Crush Injuries

St. Petersburg Crush Injury Attorneys

What is a Crush Injury?

A crush injury occurs when a portion of someone’s body is compressed between two hard surfaces. Crush injuries are usually traumatic and life-threatening. Those who survive crush injuries are often left with injuries, disabilities, and trauma that can last a lifetime. 

Those who experience crush injuries often experience a large change in their quality of life. They may not be able to return to work or continue working in any capacity. Because of the devastating effects of crush injuries, there’s often a lot of money on the table when it comes to compensation. 

If you’ve experienced a crush injury, speak with a catastrophic injury attorney to make sure that you get the max amount of compensation possible. Insurance companies will often try to downplay injuries or place blame on other parties. A talented attorney will be able to negate their efforts, ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve. 

Types of Crush Injuries

When the body is compressed or crushed between two hard objects, it can cause many different types of injury, such as: 

• Severe soft tissue damage meaning the damage to:
  • muscles
  • ligaments
  • tendons
• Broken or fractured bones 
• Nerve damage
• Internal bleeding
• Internal organ damage
• Traumatic brain injury, including:
  • contusions
  • anoxic brain injury
  • coup, contrecoup, and coup/contrecoup 
  • diffuse axonal injury
  • hypoxic brain injury
• Shattered bones
• Amputation, either at the scene or because of complications 
• Spinal cord injuries
• Wrongful death 

Long-Term Effects of Crush Injuries

It’s incredibly common for complications to arise because of crush injuries. Compartment syndrome or crush injury syndrome is the most common complication to arises because of crushing injuries. 

Compartment syndrome requires emergency medical attention and can result in fatality if not treated fast enough. When compartment syndrome occurs, blood and other bodily fluids accumulate in an area and stop proper blood flow to organs. 

If it’s not treated in time, compartment syndrome can cause permanent damage to bodily functions, causing renal failure, amputation, organ damage, and death. 

Even without complications immediately following the accident, crush injuries can have lasting effects on one’s life. You may experience disability, permanent disfigurement, or scarring. You may also have to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate these lasting effects, which can be expensive. 

When a Crush Injury is Fatal

Unfortunately, crush injuries can be fatal. If someone you love has passed away because of their crush injuries (either at the scene of the accident or later on because of complications associated with their injuries), you may be able to file a wrongful death case on their behalf. 

In Florida, a wrongful death claim can be filed by a surviving family member, including parents, children, and spouses. 

Causes of Crush Injuries

There are many different types of accidents that can cause crushing injuries, but most commonly, they’re associated with motor vehicle accidents. In the United States, there are approximately 38,000 car accident deaths each year.

On top of that, there are 3 million accidents that cause injuries and 2 million accidents that cause permanent injury. Most accidents that result in fatality occur because of alcohol (40%), speeding (30%), and reckless driving (33%). 

Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause crush injuries when a car is struck with a large force, causing the car to crush inward on the victim. Most commonly, car accident victims incur crushing injuries in their lower bodies. 

Car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle accident because of how many cars there are on the road, but they’re not the most fatal type of accident. 

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often much more fatal than car accidents simply because of the sheer force and impact they deliver. Crushing injuries are much more common in semi-truck accidents.

The impact of a truck hitting a passenger vehicle can cause the metal to fold in on itself, crushing the lower body, legs, abdomen, and arms depending on where the impact occurs. 

Motorcycle Accidents

Unlike car and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents result in crushing injuries when a vehicle pins a motorcyclist up against another object or when a motorcyclist gets trapped under their own bicycle because of the impact of another vehicle. 

Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents

The same is true of bicycle and pedestrian accidents. If a car strikes a bicyclist or pedestrian and pins them against something else, like another vehicle, a telephone pole, or a wall, they may suffer from crushing injuries. 

Common Damages Related to a Crush Injury Claim

Suffering a crush injury can be a life-altering event, often resulting in both physical and financial burdens. When pursuing a crush injury claim in Florida, it is essential to understand the various types of non-economic and economic damages that can be claimed to ensure comprehensive compensation. 

Below, we explore the general and special damages you can seek in a crush injury claim.

Medical Expenses

Crush injuries are devastating and typically involve extensive medical care. The medical bills associated with these injuries are often extremely high, covering emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

When claiming for crush injuries, you should indicate how much you spent on medical bills. That’s why it is important to document all your medical expenses.

Lost Wages

On top of medical expenses, you may lose wages due to missed work. The recovery period for crush injuries can be prolonged, leading to a significant loss of income during this time.

Pain and Suffering

Crush injuries are not only physically painful but also emotionally distressing. You are likely to experience pain and suffering, which can significantly impact your quality of life.

Loss of Earning Capacity

In severe cases, a crush injury may affect your ability to work in the future. Loss of earning capacity is a critical factor, as it compensates for the reduction in your potential to earn a living.

Permanent Disability and Disfigurement

Some crush injuries result in permanent disability, disfigurement, and scarring. These damages from a long-term disability warrant compensation for the lasting changes to your appearance and physical abilities.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the responsible party for particularly egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future.

Wrongful Death Damages

If you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one, you can also claim damages for funeral costs, burial costs, your own lost wages, and your own pain and suffering.

What a St. Petersburg Crush Injury Lawyer Can Do For Your Claim

Navigating the aftermath of a crush injury can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. This is where a Jones Law Group St. Petersburg crush injury lawyer steps in to provide invaluable support and guidance. With our expertise, we can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Expert Legal Advice

An experienced Florida personal injury lawyer specializing in crush injuries brings extensive knowledge and expertise to your case. They understand the complexities of personal injury law and can offer sound legal advice tailored to your situation. This ensures that you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Oversee a Thorough Investigation

A skilled lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather all pertinent evidence. This includes accident reports, medical records,  witness statements, and any other relevant documentation. By building a strong case, they can establish liability and demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and damages.

Provide an Accurate Evaluation of Damages

One of the critical roles of a crush injuries lawyer is to ensure that all damages are accurately assessed. This includes not just immediate medical expenses but also long-term costs such as rehabilitation, loss of earning capacity, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Our Jones Law Group personal injury attorneys work diligently to ensure that no aspect of your loss is overlooked, maximizing your compensation.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, which can be detrimental to your financial recovery. A seasoned crush injury attorney knows how to negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters to secure a fair settlement. 

They leverage their knowledge and experience to counter lowball offers and push for a payout that reflects the true value of your claim.

Represent You In Court

If your case goes to trial, having a dedicated lawyer by your side is crucial. They will represent you in court, presenting your case compellingly and persuasively. Their courtroom experience and advocacy skills can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Offer Affordable Counsel on a Contingency Fee Basis

Florida personal injury lawyers at Jones Law Group work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it and aligns the lawyer’s interests with your own.

By enlisting the help of a seasoned St. Pete crush injuries lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities. Their expertise and dedication are instrumental in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for the full impact of your injuries.

Contact a St. Pete Crush Injury Attorney to Review Your Case

If you or someone you love has sustained a crushing injury, please contact one of our talented attorneys here at Jones Law Group in Florida. Our years of experience working on automobile accidents and crushing injury accidents will prove invaluable to you. 

We will work hard to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve while you focus on relaxing and recovering from your injuries. 

For more information or a free case evaluation, contact us online, by using our chat box, or by calling us at 727-571-1333. You can also call us after business hours at 727-753-8657.