How a Columbia Crush Injury Lawyer Can Assist with Workers’ Compensation
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports crush injuries are one of the leading causes of death in the workplace, especially in certain industries. Over 125,000 of these types of injuries occur on an annual basis in the United States. If you are a worker in Columbia, MO, and have been the victim of a crush injury in the workplace, you may be wondering if you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer.
What Is a Crush Injury?
Crush injuries can happen in a variety of ways, such as when a body part is pinched, squeezed, or crushed between two objects. These injuries can also occur when an object falls on them and crushes them. These types of injuries often occur in construction and manufacturing settings, but any type of workplace can be the site of a crush accident.
Common Crush Injuries
Crush injuries can be extremely serious, and even deadly. In some cases, amputation may be necessary. Many different types of crush injuries can occur in Columbia workplaces. Some of the most common include:
- Amputation: This type of crush injury occurs when a body part is completely severed or torn off.
- Avulsion: An avulsion is a type of crush injury that occurs when a body part is partially torn off.
- Compartment syndrome: This condition occurs when the pressure inside of a muscle compartment rises to dangerous levels and can lead to nerve damage, muscle damage, and even amputation.
- Fractures: A fracture is a break in the bone and can be extremely painful.
- Internal bleeding: This type of crush injury occurs when blood vessels are ruptured and bleed internally.
- Organ damage: Organs can be damaged when they are crushed.
- Soft tissue injuries: These types of injuries include bruising, contusions, and hematomas.
Columbia Workers’ Compensation for Crush Injuries
Missouri workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means that workers who are injured on the job are eligible for benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. To receive workers’ compensation benefits, there are some specific steps that you will need to take.
What to Do if You’re a Victim of a Crush Injury in Columbia
First, you will need to receive medical treatment for your injuries. You should go to the emergency room or your personal physician as soon as possible after the accident. Be sure to tell the medical staff that the injuries were caused by a workplace accident.
Next, you will also need to notify your employer of the accident and your injuries as soon as possible. You should do this even if you do not think that you are injured, or if your injuries seem minor. It is important to have documentation of the accident. Missouri law requires employers to notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier of on-the-job accidents within five days of receiving notice of the incident. Your employer should give you a workers’ compensation report of injury form to complete and return.
It’s extremely important that you follow all treatment recommendations made by your physician. Additionally, you will need to keep your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance carrier up to date on your condition and any changes in your treatment plan.
Working with a Crush Injury Lawyer on your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you have been injured in a crush accident at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, the process of filing a claim and getting the benefits you need can be complicated, and in many cases, impossible if you are recovering from catastrophic injuries. This is why it’s important to have an experienced Columbia workers’ compensation lawyer on your side.
A skilled Columbia workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the process and get the benefits you need to recover from your injuries. This includes filing your claim and communicating with your employer and the insurance carrier on your behalf, dealing with denials of benefits and appealing those denials, and negotiating a settlement if necessary. A workers’ compensation attorney can also help get you the medical treatment you need and will calculate your lost wages and get you reimbursement for them.
Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Crush Injury in Columbia
If you have been injured in a crush accident at work, don’t try to deal with the workers’ compensation process on your own. Our skilled lawyers have decades of experience handling all types of claims, including workplace crush injuries. Contact The Law Office of Chris Miller today for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your rights and options.