Crush Injury Accidents

Among the top killers, in the workplace is crush injury accidents. Due to the severe nature of these type of injuries, employees need to make sure their employees are protected at all costs from crush injuries.

When there is a vast force placed on a person's body, pinning of an appendage, or torso between two objects, the weight can cause damage, external and internal.

This depends on the force, which is used, and the duration of time the part of the body is crushed for; thus, there are various symptoms which can occur.


The pressure from various objects can cut, to cause bleeding, through the tissue and skin.

Severe force can result in multiple bone fractures.

If the torso becomes crushed, there is a hazard of vital organs, from the pressure, becoming damaged.

In catastrophic crush scenarios, to cause muscle and tissue damage to affected areas, blood can be cut off from different body areas. This can result in infection, paralysis, and compartment syndrome.

For crush injuries that are not fatal, among the possible outcomes is referred to as compartment syndrome.

When a part of the body is crushed for an extended duration of time, and flow of blood is stopped to an area of body, tissue, and muscle, death can be the result.

If not quickly treated, normally via surgery to achieve pressure release, there can be damage to the muscle permanently, and even a need for limb amputation.

Indications of compartment syndrome are the following: numbness; weakness; pain; swelling; and pale, shiny skin.

If there is a suspicion of compartment syndrome, healthcare treatment is necessary promptly to prevent extensive damage.

Another severe effect crush injury accidents can have on the human body is renal failure and extreme shock, also referred to as crush syndrome.

When a part of the body has been crushed for an extended duration of time, the tissue and muscle will begin to die.

Phosphorus, potassium, and myoglobin, of muscle deterioration, are breakdown by-products.

When the pressure is finally released from the crush injury, the elements can flood into the bloodstream, and result in kidney shock and failure.

What is necessary is proper preparation to prevent sudden release, which can result in death.

Crush syndrome can result in renal failure, cardiovascular dilemmas, and nerve/muscle damage. Approximately 50% of crush syndrome survivors need kidney dialysis.

These syndromes normally require a fasciotomy, a surgical procedure which can relieve the pressure in an affected area, which has lost circulation due to an attempt to salvage the tissue.

If you or a family member has been a victim of any crush injury, you are familiar with the hardship and pain these kinds of injuries can cause.

If crush injury accidents occurred in the workplace, you may be able to recover financial damages for any injury in the form of a third-party lawsuit against the party at-fault, or worker’s compensation.

Contact us for a free consultation or call Anzalone Law Firm PLLC, at: 603.548.3797.