How do crush injuries occur?
Unfortunately many types of accident can cause crush injuries; because any part of the body or even the whole body can be crushed by other people, animals or heavy objects. Some incidents where crush injuries could occur include: crowd disturbances at football matches; a car door trapping a hand; an attack by livestock; and a road traffic accident.
What are the different types of crush injury?
There are several types of crush injuries that can affect different parts of the body, for example:
- Compartment syndrome, which is caused when the nerves and blood vessels are compressed within an enclosed space. This can lead to muscle and nerve damage
- Comminuted fractures, where the bones are broken into several pieces
- Head and brain injuries, which could lead to brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries, which could lead to paralysis
Can I claim compensation?
It will be necessary to prove that a crush injury was due to the negligence of another party, in order to claim personal injury compensation. A personal injury solicitor can assess the viability of a claim and estimate how much compensation could be awarded.
Legal aid is not available for personal injury claims; however, a specialist solicitor may offer a no-win, no-fee agreement. This means the client would not have to pay legal fees, should they lose their claim. However, there may be other costs and insurance considerations to take into account; therefore the terms of the agreement should be discussed with a solicitor in advance.
Is there a time limit for claiming compensation?
There is generally a three year time limitation, in which to make a personal injury claim. That is three years from the date of the accident or incident, or three years from the date the claimant realised that they had been injured. Therefore, the best course of action is for a personal injury solicitor to be consulted without delay.
What kind of compensation could I receive for a crush injury?
Personal injury compensation has two components. General Damages are intended as compensation for pain and suffering, and are set according to the Judicial Studies Board Guidelines for similar injuries. Special Damages are intended to cover such items as loss of past salary and future earnings, as well as the cost of past medical expenses and future care.
- Last Updated on 04/10/2011
