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Crush Injuries and Amputations—How Workers Are Affected

November 17, 2023 | Personal Injury

Victims of minor workplace injuries are often lucky enough to walk away with a few scratches, a bruise or two, and perhaps a wounded ego. Others suffer extremely painful crush injuries that can be devastating to bones, muscles, and organs in the affected area. In extreme crush injury cases, amputation may be required. This means a complete life change for the worker, who must learn how to live without one of their limbs. For many, this involves either a drastic career change or complete removal from the workforce. It’s in situations like these that you realize the necessity of Southern California workers’ compensation lawyers. Contact Pisegna & Zimmerman to find out how we can help—our team is ready to meet you over Zoom and handle all of your documents remotely with DocuSign, making it as easy as possible for you to get started. Call us at 818-888-8888 now.

How Crush Injuries Can Lead to Amputations

Crush injuries vary widely in severity and outcome. In the worst cases, amputation may be unavoidable. Some research looks at the link between severe crush injuries and amputations. Amputations largely result as a consequences of crush syndrome. Crush syndrome occurs when the skeletal muscles are damaged so severely that the contents of their cells are leaked into the body. The survival rate is shockingly low, and for those who survive, catastrophic and permanent losses are likely. Crush injuries lead to electrolyte disorders, the failure of multiple organs, and circulatory dysfunction.

When crush injuries are severe enough to lead to crush syndrome, amputation can be lifesaving. Research indicates that those who do not respond to other forms of treatment and experience rapid deterioration may be viable candidates for amputation as a treatment option.

That is to say, amputation is often the last resort when other options have failed. Doctors may recommend it when a poor prognosis is likely, even if the limb is still viable—in these cases, they weigh the dangers of losing a limb against the dangers of severe crush syndrome.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects on Workers

Immediately after a crush injury, it’s common for workers to suffer excruciating pain and shock. Crush injuries are associated with a number of complications, including internal bleeding and infection. These injuries require immediate medical attention. In some cases, medical treatment cannot fully repair the damage already done; it can simply mitigate any further damage and help victims retain some function of the affected area. For those with injuries resulting in amputation, the emotional effects are immediate. They are often overwhelmed with the sudden loss of physical function and fear for what their future may hold.

The long-term effects of crush injuries and amputations are extremely hard on injured workers. People often have to manage the pain from the surgery for a long time before being free of prescription medications. From there, they may have to go through multiple appointments to get fitted for a prosthetic and learn how to use it. It’s common for prosthetic users to go through physical therapy to learn how to navigate the world with their new limb and protect themselves from falls or other issues.

Many long-term effects affect people emotionally and mentally. Those who find themselves relying on others for help with daily tasks may feel helpless and infantilized, especially if their injury prevents them from going back to work. They may attempt to find their new role in their family, look for ways to maintain their financial independence, and strive to maintain life as normal to avoid pity from loved ones.

These are huge burdens to carry. When someone is injured so significantly while working, they must tap into the resources available to them to limit the mental and emotional fallout.

Legal Options for Workers Affected by Crush Injuries

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you could have multiple options available to you. For many, workers’ compensation is the only path forward. This allows you to access temporary benefits while recovering and then tap into permanent disability benefits upon reaching maximum medical improvement. If a third party was fully or partially at fault for your accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against them and recover additional compensation.

Choose Pisegna & Zimmerman for Your Workplace Injury Claim

The Personal Injury Attorneys at Pisegna & Zimmerman is ready to fight for you as you seek the compensation you deserve. Reach out online or give us a call at 818-888-8888 to set up a consultation. With our Zoom-ready team and online document handling with DocuSign, you can start your case anywhere.