Maison Law can help you through the workers’ compensation process after a crush injury at your job in Porterville. There’s no easy way to deal with an injury where a body part is crushed–whether it’s medically, financially, or even emotionally. The good news is that you have options and our team can help you. Set up a free consultation to learn more.
Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer After a Crush Injury?
You’re not required to hire a lawyer after a workplace injury, but with crush injuries, it often makes a big difference. These cases are usually serious, meaning higher medical bills, more time off the job, and more pushback from the insurance company. Our role is to take that stress off your shoulders. We do that by:
- Gathering reports and witness statements
- Working with your doctors to document your treatment
- Building a strategy that fits your situation—whether that’s negotiating benefits, filing paperwork, or preparing for a hearing.
This matters because not every claim goes smoothly. Common roadblocks include:
- Employers or insurers claiming the injury wasn’t work-related.
- Insurance approving only basic care but denying needed surgery or therapy.
- Delays in wage replacement checks when you’re already missing work.
- Pushback on long-term disability benefits if your injury has lasting effects.
These aren’t rare—they’re challenges we see all the time. Having a lawyer means you don’t face them alone. We step in when problems arise, keep your claim moving, and make sure the benefits you’re supposed to don’t get lost in the system.
What Will I Need to Start a Workers’ Comp Claim After My Injury?
If you’re wondering, “What do I even need to file a claim?” you’re not alone. Most injured workers in Porterville have never gone through this before. Here are the basics that usually help:
- A report of how the injury happened (filed with your employer).
- Your medical records and treatment notes.
- Contact information for any witnesses.
- Details about your job duties and schedule.
Don’t worry if you don’t have every piece right away. Many people don’t. A big part of our job is helping you track down the missing information.
What Makes Crush Injuries So Difficult to Deal With?
You’re likely pretty aware of what a crush injury is. Just like it sounds, it happens when a part of your body–usually your hands or feet–is trapped between heavy pieces of equipment or parts of a machine. Most of the time, this means:
- A hand caught in a piece of farm equipment.
- A foot pinned under a forklift.
- Being struck by falling building materials on a construction site.
- Getting caught in industrial machinery at a packing plant.
While this tells you what it is, it doesn’t necessarily tell you why crush injuries are so difficult to deal with. Put simply, the damage is more than just the skin or bone. The force can injure muscles, nerves, and even blood vessels. Sometimes the injury is obvious right away, but in other cases, hidden damage shows up later. You might be facing:
- Long hospital stays
- Repeated surgeries
- Months of rehabilitation.
- Partial or complete amputations, which can permanently change your ability to work or enjoy everyday activities.
On top of that, they also take a toll emotionally. Many people in your position deal with anxiety, depression, or the frustration of losing independence while they recover. Then, there’s the financial strain of missing work and paying for treatment can feel overwhelming.
This combination—serious medical needs, long recovery times, and financial stress—is why workers’ compensation benefits are so critical. They’re designed to keep you afloat while you work your way back to normal, and can also provide much-needed long-term support.
What Workers’ Comp Benefits Can I Get For Crush Injuries?
You might think that your crush injuries speak for themselves, and although you don’t actually need to prove fault when you file a workers’ compensation claim, the amount of benefits you can get is going to depend on how strong your claim is. That’s why the above records and documentation are so important. But at least procedurally, all you have to do to get benefits is file your claim. At that point, though, you might be wondering what exactly these benefits include. Here’s what you’re usually asking for:
- Medical expenses for necessary treatment related to your injury, from ER visits and surgeries to therapy, medications, and even medical equipment like braces or wheelchairs.
- Temporary disability benefits, which provides payments to replace part of your lost income. For many people, this helps keep bills paid while they recover.
- Permanent disability benefits if your crush injury leaves lasting damage—which is common.
- Job retraining costs covering training or education so you can move into another type of work.
It’s also important to know the timelines. In California, you generally have one year from the date of your injury to file a workers’ comp claim. Temporary disability benefits usually last up to 104 weeks, though exceptions exist. If your condition prevents you from working after that, other legal options—including a civil claim—may need to be explored. If that time ever comes, we can walk you through your choices and help protect your financial future.
Where Do Workplace Crush Injuries Happen in Porterville?
Crush injuries can happen almost anywhere people are working with heavy equipment, vehicles, or even in busy storage areas. In Porterville, that often means places like:
- Packing plants
- Warehouses
- Construction sites
- Farms and agricultural buildings
- Loading docks
- Offices
- City streets
The truth is, these accidents don’t just happen in “dangerous” jobs. No matter what your job is, if you were hurt while working in Porterville, workers’ comp is meant to step in and cover you. And from there, our team will be there with guidance and support.
Get Help With Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Porterville
Going to work in Porterville can be tough, and sometimes accidents happen. One of the most serious injuries is a crush injury—it can mean surgery, time off, and a lot of pain. That’s where our Porterville workers’ compensation lawyers at Maison Law step in. We’ll walk you through the process, making sure you understand your options and get the benefits you need to focus on recovery. Get help with your claim today by setting up a free consultation.
