Crush injuries can be minor, like slamming a finger in a car door, or life-threatening if an individual is trapped between pieces of equipment. When a body or body part is pinched, squeezed, or trapped between two external objects, the pressure damages skin, muscles, nerves, bones, or organs. Such injuries often occur in the workplace where machinery and vehicles are present. Contact a Victorville crush injury lawyer to discuss possible workers’ compensation if you were involved in a workplace accident.
Employees working with machines can be crushed by moving parts such as punch or brake presses. Distracted vehicle operators can accidentally pin workers against walls or other equipment. Cave-ins and structure collapses can drop heavy materials on workers.
Construction, manufacturing, and trucking are the industries with the highest occurrence of crushing accidents; however, any industry can experience a crush injury, such as elevator doors closing quickly or desk drawers slamming shut.
California requires all businesses to carry workers’ compensation insurance sufficient to cover employee accidents from private or state insurance carriers. It is a no-fault program, so employees do not need to prove negligence to receive benefits; however, employees waive the right to sue their employer.
Crush accidents can cause severe injuries, requiring immediate medical attention. In those cases, call 911 for help. If the injury is not life-threatening, an injured worker should visit a medical professional as soon as possible.
An injured worker should notify their supervisor, manager, or employer immediately after suffering a crush injury. Employees have 30 days from the date of the injury to file their claim with their employer.
Record all expenses related to crush injuries. Provide receipts for medical bills, transportation costs, medications, and therapy services. Because crush injuries can be some of the most serious, hospital stays and rehabilitation services are often part of medical expenses. Having documentation helps substantiate the requested compensation.
Missing appointments or ignoring doctor’s orders can weaken a workers’ compensation claim. Those actions can make it appear as if they are not taking their recovery seriously.
A knowledgeable crush injury attorney in Victorville could help an injured person navigate the claims process and advocate for reasonable compensation.
California’s no-fault program means injured parties should start receiving medical benefits shortly after filing. Most employers can provide up to $10,000 for medical services from authorized providers within 24 hours of filing.
Injured parties are compensated for medical expenses such as surgeries, physical therapy, hospital stays, and doctor visits. Covered expenses can also include the cost of in-home care, transportation, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to a crush injury.
Crush injuries can damage nerves, shatter bones, and bruise organs. They can often lead to temporary or permanent disabilities. In those cases, injured employees can receive medical compensation until they reach their maximum medical improvement (MMI).
MMI is reached when a medical professional determines a crush injury will not improve with ongoing treatment. If employees are still impaired after MMI is reached, they are entitled to permanent disability benefits.
Employees are entitled to two-thirds of their weekly salary up to the state maximum if unable to work. The benefits cover 104 weeks. Permanent disability benefits may extend beyond the 104 weeks. An experienced Victorville lawyer could ensure a crush injury victim receives the compensation they deserve.
Crush injuries can be some of the most severe, resulting in temporary or permanent disabilities. A Victorville crush injury lawyer could help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and negotiate the best possible outcome. They can work on your claim so you can focus on healing. Reach out now to discuss your legal options.
