Crush Injuries at Work

female with arm being crushed inside piece of machinery

Every year, workers in Houston suffer debilitating crush injuries in work accidents. The consequences of crush injuries are devastating not only for the victim’s physical health but also for their livelihood and psychological well-being.

If you suffered a crush injury on the job in Houston, you could be entitled to compensation for all your related losses – although getting the money you need may not be as easy as it should be. But legal help is available.

At The Callahan Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming life can become after suffering crush injuries on the job. Our compassionate attorneys are ready to listen to your story, determine if you have a case against a negligent party, and work to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a workplace crush injury lawyer in Houston to learn more about your legal options.

What former clients who suffered on-the-job crush injuries say:

“When my leg was crushed in a forklift accident at work, I hired Michael and his law firm to help. My company tried to ignore what had happened, destroy evidence, and deny responsibility. Thankfully my lawyers worked aggressively, hired the best experts and presented my case in a way that resulted in a substantial award that has allowed me to move on with my life. I am so appreciative of what Michael and The Callahan Law Firm did to help me, and I highly recommend them in any serious injury case.” – Ricky G.

“The driller on the oil rig was hurrying when he carelessly swung the 10,000 block into the derrick, crushing my left leg. After multiple surgeries and a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), I felt hopeless. Michael and Casey worked tirelessly to put together my case, take the depositions of all the witnesses, hire the necessary experts, and prepare my case for trial. The case was resolved just before trial in a way that ensures my family and I will be taken care of. I strongly recommend The Callahan Law Firm to anyone that needs aggressive, caring lawyers in a case involving serious injuries.” – Randy B.

What Are the Common Types of Crush Injuries in the Workplace?

Crush injuries occur when one or more objects squeeze, catch, crush, pinch, or compress part of a person’s body. These accidents often affect the limbs and can be even more devastating when they impact the head or torso.

While each situation is unique, people with crush injuries often suffer:

Broken or fractured bones
Compartment syndrome
Muscle and soft tissue damage
Nerve damage
Amputation
Head injuries
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Traumatic brain injuries
Paralysis

When particularly severe, crush injuries can prove fatal.

Complications from a Crush Injury and Treatments

While the injuries listed above are challenging enough on their own, crushes can lead to further debilitating complications. One of the most harmful effects of these injuries is rhabdomyolysis, also known as Bywaters’ syndrome or simply crush syndrome.

This condition happens after the sudden compression and rapid breakdown of a muscle. As the cells of muscle fibers die, they release sodium and calcium into damaged tissues.

Crush syndrome can cause:

Kidney failure
Prolonged seizures
Lengthy periods of immobility
Muscle pain and weakness
Brown-colored urine
Death

Due to the complex nature of crush injuries and crush syndrome, swift medical attention is essential. Medical professionals who treat crush injuries should have ICU training, as some treatments may be inappropriate for individuals with certain contraindications.

Which Workers Are Most Vulnerable to Suffering Crush Injuries?

While crush injuries can happen in various workplaces, they are most common among those in heavy industries who work around large pieces of equipment and heavy loads.

You may be at a high risk of sustaining crush injuries if you work in fields such as:

Manufacturing
Shipping
Warehousing
Construction
Oil and Gas Exploration and Extraction

Yet even if you do not work in any of these sectors, you may still be susceptible to crush injuries. Crushing injuries can also result when, for example:

A scaffolding or construction device collapses.
Machinery or equipment catches on clothing or a limb.
A vehicle, forklift, or hydraulic lift traps a worker.
A rolling or shifting object pins a worker.
Heavy goods collapse from a storage shelf.

Did you suffer a crush injury at work? Speak with an experienced Houston injury attorney at The Callahan Law Firm to learn how you can pursue compensation for your losses.

What to Do If You Suffer a Crush Injury

If you work in an industry where crush injuries are common, you should know what to do if one occurs. If possible, you should:

Apply pressure to the affected area with a wet cloth or bandage.
Raise the injured body part above the level of the heart.
Immobilize the head, neck, and spinal cord if affected.
Call emergency medical services.

Crush injuries almost always require immediate medical intervention.

After seeking a doctor’s care, you should contact our experienced crush injury lawyers as soon as possible.

Third-Party Claims for Workplace Crush Injuries in Houston

Texas is the only state in the country that does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage. If your employer is a non-subscriber to workers’ compensation coverage, you may be able to file a claim against your employer or another at-fault party. You may also have a personal injury claim if your employer has the optional workers’ compensation insurance, but someone other than your employer or co-worker caused the accident.

Determining who is responsible can be a complicated process, but the experienced attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm are prepared to thoroughly investigate the incident and hold the at-fault party accountable.

Potential Compensation from a Third-Party Crush Injury Claim

If you have suffered injuries in a crush injury at work, you may be eligible to claim compensation for losses such as:

Medical expenses, past and future
Lost wages
Reduced future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement

If your spouse, parent, or child passed away because of a crush injury at work, our attorneys may be able to file a wrongful death claim for the losses you suffered as a result.

How Can a Crush Injury Lawyer Help with Your Work-Related Crush Injury Claim

In Texas, several parties may be responsible for the losses you suffered because of a crush injury at work. These parties often have big insurance companies and teams of lawyers working to protect their money. An experienced Houston crush injury lawyer can fight back against these powerful interests and demand they compensate you accordingly.

The attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm can:

Investigate the incident to assess how it occurred.
Determine who is liable for your injuries.
Calculate the total value of your losses.
Negotiate aggressively for a fair compensation package.
File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party if necessary.

We will do all the complex legal work so you can focus on recovering.

Our Houston Crush Injury Lawyers Are Ready to Talk with You

If you have suffered a crush injury on the job in Houston, you may be dealing with life-altering consequences. You could be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. The attorneys at The Callahan Law Firm understand the challenges you’re facing and are ready to fight for what you deserve. There is no upfront cost to retaining our services, and you won’t owe us anything until we recover a financial award for you.