Bronx Crush Accident Lawyer Glenn A. Herman Explains Crush Injuries: Causes, Complications, and Compensation Bronx crush accident lawyer Glenn A. Herman breaks down crush injuries: their causes, the complications that arise from them, and the compensation you could receive
NEW YORK, New York
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December 24, 2023 03:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
Crush injuries are a serious kind of injury that can occur in traumatic incidents such as heavy machinery accidents and car crashes and result in severe complications such as kidney failure. Continue reading to learn more about crush injuries from Bronx crush accident lawyers Glenn and Robin Herman.
What Are Crush Injuries?
Crush injuries occur when a large force or pressure is exerted on a part of the body, most often when a body part is squeezed or pinned between two heavy objects, resulting in severe tissue damage. The severity of a crush injury depends on the amount of force involved, how much tissue is affected, as well as the length of time the body part was trapped between objects.
The term “crush injury” specifically describes the damage done to musculoskeletal tissues, but crush injuries are usually accompanied by other injuries, including:
Bleeding and lacerations
Bruising
Broken or fractured bones
Nerve damage
Compartment syndrome (pressure buildup in adjacent body parts, leading to fluid buildup and limited bloody supply)
When crush injuries are left untreated, crush injuries can lead to severe complications, known as crush syndrome.
Crush Syndrome Side Effects
Crush syndrome is the result of an untreated, undiagnosed, or inadequately treated crush injury, and can also occur if a body part is trapped between objects for an extended period of time.
When musculoskeletal tissue is subjected to extreme damage, it breaks down rapidly, leading the damaged cells to release their contents into the rest of the body (which is known as rhabdomyolysis). This dangerous phenomena can cause severe medical complications:
Hyperkalemia, which is when potassium levels in the blood are too high (due to the breakdown of cell membranes in the case of crush injuries). Hyperkalemia can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and even cardiac arrest.
Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), which can inhibit blood clotting abilities.
Hypovolemia (low amounts of extracellular fluid such as blood plasma), which can lead to shock and severe heart complications
Reperfusion injuries (damage to tissue that can occur when oxygen is returned to an organ or muscle after a period of hypoxia), leading to metabolic acidosis.
Acute kidney injury or renal failure resulting from electrolyte imbalances, myoglobin release from damaged tissue, and reduced blood flow to the kidneys
It is essential to immediately seek treatment for a crush injury, because crush syndrome is often fatal when left untreated.
Common Causes of Crush Injuries
Crush injuries occur in 2% to 15% of trauma patients. The most common cause of crush injuries is natural disasters such as earthquakes, but can also be caused by:
Industrial accidents, especially involving heavy machinery
Falling objects
Building collapses
Vehicle accidents
What Treatment Do You Need for Crush Injuries?
If you have or suspect you have experienced a crush injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
What Should Personal Injury Compensation for Crush Injuries Include?
Often requiring an emergency room visit, surgery, and long-term follow up with specialists, medical bills alone can be extremely costly when it comes to crush injuries. However, there is more to personal injury compensation for crush injuries than just reimbursement for your medical bills. Your verdict or settlement should include:
Current and future medical bills, including follow-ups and prescriptions
Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
Lost wages from time taken off work
Loss of future earning potential
Money to cover treatment for psychological issues caused by the accident
Pain and suffering coverage
Crush injuries are painful, serious, expensive, and can have life-long complications. If you have experienced a crush injury in New York due to someone else’s negligence, it is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine the best course of action for claiming compensation for your injuries.
About Bronx Crush Accident Lawyers Glenn & Robin Herman
Our Bronx crush accident attorney team takes the time to learn every aspect of your case during our initial meeting in order to properly evaluate the full extent of the damages you or a loved one have suffered. We have been representing seriously injured New Yorkers for over 35 years. Born, raised, and living in the City, we know that when you have been injured in this town, you need an attorney to protect your rights and explain the law to you in a way you can understand.
For a no-charge consultation today to discuss the details of your injury event: https://hermannyc.com/free-case-consultation/
We represent clients in all five boroughs of New York (NY): Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, along with Suffolk County & Nassau County on Long Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, and throughout the entire state of New York.
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