If you are caught between objects at work, you could be severely injured. You may be permanently injured. What would you do if you were unable to work because you were crushed at work? Could you afford the medical care that you need? Would you be able to pay your monthly expenses? Getting Help With Workers’ Compensation If you are caught between objects while on the job and injured, you may be eligible to get help through workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that is provided by employers to help workers who are hurt on the job. It doesn’t cost workers anything to file a claim. In fact, each state has a law that requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ Compensation Benefits Injuries that occur because you are caught between two objects can be serious. Common workers’ compensation benefits include: Medical expenses. In addition to needing immediate medical care, you may need medication, therapy, surgeries, or future care if your injuries are severe. Workers’ compensation can help injured workers with the expenses associated with their injuries. Lost wages. If you are unable to work either temporarily or permanently because of your on the job injury, you may be eligible to receive partial payment of your lost wages. In severe instances, you may qualify for permanent disability. Job training. If you have permanent effects from being caught between two objects at work and you won’t be able to return to your original job, you may qualify to receive occupational training through workers’ compensation. Facing the Risk of Crushing Injuries Being caught between objects at work is commonly referred to as a crushing injury. Risks include: Working in fields such as construction that may involve falling objects. A beam or other heavy item that falls can cause workers to be crushed between the object and the ground. Working in a field involving heavy machinery can result in workers being crushed between the equipment and the walls. It can also cause your limbs to get stuck in the machines. Construction workers are also at risk of being involved in a collapse. If a building collapses, workers can be crushed. Severe Injuries From Being Caught Between Objects If you get caught between two objects on the job, it is a medical emergency. The cells in your muscles begin to die almost immediately. This causes severe problems in your entire body. You could suffer from: Permanent organ damage Loss of limbs Damage to your skin Nerve damage Muscle damage Amputation Broken bones Permanent paralysis Blood clots Death It’s important that you call 911 if you’ve been caught between two objects. This is a medical emergency. Learn More About Your Rights Learn more about your rights under workers’ compensation law. If you’ve been crushed between objects, you should consider speaking with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney to learn about your rights. If your loved one died from being crushed on the job, you may still be able to file a workers’ compensation claim on his or her behalf. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney right away.
