New Jersey Crush Accident Attorneys

Crush injuries are among the most severe and devastating accidents that can occur in the workplace. These injuries often involve significant physical trauma, long-term medical care, and emotional distress. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we are committed to helping New Jersey workers who have suffered crush injuries secure the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys understand the challenges of navigating these claims and are here to guide you every step of the way.

Understanding Crush Injuries in the Workplace

Crush injuries happen when a body part is caught or compressed between two heavy objects. Unfortunately, these accidents are common in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. Workers in these industries often interact with heavy machinery, vehicles, or falling materials.

There was a 4.7 percent rise in on-the-job fatalities due to contact with objects and equipment from 2021 to 2022. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, machinery was the top cause of worker deaths in the category.

In 2022, 142 fatal occupational injuries due to being caught in or compressed by equipment or objects were reported nationwide. There were 95 incidents where a worker was struck or crushed in a collapsing structure or equipment.  

The consequences of crush injuries can be life-altering, including broken bones, nerve damage, internal organ damage, and even amputations. In severe cases, these injuries may result in permanent disability or death. Injured workers often face a long and challenging road to recovery that usually involves expensive medical bills.

Workers’ Compensation for Crush Injuries

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial relief to employees who suffer workplace injuries, including crush injuries. New Jersey employers are legally obligated to provide workers with these benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. In New Jersey, workers’ compensation benefits include:

• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – If the claimant is determined to be permanently totally disabled, they continue to receive 70% of their average weekly wage. 
• Medical Expenses – For doctor appointments and other reasonable treatments, such as rehabilitation.
• Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) – Receive 70% of their average weekly wages for days missed from work. 
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Payments for a permanent impairment of bodily function, but the New Jersey EMT can still work. Benefits are granted according to the type and degree of impairment or disability.

While workers’ compensation is intended to protect injured workers, the process of obtaining benefits can be complex. Employers and insurance companies may dispute claims, minimize the severity of injuries, or delay payments. This is where the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm can advocate for you and ensure your rights are protected, and your claim is handled properly.

Potential Third-Party Liability in Crush Injuries

Despite safety regulations, many crush injuries at work result from preventable circumstances, such as malfunctioning equipment, inadequate training, poor maintenance, or lack of proper protocols. In addition to workers’ compensation, crush injury victims may be able to pursue a third-party liability claim if someone other than their employer contributed to the accident. For example, if defective machinery caused the crush injury, the manufacturer could be held responsible. Similarly, if a subcontractor’s negligence created unsafe working conditions, they may also be liable.

Third-party liability claims allow workers to recover personal injury compensation beyond the financial support workers’ compensation offers, including damages for pain and suffering. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate your crush injury to identify all responsible parties and secure the maximum compensation available for your recovery.

How the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Can Help

If you have sustained a crush injury at work, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, lost income, and the physical and emotional toll of your injury. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping injured workers obtain the benefits they need to move forward.

Our experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys will handle all paperwork and deadlines, ensuring your claim is filed accurately and on time. We will gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to support your claim. If your workers’ compensation claim is denied or disputed, we will do everything we can to secure the benefits you deserve.

In some cases, your injury may also involve a third-party claim if someone other than your employer, such as an equipment manufacturer or contractor, contributed to the accident. We will investigate your crush injury and explore all possible avenues for compensation.

Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

Crush injury claims often present unique challenges for workers. Employers or insurance companies may dispute the severity of your injuries, arguing that they are pre-existing or occurred outside of work.

Additionally, crush injuries often require extensive medical treatment and expert evaluations, which insurers may scrutinize to reduce payouts. Navigating these disputes requires a thorough understanding of New Jersey workers’ compensation laws and a strategic approach to building a strong case.

At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we are experienced in overcoming these challenges. Our meticulous preparation and in-depth knowledge of the law allow us to effectively counter these tactics and secure the benefits you are entitled to.

Contact the New Jersey Crush Accident Attorneys at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Today

A New Jersey worker who is injured on-the-job may endure a whirlwind of doctors’ appointments, face large medical bills, rising expenses, and difficulty in making enough money to meet the needs of their family. You may wonder if you’ll ever return to work, enjoy your past hobbies, or fear you won’t be able to support your loved ones the way you once did. If you or a loved one suffered a crush injury at work, or sadly a wrongful death, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party personal injury case, our worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. We have successfully served thousands of clients throughout New Jersey. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a FREE and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.