Orange County Crush Injury Attorneys
Representing Those Suffering Through Crush Injuries Due to Negligence
Accidents are a fact of life. We all trip and stumble. We all get scrapes and bruises on our knees. But crush injuries are something none of us expect to face. These injuries can, and often do, result in lifelong disabilities. Suffering from a crush injury can be debilitating and terrifying, especially if you are working through the claims process alone. Thankfully, help is only a phone call away.
We at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie have worked with many clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries that they thought they would never move on from. We have seen first-hand just how devastating crush injuries can be for the victim, as well as their friends and family. If you or someone you loved was given crush injuries due to an accident that was not your fault, call our firm at (949) 752-7474 to secure the aid of experienced Orange County crush injury attorneys.
Common Causes of Crush Injuries
When a part of the body, whether it by the arms, legs, or torso, is pinned between two objects, the pressure can cause extreme crush injuries. These injuries can be difficult to recover from and may even cause lifelong disabilities. Unfortunately, there are many different dangerous scenarios that could cause crush injuries. Some common ones are:
The most at risk for crush injuries are pedestrians, bike riders, and motorcycle operators. Passenger vehicles have a strong, protective outer shell that helps take a brunt of the force in an accident. Those on foot, on a bike, or on a motorcycle, however, do not have the same level of protection. A serious collision could easily lead to a cyclist’s legs becoming pinned against their bike or the pavement, leading to catastrophic internal trauma.
Crush Injuries and the Long-Term Impact
When two vehicles collide, a great deal of force is exerted. If that force results in someone’s arm or leg becoming pinned against their vehicle, the road, or a fixed object, it causes extreme damage. The body is not designed to take too much stress, and even the strongest bones are likely to shatter in such a scenario. That is why crush injuries can result in:
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Deep bruising
- Brain damage
- Severe soft tissue damage
- Spine injuries
These injuries can take months, sometimes more, to heal properly. Healing, however, can require extensive measures. If a crush injury is severe enough, then amputation may be required. This treatment is often considered only in the most extreme cases where the affected limb was damaged beyond repair or if you suffered from compartment syndrome. The loss of a limb can be incredibly traumatic and requires a complete adjustment over how you live your life. It may mean switching careers, finding a new home, or even losing out on key aspects of your independence.
Even worse than amputation, however, is the fact that crush injuries can very easily be fatal. Because crush injuries are largely internal, there may be extensive damage that neither a victim nor their doctor notice in time. For example, if there is internal bleeding, the doctor may not catch the injury until the victim has already lost too much blood. Brain damage is also common in victims of crush injuries, and if the brain is injured severely enough, a victim could very easily die or slip into a coma. If you have lost a loved one to a crush injury, you may still be able to hold the liable party responsible by filing a wrongful death claim.
Calculating Compensation for Crush Injuries
A crush injury could easily result in severe financial hardships. Medical bills, forced time away from work, and even a complete career shift could leave you unable to pay for rent, groceries, and utilities. That is why it is incredibly important to recover damages if your crush injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence.
When it comes to recovering damages, there are two main costs you can account for. The first is economic damages. This category covers any financial losses that came as a direct result of the injury-causing accident. That may mean:
- Hospital bills
- Medication costs
- Property damage
- Lost wages
The best way to prove these damages is to keep every bill, every receipt, and every quote that shows how much the accident cost you. This includes everything from the cost of medication at a pharmacy to a quote given by a mechanic. Once it becomes time to negotiate with the insurance provider, you can present all of the bills as evidence to back the amount you want to claim for.
The second category of damages that you may be able to recover compensation from is non-economic damages. This category allows you to receive compensation for things that do not have a clear monetary value. After all, accidents that cause crush injuries do not just impact your wallet; they also impact your mental wellbeing. Some common kinds of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment
- Lowered quality of life
Proving non-economic damages can be more difficult than proving economic damages. No one is going to send you a bill for your pain and suffering. However, your doctor could provide an expert opinion on the pain your injuries likely caused you. You can also receive testimonials from people who knew you before and after the accident that can speak on your mental state. If you are attending therapy, your therapist can also shed light on how the accident has impacted you. However, all of these calculations may be pointless if you do not work with the right attorney.
We Are Ready to Help
Recovering from a crush injury is no easy task. The medical bills are overwhelming, the pain and debilitating, and the long-term effects are enough to leave anyone feeling hopeless. However, there may be hope for your future if you work with Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie. Our Orange County personal injury attorneys are prepared to go head-to-head with insurance companies to make sure that our clients get the compensation they need to lead a comfortable life. If you or someone you loved suffered a crush injury that was not your fault, call our firm at (949) 752-7474. Our attorneys are waiting to help you.
Crush Injury Verdicts and Settlements
- $1,250,000 - Defective exercise machine caused crush injury
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Additional Information
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You were wonderful throughout my case. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain the process so that I could feel comfortable. When I was hurt, I really did not know where to turn and Suzanne was comforting and knowledgable. Thanks again for all you did.
- H.P.