Crushing injuries are often the most damaging. Unlike clean breaks, and even sprains, crushes can result in the shattering of bones and irreparable damage to surrounding tissues. Two men are currently recovering from such injuries after a recent construction accident happened.

According to KIIITV.com, the accident happened outside of Corpus Christi, TX. But, it could have happened anywhere.

Two workers were pinned beneath a giant slab of concrete. They were trapped for nearly two hours before emergency responders were able to free them.

The two workers were cutting the giant slab of concrete when it fell. It was 11 feet wide, 40 feet long and 9 inches thick. The men allegedly believed the slab was secured, that it wouldn’t fall. They were mistaken.

The workers were given IV fluids, treated for crush syndrome, and given pain medications as they awaited rescuing. The extrication process took hours.

The slab was estimated to weigh 50,000 pounds. As a rescue team worked to free the workers, they had to ensure the slab didn’t shift, using wood to shore the slab and keep it in place as they cut the workers loose.

The dangers of any construction site are many. From falling objects to trench cave-ins, crushing injuries can happen in a variety of ways. The company behind this accident will no doubt investigate where the process went wrong. Why did the workers think the slab was secured, and who fell short of their responsibilities in ensuring it was?

It is the responsibility of several people and collections of people to keep construction sites safe, from OSHA regulators to safety managers and supervisors. Safety should always be at the forefront of any construction site. When someone falls short of their responsibilities, regulations are side-stepped or violations overlooked, the risk of injuries is substantially increased.

If you’ve been hurt on a construction job site in New York and New Jersey, the construction accident attorneys of Ginarte may be able to help. Contact us today at 888-GINARTE for a consultation on your case and to discuss your legal options.