead to crush injuries when a person falls onto or against a hard surface or object. For example, falling from a height and landing on an arm or leg can cause the body’s weight to crush bones and soft tissues. Falling into tight spaces or between heavy objects can lead to severe compression injuries (such as compression fractures).
• Falling Objects or Materials: Crush injuries often occur when heavy objects fall onto a person’s body. A falling beam, stack of materials, or improperly secured load can cause devastating crush injuries to any part of the body.
• Heavy Equipment or Machinery: Some workers are at a high risk for crush injuries due to the presence of heavy machinery. They can become trapped between moving parts, caught in conveyor belts, or pinned by hydraulic systems, which can result in catastrophic damage.
• Motor Vehicle Collisions: Car accidents are a leading cause of crush injuries. Occupants can be trapped inside crumpled vehicles, causing compression injuries to various body parts. Pedestrians or cyclists may also suffer crush injuries if they are pinned between the vehicle and another object. A car accident lawyer in Seattle can get you the justice you deserve.

The Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Crush Injuries

The impact of a crush injury extends far beyond the initial trauma. Immediately, victims may experience intense pain, visible deformities, and life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding and organ failure. These conditions can be fatal without medical attention.

Long-term effects can be equally severe. Survivors often face prolonged recovery periods, multiple surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. In some cases, crush injuries may lead to permanent disability and emotional trauma, altering a person’s quality of life and ability to work.

What Happens If You Are Crushed at Work?

If you suffer a crush injury while on the job in Washington, you’re likely covered under the workers’ compensation system. This no-fault insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured due to their work.

Workers’ comp can provide several types of benefits, including medical coverage, partial wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation services if you’re unable to return to work. In cases of permanent disability, you may be eligible for additional benefits. Our Seattle injury lawyer will leverage this deep knowledge and experience to fight for your right to fair compensation.

Speak to a Crush Injury Attorney at Colburn Law Today

Crush injuries can have devastating, long-term impacts on your health and livelihood. Colburn Law has experience handling claims both on and off the worksite. If you are recovering from a crush injury, contact us online or call us at (206) 919-3215 to learn more about your legal options and take the first step toward recovery.