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Car accidents, including hit and run incidents and commercial vehicle accidents, impact families and communities across St. Louis and Missouri every year. These crashes can cause a range of injuries, but crush injuries are often among the most serious. Such injuries can result in lasting health problems and may sometimes require amputation or lead to life-threatening complications.
When we or someone we know is involved in an auto accident, especially one with severe injuries like these, it’s important to understand our options moving forward. We believe that clear information and support help people make the best decisions after such difficult events, especially when seeking compensation or legal help.
Crush injuries happen when a body part is pressed or squeezed by a heavy force. These injuries can affect any area, including our arms, legs, hands, feet, and even our torso. The damage from a crush injury is serious and can harm bones, muscles, skin, and even organs.
Some common effects of a crush injury include:
When our body is trapped or hit by a strong, unmovable object, the pressure can cause our tissues and organs to stop working properly. For example, if the muscles are squeezed for too long, blood may stop flowing correctly. This might cause compartment syndrome, where pressure builds up so much that it can kill tissue or even make amputation necessary.
If nerves get damaged during a crush injury, we might end up dealing with chronic pain or lose feeling in that part of the body. These crush injuries are rare but often extremely serious.
Crush injuries to our torso are especially dangerous. When the chest or stomach is caught, major organs—such as the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and pancreas—can be damaged. In some cases, these injuries are life-threatening and demand immediate, advanced medical care.
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of crush injuries. Examples include:
Even with fast and skilled medical help, people with severe crush injuries might face long-term problems. Managing pain and nerve damage is ongoing for many of us after the main injuries have healed. Often, physical therapy and other treatments are needed to help us recover function and reduce chronic pain.
A summary of possible outcomes from crush injuries:
| Injury Type | Possible Result |
|---|---|
| Bone fracture | Loss of mobility, severe pain |
| Nerve damage | Chronic pain, numbness |
| Organ damage | Need for emergency treatment |
| Muscle crush | Compartment syndrome, amputation |
| Skin wounds | Bleeding, risk of infection |
When someone else’s negligence causes harm, our laws allow us to recover many types of damages through personal injury law. These can be divided into economic compensation, non-economic compensation, and, in special cases, punitive damages.
Economic Damages compensate us for losses with clear dollar amounts. This category includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and therapy. If we have missed work, we can claim our lost wages, including any future income we may lose due to our injuries. We can also get reimbursement for repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle and out-of-pocket costs such as transportation or temporary vehicle rental. These are supported by documents like receipts, estimates, medical bills, and pay stubs.
Examples of Economic Damages:
| Type | Description | Evidence Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Medical costs | Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy | Invoices, medical records |
| Lost income | Missed work, reduced earnings | Paystubs, employer letters |
| Property losses | Vehicle repair, replacement, or rental | Repair bills, receipts |
| Other related expenses | Travel for treatment, home care | Receipts, contracts |
Non-Economic Damages address the personal and intangible effects an injury has on our lives. Although harder to measure, these are no less important. Non-economic compensation may cover pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, loss of companionship, or inability to enjoy activities we once loved. Each of these recognizes the impact of an accident that goes beyond bills and receipts.
Common Non-Economic Damages:
In more serious cases, particularly where someone acted in a reckless or intentionally harmful way, courts can also award punitive damages. These do not address specific injuries or losses. Instead, punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
For families dealing with wrongful death, the types of recovery may also include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship.
Because Missouri does not put a cap on the compensation we can receive, we have the right to pursue the full range of damages allowed by law. However, we must act within five years of the incident to protect our claim for recovery. For more insight into accident compensation, see recent developments in automobile accident compensation.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash and suffered crush injuries in Missouri or St. Louis County, our Law Firm here to support you. Our team offers a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. You can reach out by phone or use our online contact form. We stay connected with the Missouri State Highway Patrol for important updates and work with the Granat Law Office to help our clients.
We may notice intense pain at the injured site, significant swelling, or bruising. Sometimes, the affected area feels numb or doesn’t move well. In some cases, the skin may look pale or develop blisters. These symptoms are important to recognize early.
Doctors diagnose crush syndrome by looking at symptoms, physical exams, and lab tests for muscle damage. Treatment may include intravenous fluids, pain control, and sometimes surgery to ease pressure. Fast and proper care helps reduce long-term damage.
Crush injuries can lead to ongoing issues like nerve problems, muscle weakness, or chronic pain. Some people develop infections or joint stiffness. In rare cases, kidney or heart complications can occur. Long-term rehab is sometimes needed for a better recovery. More information on potential complications can be found in articles like morbidity after crush injuries to the foot.
After an injury, it's important to get medical help and keep records of all treatment. We should report the incident to our insurance company and talk to a lawyer who focuses on car accident cases. Legal steps may include gathering evidence, getting witness statements, and starting a claim.
Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy, and pain and suffering. If the injury causes lasting physical disability, there may be extra compensation for long-term care and lost future income.
Recovery time varies based on how serious the injury is and how quickly treatment begins. Minor crush injuries may heal in weeks, while more serious cases can take months or longer. Some people may need ongoing therapy or surgery. Regular check-ups help track progress and support the healing process.
