Crushing injuries: A life-threatening situation with lasting consequences

Crushing injuries: A life-threatening situation with lasting consequences Crushing injuries are possible in car crashes due to the heavy forces involved and the weight of the vehicles. Whether a vehicle rolls and crushes a person’s arm that was outside of the window or someone is thrown and trapped under a vehicle, these injuries have to be taken seriously. Emergency medical care is needed as soon as possible. Crush injuries can cause severe damage to the body, some types of which include:

• Fractures
• Lacerations
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Compartment syndrome (high pressure in a limb that causes tissue, blood vessel and nerve damage)
• Infection

If the crushing force remains in place and traps the person for too long, then there is a high risk of toxin release when the object is removed. This is a life-threatening scenario, which is why it’s important not to move an object off a person who is trapped if you don’t know how long they’ve been there. Crush-induced rhabdomyolysis is one of the main causes of death following a crushing injury when a person is trapped for an hour or longer, though toxins can build up to dangerous levels much sooner than that depending on the injury. Unfortunately, rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening syndrome that results from the breakdown and death of muscular fibers, and it is difficult to avoid in some circumstances. Emergency workers take steps to treat this condition as they release a patient, which may help them mitigate the life-threatening side effects. Still, this condition does have the potential to be deadly.

If someone is trapped, don’t remove the object

If someone is trapped, it’s better not to remove the object holding them down. It may be preventing blood loss and toxins from spreading through their body. Emergency crews handle these cases often and can take steps to minimize the risk of fatal rhabdomyolysis.

Wyatt Law Firm: Support is available

Catastrophic injuries like crushing injuries are devastating and have a lasting impact on your life. It can be difficult to manage this condition on your own. Whether you or someone you love has a crushing injury from a crash or other accident, you deserve the right legal support. At Wyatt Law Firm, we’ve been working hard to pursue the highest awards for our clients since 1990. Call us today at 210-318-4351.