Rhabdomyolysis is a condition caused by the breakdown of injured muscle tissue after an injury. The fast degradation of the skeletal muscle tissue causes the products of the damaged muscle cells to be released in to the bloodstream. Some of the byproducts of the death of the muscle tissue such as myoglobin, are extremely toxic to the kidney and can lead to kidney failure as the kidney does the important work of filtering harmful substances out of the body. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that can occur as a result of their workplace injury for a worker whose job is strenuous and requires a lot of physical activity.
There are other conditions in the body that can damage and cause the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue including:
- Crush injuries
- Use of certain drugs such as statins, cocaine, amphetamines, heroin or PCP
- Extreme body temperatures
- Severe exhaustion in marathoners
- Severe dehydration
Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis
Some of the symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis include dark red or cola-colored urine, decreased urine output, general weakness, stiff or achy muscles, tenderness and weakness in the affected muscles, joint pain and seizures. (For a complete list of symptoms and treatments see medlineplus.gov.)
The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system covers a portion of the injured worker’s salary for the time lost at work due to a workplace-related injury if the disability lasts longer than seven work days. Workers’ compensation also covers medical expenses for the work-related injury even if the injured worker did not lose time form work. Additional benefits include compensation for the loss of use of limbs and other body parts, disfigurement benefits and death benefits to family members of workers who are killed in work-related accidents.
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that must be detected and treated right away as kidney damage can become permanent and may cause the patient to go into shock. If it is caught in time, a person suffering from a relatively minor case may recover within a few weeks or months, while others could be left with permanent symptoms of fatigue and muscle pain.
Have you been injured at work and are preparing to file a workers’ compensation claim? If so, you may want to speak to one of our experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys at Larry Pitt & Associates. We protect your interests and we fight for fair compensation when you have been injured or contracted an occupational illness at work. You are welcome to call 888.PITT.LAW or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your case today. We proudly serve clients throughout Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.
