The bones in the human body can only withstand so much pressure before they break. While an accident such as a fall could cause a single bone fracture, high pressure on the bones could cause multiple breaks and cracks, or a bone-crushing injury. Industrial accidents, such as a piece of heavy machinery pulling a limb in, could cause crushed bones, lacerations, severe bruising, and damage to the underlying muscles or organs.
If you or a loved one has suffered a bone-crushing injury in the Dallas, Texas area, contact the Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. to discuss your case. Our best Dallas personal injury attorneys are board-certified in Texas personal injury law. We have extensive knowledge of workplace injury law, evidence collection, and the steps involved in the claims process. Let us answer your questions during a free consultation at our local office. Call (855) 655-HURT today.
Types of Injuries From a Bone Crushing Accident
When heavy machinery, a vehicle, or another object exerts pressure on a body part, the victim can suffer a variety of squeeze injuries. The forces put on the body party could damage or tear the skin’s tissues, create lacerations, cause serious nerve or blood vessel damage, bleeding, bruising, and bone fractures. Compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure on a body part causes considerable damage to the underlying tissues, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Some bone-crushing injuries may include lacerations, while others may not.
Treating a bone crushing injury requires emergency medical assistance. The first goal should be to stop any bleeding. Cover the limb with a bandage or wet cloth, and elevate it above the level of the heart to slow the bleeding. Then, call 911 and request immediate medical care. An emergency room will need to evaluate the injury, and may need to perform surgery as a treatment. Keep copies of all medical records, hospital bills, and treatment plans. You will need them later for your injury claim.
What Could Cause a Bone Crushing Injury?
Bone crush injuries can occur in the industrial setting, in accidents involving heavy machinery or equipment. A forklift rollover, for example, could crush the bones in the victim’s arms or legs. The same is true if a trash compactor does not have a proper cutoff switch, or if a drill press has a missing safety guard. These hazards could stem from a negligent employer or coworker, or from a defective product. Identifying the cause of you or a loved one’s bone crushing injury can help you understand your right to compensation.
Who Is Liable for Damages?
The two most common defendants in bone-crushing injury claims are employers and product manufacturers. Lack of proper machine guarding is one of the most commonly violated safety standards, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is up to an employer to properly inspect, maintain, and repair its heavy machinery regularly, to help prevent serious worker injuries such as crushed bones. Failure to do so is negligence, and could expose the employer to liability for damages.
If the equipment that caused the injury contained a defect, the product manufacturer could be liable. Defects that could lead to bone crushing injuries include a faulty switch or lack of a proper warning label telling workers to keep their limbs away from moving parts. Defective equipment may pose an unreasonable risk of serious harm to workers. A product liability claim typically would not require you to prove the defendant’s fault in Texas.
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If you or someone you love has bone crushing injuries from a workplace accident in Dallas or Fort Worth, you could be eligible for compensation. Someone else could owe you and your family money for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Speak to one of our local attorneys today about your rights. Call (855) 655-HURT or use our online form today.