Compartment syndrome is a painful, potentially serious condition. It can develop with bleeding or swelling within a muscle compartment (an enclosed bundle of muscles). A thin casing of connective tissue known as fascia surrounds each group of muscles in the arms and legs, together with nerves and blood vessels. Fascia does not expand. When swelling or bleeding causes pressure to build within the compartment, it can restrict blood flow to the area, potentially damaging muscles, and nerves.
What Are the Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome?
Many injuries sustained on construction sites can lead to compartment syndrome. Symptoms include:
- Visible swelling or bulging of the muscle
- Numbness of the limb
- A feeling that the muscle is swollen, fuller, or larger than normal
- Muscle pain that is stronger than should be expected from the injury
- Severe pain when the muscle is stretched
- Tightness or cramping in the muscle
- Tingling or burning sensation under the skin
- Weakness in the affected body part
How Can Construction Workers Get Compartment Syndrome?
Construction workers injured on the job may be at risk for compartment syndrome. This condition can develop when workers suffer injuries such as bone fractures, severely bruised muscles, and crush injuries. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency, usually caused by a severe injury.
How Is Compartment Syndrome Treated
If you experience symptoms of compartment syndrome after an injury, get emergency medical attention. Compartment syndrome is treated surgically with a procedure known as a fasciotomy. The surgeon makes an incision through the skin and fascia to relieve the pressure. After the pressure subsides, which may not occur right away, the surgeon closes the incision. In some cases, a skin graft may be placed over the incision.
What Compensation Is Available for a Worksite Accident?
If workers’ compensation covers your injury, you are automatically eligible for benefits regardless of who caused the accident. Workers’ comp covers medical expenses related to the injury and replaces a portion of your lost wages. It also provides disability benefits for workers who are partially or totally disabled.
If a third party (other than your employer) caused the accident, you may have a claim for compensation against the negligent party. A third-party claim allows you to seek compensation for losses not covered by workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering and loss of future earning potential.
How Can a NYC Construction Accident Attorney Help?
If you have suffered compartment syndrome after a worksite accident, it is in your best interests to speak with a New York construction accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced legal team can investigate your accident to determine fault and liability, gather evidence to support your claim, assess the full extent of your damages – past, present, and future – and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve from the responsible parties. We can negotiate skillfully on your behalf, and we will not hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary.
Why Choose Us?
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we offer experience, compassion, and results. Our firm has more than 50 years of experience. We have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients. We have been named among the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report. Our attorneys have been awarded membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, listed among New York Super Lawyers® and rated 10.0 Superb on Avvo.
We offer a free consultation with no obligation. If you developed compartment syndrome after a workplace injury, call us today at (212) 986-7353. We can tell you if you may have a case against a third party and what damages you may be entitled to claim.