What you need to know about crush injuries

Certain types of accidents can lead to a person being crushed. This can lead to crush syndrome, which is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. These injuries are usually worse when the compression has been prolonged.

Once the compression is released after the crush, the injuries are likely going to become evident as the muscles swell and nerves respond to the injury.

Care must start at the scene

When a person is lodged between two objects, such as being pinned in a vehicle or beneath rubble in a building collapse, a plan needs to be made to remove them. Extrication can often be delicate because any shift in either of the objects pinning them can lead to blinding pain and more damage to the body.

It’s often difficult to manage the crush injury and ensure the person is able to breathe and isn’t immediate danger of losing their airway, ability breathe or circulation. This can be especially challenging during an event that involves abdominal or chest pinning.

In severe cases, amputation might be necessary. The long-term effects of a crush injury can be life altering even if the person doesn’t require an amputation. Some people who go through this might not be able to work and may have increasing expenses, such as life-long medical care.

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may opt to pursue a claim for compensation to recover some of the financial damages. There are time limits in New Mexico for how long you have to get this done, so it’s important to act quickly.