If you have had an accident at work, our local injury lawyers can help you claim compensation for your injuries.
Read moreCrush injury compensation claims
If you have suffered a crush injury at work or in any other accident that wasn’t your fault, we can help you make a crush injury compensation claim.
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Crush Injury Claims
If you suffered a crush injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a crush injury claim against them. Common scenarios include road traffic accidents, building collapses, being struck by a falling object and workplace accidents involving heavy machinery or equipment.
Crush injuries can affect any part of the body, from head to toe, and can have serious long-term consequences. The specialist personal injury solicitors we work with understand the devastating impact of crush injuries and are here to help you claim the full compensation you may be entitled to. They offer a no win no fee service and empathetic support at every step of the way.
Call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back to find out if you have a valid claim for compensation. You will receive a free consultation with an experienced legal adviser who will answer all your questions and patiently guide you through the claims process.
Key points about crush injury claims
- Can I claim?
You may be able to claim if you suffered a crush injury due to unsafe work conditions or another person’s negligence. - Who was at fault?
Liability depends on where the accident occurred – it could be an employer, driver, business or another party. - Is there a deadline?
You typically have 3 years from the date of injury or diagnosis to begin a claim. - How much can I claim?
The amount depends on the type and severity of the crush injury, recovery time, and financial impact. - Do I have to pay anything?
Your solicitor will work on a no win, no fee basis – so you only pay them a fee if they win your claim.
If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making a claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 or click here to request a call back.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.
Table of Contents
What is a crush injury claim?
A crush injury claim is a type of personal injury claim that can be made by anyone who sustained a crush injury due to another party’s negligence.
A crush injury occurs when intense and significant force is applied to a body part, typically from being caught between two heavy objects. This type of injury can cause significant damage to the skin and underlying muscles, blood vessels, nerves and bones, and can affect any part of the body, including:
- Skull crushes from heavy objects falling on the head or from car accidents.
- Crushed limbs from being caught in heavy machinery at work.
- Crushed chest due to building collapses, vehicle crashes or physical assaults.
- Crush injuries to the abdomen and internal organs from falling objects or road accidents.
A compensation claim can help cover the pain, suffering, and financial losses caused by a crush injury.
Am I eligible to make a crush injury claim?
Yes. If you’ve suffered a crush injury in an accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can confirm if you can start a crush injury compensation claim following a free consultation during which they will determine whether:
- Another party owed you a legal duty of care.
- They breached their duty through negligence.
- Their negligence caused an accident to happen.
- You suffered a crush injury as a direct result.
- You are within the legal time limit (usually 3 years).
You could still make a claim even if you were partially at fault for your accident, but your compensation may be reduced due to your contributory negligence.
Who pays compensation for crush injury claims?
Your compensation award will typically be paid by the defendant’s insurer, whether this is your employer, the local council, a business owner or a driver who caused a road accident. Exceptions include:
- The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) pays compensation to victims of hit-and-run accidents or uninsured drivers.
- The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) covers injuries to blameless victims of assaults and other criminal acts.
- The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) handles no-fault claims for injuries suffered by military personnel.
What is the time limit to make a crush injury compensation claim?
The time limit to claim compensation for a crush injury is typically three years starting from the date of your accident, with a few exceptions:
- Children – A parent or legal guardian can make a child injury claim at any time before the child’s 18th birthday.
- Mental capacity – There is no limitation period if the injured party can’t handle a claim due to their injuries or a pre-existing condition.
- Criminal injuries – There is a 2-year time limit to start a claim through the CICA if you were the victim of an assault.
- Fatal injuries – If you lost a loved one due to a crush injury, you have three years to make a compensation claim after their death.
No matter what limitation date applies to your case, it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible. This way, it will be easier for your lawyer to talk to witnesses and collect the necessary evidence to build a strong crush injury claim and secure compensation.
How much compensation could my crush injury claim be worth?
The compensation amount you could get will largely depend on the type of crush injury you suffered and how it has affected your life, and will include two different types of damages:
General damages – Awarded for non-monetary losses that are difficult to quantify. These address the impact of the injury on your quality of life and may include:
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Any psychological effects, such as anxiety or PTSD.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the injury.
- Reduced quality of life or life expectancy.
Special damages – Awarded for monetary losses that can be listed and calculated based on evidence, such as receipts and invoices. These may include:
- Loss of earnings and earning capacity
- Private medical treatments and rehabilitation.
- Travel costs for medical visits.
- The cost of care and help with daily chores.
- Adaptations to accommodate a disability.
- Medical aids and equipment, such as prostheses or crutches
Please refer to our compensation calculator to find out within minutes what level of compensation you may be able to claim based on the Judicial College guidelines.
How do I make a claim for a crush injury?
To make a compensation claim, there are several steps you should take following your accident. These will help ensure your legal rights are protected and you have the best chance of winning the case:
- Seek medical attention immediately to ensure your injuries are properly assessed and treated.
- Report the accident and ensure it is recorded in the official accident book.
- Gather as much evidence as possible at the scene, such as witness details and photos.
- Contact a specialist crush injury solicitor for a case assessment.
- Your solicitor will prepare and submit a formal letter of claim to the defendant.
