Minneapolis Attorneys for Crush Injuries from Explosions

Crush injuries are devastating. Bad enough that you suffered an injury, but when the explosion wasn’t your fault, you likely also feel angry. The Minnesota explosion accident attorneys at Robert Wilson & Associates are aware of the overwhelming, disastrous effects an explosion accident can have on your daily life, health, and livelihood. If you suffered a crush injury in an explosion accident, a knowledgeable attorney could help you get the compensation you need, whether you file a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim.

The Minneapolis explosion crush injury lawyers of Robert Wilson & Associates will tirelessly and zealously pursue complete and fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us at (612) 334-3444 or online for a free consultation. One of our knowledgeable attorneys will provide a confidential case review and explain your options.

What Is a Crush Injury?

The American College of Emergency Physicians defines a crush injury as compression of a body part that causes neurological disturbance or muscle swelling. A crush injury typically occurs when two heavy objects squeeze some part of the body. Areas of the body affected by crush injuries include the lower extremities (74%), upper extremities (10%), and trunk (9%). Fatal injuries usually result from traumatic asphyxia or head injuries. In most cases, serious crush injuries have long-term life-altering effects.

Explosion or Blast Injuries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies the basic mechanisms of blast injuries into four categories:

• Primary blast injury — This injury results from the intense over-pressurization impulse or blast wave that results from high-order explosives such as TNT, C-4, and dynamite. Injuries include traumatic brain injuries such as concussions and pulmonary injuries such as blast lung.
• Secondary blast injury — These injuries are caused by flying debris. The resulting harm is penetrating or blunt injury.
• Tertiary blast injury — This injury results from the blast wind physically throwing someone. Tertiary blast injuries can cause fractures, traumatic amputations, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Quaternary blast injury — This is a catch-all category for any other injuries caused by the blast. This category includes crush injuries, burns, COPD, hyperglycemia, and angina.

Other Harm Associated with Crush Injuries

The effects of explosions in closed spaces are much greater than those that occur in open spaces. Injuries are more serious, and the mortality rate is higher.

Crush injuries are usually one of two types:

• Compartment syndrome is increased pressure in an extremity such as an arm or leg. This condition causes a decrease in tissue function. It also causes severe muscle, nerve, and blood vessel damage.
• Crush syndrome is a localized crush injury with systemic effects. The breakdown of muscles and the release of potentially toxic muscle cell components and electrolytes into the circulatory systems cause these harmful effects. Crush syndrome can cause organ dysfunction, metabolic abnormalities, and tissue damage.

The sudden release of a crushed extremity may result in reperfusion syndrome causing lethal cardiac arrhythmias. Also, the sudden release of toxins into the circulatory system can result in renal failure. Patients with acute renal failure may need dialysis treatment. However, the patient should regain kidney function unless sepsis is present.

Other harm associated with crush injuries includes:

• Abdominal injuries
• Brain injuries
• Ear injuries
• Pulmonary injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Fractures
• Infections
• Lacerations

Compensation Available for Crush Injuries from Explosion Accidents

The costs associated with convalescence and rehabilitation after a severe crush injury can devastate an injured person’s finances. An experienced crush injuries from explosion accidents attorney can help you pursue compensation for all current and future losses related to your recovery.

Workers’ Compensation

If your blast injury occurred while you were working, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Employers in Minnesota are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage, so if you’re an employee and not an independent contractor or another exempt worker, these benefits could be available to you:

• Medical, hospital, surgical, psychological, podiatric, and chiropractic care, present and ongoing
• Temporary total disability benefits for the time you’re totally off work due to injury
• Temporary partial disability benefits if you’re able to work at a different rate of pay or for a reduced number of hours per week
• Permanent partial disability benefits if your injury results in permanent impairment
• Permanent total disability benefits if you are unable to return to work in any capacity
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits

Death benefits and dependent benefits may be available for the surviving family members of a worker who is killed while working.

Third-Party Insurance Claim or Lawsuit

If you were not an employee at the time of the explosion and the blast was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you could pursue compensation from the at-fault party. In this kind of claim or lawsuit, you could pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Mental distress
• Disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life

Many individuals who suffer crush injuries from an explosion accident suffer long-term disabilities and disfigurement. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you assess a fair amount of compensation to cover these losses.

Why Choose Robert Wilson & Associates?

Robert Wilson & Associates has helped clients in Minnesota recover compensation in accident cases for more than 30 years. We have a proven track record of getting results for our clients. Put our skills and experience to work for you.

An explosion accident requires a complete, detailed investigation. The process of establishing and proving your losses requires the collection and organization of a substantial amount of evidence. Our firm will investigate the accident to determine fault and collect evidence that helps establish your compensation claim.

An experienced explosion accident attorney can file your claim and ensure you meet all applicable deadlines in your case. A Minneapolis worker’s compensation lawyer can help you seek and recover fair compensation for your losses so you can move forward with your life.

Call Robert Wilson & Associates Today

If you suffered injuries in an accident anywhere in Minnesota that was the fault of another party, you might have a right to seek compensation. Robert Wilson & Associates offers consultations where we can learn the details of your case and discuss the best path forward to get the compensation you need. Contact Robert Wilson & Associates at (612) 334-3444 to speak with an experienced explosion accident attorney today in an informative, confidential consultation.