A construction site is filled with potential hazards. However, construction workers rely on their own skill, along with proper training, safety regulations, and appropriate precautions from their employers to ensure that they remain safe while on the job. Sadly, proper measures are not always taken, making construction site accidents the most common of work injuries.
Among the injuries sustained each year at construction sites, crush injuries are common. Crush injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can result in extended time off of work. At Smith & Baltaxe, LLP, we have a team of experienced construction accident lawyers who work with construction accident victims of crush injuries in the San Francisco, CA area to ensure that worker’s compensation claims are properly filed, and maximum compensation is provided to our clients.
Causes of Crush Injuries
There are numerous scenarios that can lead to a construction worker suffering a crush injury. Many of these involve heavy machinery, such as tractors, bulldozers, cranes, and pile drivers. However, falling debris and collapsing structures can also result in crush injuries. The most common causes of construction site crush injuries include the following:
- Operator failure of construction machinery
- Operating machinery while distracted
- Failure of a machine operator to check blind spots or to alert those on site when approaching a blind corner
- Overloading or improper loading of equipment
- Collapsing catwalks or falling debris
Types of Crush Injuries
The extent of a crush injury will be dependent on a number of factors, including the weight of the machinery, equipment, or debris that caused the crush injury. In general, crush injuries tend to be quite serious. Below are some potential crush injuries:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussion
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Muscle strains
Obtaining Proper Compensation
The damages of a crush injury are unique to each individual accident. However, even the most minor crush injuries are likely to require some type of medical treatment, as well as time off of work, both of which will result in financial losses. More severe injuries can result in substantial financial losses associated with medical costs, long-term rehabilitation, the need for medical equipment, extended time away from work and, possibly, an inability to return to work.
Unfortunately, worker’s compensation insurers are often quick to offer a settlement. They seldom account for the complete losses associated with an injury. That is why it is important for construction accident victims to work with experienced lawyers, such as those at Smith & Baltaxe, LLP. Our attorneys will gather the evidence that is needed to demonstrate the true losses of a crush injury. We will fight to ensure that all damages are accounted for when a worker’s compensation claim is settled.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a construction site accident, the experienced lawyers at Smith & Baltaxe, LLP can assist you in filing a successful worker’s compensation claim. We will work alongside you to prove damages so that maximum compensation will be provided. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case and find out how we can help.