- They will negotiate a settlement on your behalf or take the case to court, if necessary.
- Once a settlement is reached, you will receive compensation for your losses.
Your solicitor will offer you support and advice throughout the legal process.
Can I make a No Win No Fee crush injury claim?
If your case has merit, your solicitor will help you make a crush injury compensation claim on a no win no fee basis. That means they will help you get the compensation you deserve without asking for an upfront payment.
Under this conditional fee agreement, you only pay your solicitor if your claim is successful and you are awarded compensation. In this case, they will receive a success fee capped at 25% of your compensation settlement. If your case doesn’t succeed, you will not be required to pay any fees.
What evidence is needed to support a personal injury claim?
If you are entitled to personal injury compensation, your solicitor will help you gather all the evidence you need to start your claim. This must show how and why the accident occurred, your injuries, and how they have affected your daily life. The types of proof you could use include:
- Visual evidence – Photos, videos or CCTV footage of the accident scene, hazards and your injuries immediately after the incident and during recovery.
- Medical records – These document your diagnosis, treatments, and recovery prospects.
- Expert testimony – A free exam with an independent specialist will confirm the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life.
- Witness statements – If liability is denied, these can corroborate the events leading to the injury.
- Accident reports – A signed copy of the report will prove the date, location and circumstances of your injury.
- Your testimony – A journal documenting your symptoms and how the injury has affected your daily life and activities.
- Financial evidence – Proof such as receipts, invoices and payslips to quantify the economic losses incurred due to your accident.
Frequently asked questions
Crush injuries can be serious and may require immediate medical care. Depending on severity and the site of injury, common signs and symptoms include:
- Severe pain and tenderness.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Open wounds and bleeding.
- Inability to move or bear weight.
- Visible deformity or misalignment.
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
In case of compartment syndrome, signs of shock include pale, clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing.
The treatment of crush injuries depends on their severity and the affected body part, and could include:
- Immediate first aid to control bleeding and stabilise vital signs.
- Pain medication such as NSAIDs or intravenous opioids.
- Cleaning, disinfecting and dressing the wound.
- A splint or cast to immobilise the injured area.
- Surgery for complex fractures, compartment syndrome or internal injuries;
- Physical therapy to restore mobility, strength and function.
Crush injuries can lead to several potential complications and long-term consequences, which include:
- Compartment syndrome, resulting in irreversible nerve damage and tissue death.
- Crush syndrome, which may cause kidney failure and can be life-threatening.
- Infections such as cellulitis, bone infections or sepsis.
- Hypovolemic shock, which can result in organ damage, multiple organ failure and death.
- Partial or full limb amputations due to irreparable tissue damage.
- Ongoing pain, stiffness, or weakness in the affected area.
- Permanent disability, reduced mobility and limitations in daily activities and work.
- Reduced self-esteem or social isolation due to scarring or disfigurement.
- Anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Crush injuries are usually caused by several types of accidents, which include:
- Workplace accidents – Being hit by falling objects, forklifts overturning, or being caught between moving parts of machinery.
- Road traffic accidents – Accidents involving drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists can cause severe crush injuries to the chest, head or abdomen.
- Accidents in public – Collapses of public structures such as bridges or buildings, or being hit by falling fixtures or signs.
- Trampling – Being pushed or trampled due to overcrowding at concerts, sporting events, or festivals.
- Public transport accidents – In accidents involving buses, trains, or trams, passengers can be crushed against seats, walls or other passengers.
This list is not exhaustive, and other accidents can potentially lead to a successful crush injury claim and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Yes, you could make an accident at work claim if you were injured in the course of your job. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a legal duty to keep employees safe from harm at work and may be liable for any harm resulting from a breach of duty, such as:
- Failing to provide safe equipment.
- Inadequate training and supervision.
- Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Poor workplace conditions.
- Ignoring health and safety regulations.
No, your employer cannot legally dismiss you for making a legitimate personal injury claim, such as for a crush injury that happened at work. Employment laws protect you from unfair dismissal and any other form of retaliation related to your claim.
If your employer treats you unfairly or dismisses you because of your claim, a specialist solicitor can help you make a separate claim at an employment tribunal.
Yes. You could make a crush injury claim on behalf of your loved one if they are a child under 18 or an adult considered a protected party under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (for example, someone who has suffered a severe brain injury).
To act on their behalf, you must apply to the court and prove that you are suitable to conduct legal proceedings. Once approved, you will be appointed as their litigation friend and will be able to start and manage the claim on their behalf.
Yes. If a loved one suffered a fatal crush injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. A fatal injury claim could include the following:
- Loss of financial support.
- Loss of services and companionship.
- Reasonable funeral expenses.
- A bereavement award of £15,120.
The time it takes to settle a crush injury claim depends on the case’s complexity and severity. For example:
- Straightforward claims, such as minor injuries from a road accident, may be settled within a few months.
- More complex claims, involving severe injuries, long-term complications, or liability disputes, can take several years to resolve.
To find out if you may be eligible for compensation for a crush injury, call 0800 470 0474 or enter your details into our online claim form. You will receive a free consultation with a legal adviser who will assess your case and answer all your questions about the claim process.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
