NY / NJ Construction Crush Injuries

Crush hazards or pinch points can cause serious injuries at construction sites in New York and New Jersey. Heavy machinery, cranes, forklifts and falling objects are among the sources of crush injuries. The risk of getting hurt is worse when safety rules are not followed. The outcome of construction site crush injuries can be dire. Permanent disability or even death is a real threat. If you or a loved one has suffered a crush injury at a construction site, the NY / NJ construction accident lawyers at the Ginarte firm can help you get the money you need from the at-fault parties.

Consult with the Ginarte law firm today. Let our experienced NY / NJ crush injury lawyers review your claim for free. Call us now at 1-888-GINARTE. If you prefer, fill out our online contact form.  We are one of the largest firms handling construction injury claims in the New York metro area. Put our team of experienced lawyers to work for you.

Types Of Construction Accidents Resulting In Crush Injuries

A crush injury is possible whenever a body part gets caught between two heavy, solid objects. Some of the worst crushing injuries result from falling objects. Items dropped from cranes are a key hazard. Another common cause of construction site crush injuries involves machinery. If guards are not in place and if safety rules are ignored, it is easy for a worker to get pulled into the moving parts of a machine. Workers should be trained not to wear loose clothing to avoid crush injuries from machines. It’s also important to tag out and lock out equipment before reaching into the machinery to adjust, fix or clear a jam. Many policies are not enforced at some New York and New Jersey construction sites, increasing the risk of crush-related injuries.

Construction site vehicles, including forklifts, graders, bulldozers, payloaders, steamrollers and earth movers, can also cause crush injuries. Workers can get run over or pinned by heavy equipment on the site. Forklift accidents are another source of crush injuries. A load from a forklift can crush someone working near it. Forklift operators are prone to crush injuries in a tip-over accident. Trenches and excavations pose a threat of crush injuries as well. A cave-in or trench collapse can bury workers alive. The weight of the soil, rocks and other material can cause crush injuries.

About Crush Injuries And Disabilities

Crush injuries can be life-threatening. Some of the results of crush injuries include bleeding, broken bones, nerve damage and muscle damage. Cutting off the blood flow to the muscles can cause necrosis, or tissue death. In severe cases, this can lead to crush syndrome (rhabdomyolysis). This is a dangerous condition where crushed cells release substances into the bloodstream. This can cause kidney failure and heart problems. Crush syndrome can be fatal.

Amputation is sometimes necessary to prevent infection or gangrene in the crushed body part. There is also the potential for blood clots that can cause strokes. If a crush injury victim survives, many will face a lifetime of disability. Victims can completely lose an affected limb, or they might not have the full function if they keep it. Kidney and heart problems can seriously affect a victim’s overall health.

NY / NJ Construction Workers At Risk For Crush Injuries

People who work with or around machinery and heavy objects at construction sites face potential crush injuries. That includes workers who are below cranes or beneath activity that is going on at a higher level. People working in trenches or excavated areas face the risk of cave-ins or collapse. Here is a list of some NY / NJ construction workers who could suffer crush injuries:

• Heavy equipment operators;
• Forklift operators;
• General laborers and helpers;
• HVAC installers;
• Elevator specialists;
• Crane operators;
• Roofers;
• Drywall hangers;
• Demolition workers;
• Mechanics;
• Plumbers;
• Electricians;
• Framers;
• Welders;
• Carpenters;
• Masons, and others.

Expenses From Crush Injuries

Lifelong disabilities from crush injuries can costs hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost pay. The initial medical treatment is often very expensive. The Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index reports that “caught-in” / “compressed-by” injuries cost society a total of $2.04 billion. While workers’ comp might pay part of these bills and losses, it is seldom enough to cover all expenses. Workers’ comp also pays nothing for a victim’s pain and suffering or the spouse’s losses. To make sure you get all the money you deserve, talk to the construction accident lawyers at the Ginarte law firm. You might be able to get extra cash to pay your benefits in a third-party lawsuit against an at-fault party such as a contractor, property owner or site developer.

Ginarte’s Crush Injury Lawyers Can Help. Find Out How

There is no charge to talk with our construction injury lawyers. We collect fees only if you win your case. Call 1-888-GINARTE now. You can also fill out our online contact form or visit one of our seven nearby offices in Newark, New York City, Union City, Elizabeth, Clifton or Perth Amboy.