Workplace crush injuries happen when a part of the body is compressed between two heavy objects or caught in machinery. Crush injuries commonly result in broken bones, lasting nerve damage, or tissue destruction. Workers in Cherry Hill industries like construction, warehousing, and manufacturing face a higher risk of these devastating injuries on the job.
Common Causes of Workplace Crush Injuries
Crush injuries vary widely depending on the force involved and the body part affected. The following represent some of the most frequent types and causes our injury attorneys see in workers’ compensation cases:
- Caught in machinery accidents
- Falling object strikes
- Vehicle and forklift incidents
- Trench and structural collapses
- Compressed between stationary objects
Many crush injury victims in Camden County and the surrounding Cherry Hill area require multiple surgeries and extended periods away from work. Long-term complications like compartment syndrome or amputation can permanently alter your ability to earn a living. Workers’ compensation provides important protections for workers with crush injuries in New Jersey.
How Much Is My Workers’ Compensation Crush Injury Claim Worth?
No single dollar figure applies to every crush injury case because the value depends on your specific medical situation and employment details. Several key benefits make up the total compensation you may receive:
- Medical Expenses: All necessary treatment related to the crush injury is covered, including emergency care, surgeries, prosthetics, and rehabilitation.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If the injury keeps you completely out of work, TTD benefits pay 70% of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): A doctor assigns an impairment rating after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), and PPD benefits compensate you for lasting physical limitations.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): In the most severe cases where you cannot return to any employment, PTD benefits provide ongoing wage replacement.
Permanent disability awards are calculated based on the degree of impairment and its impact on your future earning capacity. Workers who suffer crush injuries affecting multiple body parts may receive higher ratings that reflect the combined loss of function.
Time Limits for Filing a Crush Injury Workers’ Comp Claim in New Jersey
New Jersey requires you to notify your employer of a workplace injury within 90 days of the incident. You then have up to two years from the date of injury to file a formal workers’ compensation claim petition. Missing either deadline can jeopardize your right to collect benefits, so keeping accurate records from the start is essential to protecting your claim.
Contact Our Crush Injury Lawyer in Cherry Hill Today
A crush injury can leave you facing growing medical bills and lost income at the same time, and waiting too long to act only adds unnecessary stress. Matarazzo & Lubcher brings more than 100 years of collective experience to workers’ compensation cases and has a strong record of getting results for injured workers throughout New Jersey.
Our firm does not collect fees until we settle your case, so there is no financial risk in reaching out. Call us at 856-460-5805 or connect with us online to schedule a free consultation with our crush injury lawyers in Cherry Hill who can assess your claim and outline the benefits available to you.