Crane Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

Crane Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles

With so much construction being done in and around Los Angeles, California, the likelihood of seeing a crane is very high. Construction sites are considered to be one of the most dangerous workplace environments in Los Angeles. Cranes are considered to be one of the most hazardous tools used at a construction site and should be used with caution, and by trained employees. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries from a crane accident, give us a call today to discuss how you could hold the negligent party responsible.

If you have lost a loved one in a crane accident at a construction site, our attorneys can help you get the care you need. As a family member, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the negligent party on the decedent’s behalf. This is considered a wrongful death claim. Unfortunately, crane accidents could lead to death because of the high elevations. For more information on wrongful death, give our Los Angeles crane accident lawyers a call at Heidari law to discuss.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction site accidents are one of the most common types of accidents in the United States. This is also the number one cause of work-related injuries and fatalities. 

Understanding the Causes of Crane Accidents in Los Angeles

Crane accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on construction sites, especially in large cities like Los Angeles. Determining the value of your case and identifying the responsible party starts with understanding the root cause of the accident. Due to the complex nature of construction sites—with various tools, equipment, and numerous supervisors and companies involved—pinpointing the exact cause can be a challenging task.

This complexity is why partnering with a reputable Los Angeles construction site accident lawyer is essential. An experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, ensuring that all liable parties are held accountable for their negligence.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents in Los Angeles

There are many reasons crane accidents occur, and understanding these causes is crucial for anyone working in construction or living near active construction sites. Over the years, our legal team has represented numerous victims of construction site accidents, recovering millions of dollars for those injured by the negligent actions of contractors, site managers, and other parties. Here are some of the primary causes of crane accidents:

1. Electrocutions

Electrocutions are one of the leading causes of crane-related injuries. These incidents typically occur when a crane comes into contact with high-voltage power lines. This can be due to a lack of proper safety precautions or inadequate site planning. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electrocutions account for around 8.6% of all construction fatalities each year (source).

2. Mechanical Failures

Mechanical failures are another significant cause of crane accidents. Regular inspections and maintenance are vital to ensure that cranes are in proper working condition. If a company neglects this duty and fails to repair or maintain the equipment, it could lead to severe accidents. A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that mechanical issues contribute to a large percentage of crane-related incidents (source).

3. Collisions

Cranes can also collide with other objects, such as buildings, vehicles, or other equipment on the site. This type of accident often results in falling debris, creating hazardous conditions for both workers and pedestrians. Recent reports by local news outlets like KTNV-TV Las Vegas highlight similar incidents where construction equipment caused dangerous situations in high-traffic areas.

4. Overturning Cranes

Cranes are designed to handle specific loads. However, if a crane is overloaded or improperly set up, it can overturn, leading to catastrophic accidents. Proper training and adherence to load capacity guidelines are essential in preventing these incidents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that improper loading is a significant factor in crane overturn accidents (source).

5. Crane Collapses

Similar to overturning, a crane can collapse if it is subjected to excessive weight or operated under unsafe conditions. These incidents often result in multiple injuries, not only to the crane operator but also to nearby workers and bystanders. A recent incident reported by KRNV NBC Reno illustrates the devastating impact of a crane collapse at a busy construction site.

6. Falling Debris and Objects

One of the most common causes of crane-related injuries is falling debris or objects. This can happen if materials are not properly secured or if a crane operator loses control of the load. Falling objects pose a serious threat to anyone in the vicinity, and such incidents frequently make headlines in major cities like Los Angeles.

7. Poor Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions—such as rain, high winds, fog, or lightning—can significantly increase the risk of crane accidents. Poor visibility and slippery conditions make it difficult for crane operators to safely maneuver equipment. Local weather reports from sources like KSNV NBC Las Vegas often issue safety warnings for construction sites during storms or high wind periods.

What Should You Do After a Crane Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident, it is crucial to act quickly. The aftermath of a construction site accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your rights:

Q: What should I do immediately after a crane accident?
A: Ensure that you seek medical attention right away, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Document the accident scene with photographs, gather witness information, and report the incident to your supervisor.

Q: Who can be held liable for a crane accident?
A: Liability can extend to several parties, including crane operators, site supervisors, contractors, crane manufacturers, and even the property owners. An experienced Los Angeles construction accident lawyer can help identify all liable parties and pursue compensation on your behalf.

The Importance of Hiring a Los Angeles Crane Accident Attorney

Given the complexity of construction accident cases, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable legal team on your side. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing crane accident victims and have recovered substantial settlements by holding negligent parties accountable. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or shift blame onto you.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What are the Different Types of Cranes Used in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is known for its booming construction industry, which requires a variety of specialized equipment to build skyscrapers, bridges, and other large structures. One of the most essential pieces of machinery at these construction sites is the crane. Understanding the types of cranes used in Los Angeles is crucial for both construction professionals and those affected by construction-related accidents. If an accident occurs, identifying the specific crane involved can play a pivotal role in building a legal case. A highly qualified attorney is often needed to recognize the type of crane and investigate the accident’s circumstances to determine liability.

1. Hammerhead Cranes

Hammerhead cranes are distinctive due to their horizontal, rotating lever mounted on a high tower. This design allows the crane to lift heavy materials and move them along the length of the lever. Hammerhead cranes are commonly used in large construction projects, such as bridge-building or erecting tall buildings, due to their robust design and ability to operate at great heights.

Q: Where are hammerhead cranes most often seen in Los Angeles?
A: Hammerhead cranes are typically spotted in large construction projects in downtown Los Angeles or at major infrastructure developments.

2. Tower Cranes

Tower cranes are perhaps the most iconic and widely recognized cranes at any construction site, especially in urban areas like Los Angeles. These cranes are used for reaching extreme heights and lifting heavy materials such as steel and concrete. Their towering structure makes them ideal for constructing skyscrapers and high-rise buildings.

Did you know? According to KSNV NBC Las Vegas, tower cranes are among the most commonly used cranes for major construction projects, due to their versatility and ability to reach great heights. Their design allows them to operate effectively in limited spaces, which is crucial for Los Angeles’ dense urban environment.

3. Telescope Cranes

Telescope cranes are unique in that they are assembled on top of vehicles, making them highly mobile. This mobility makes them ideal for transporting materials over long distances and accessing sites that other cranes may not be able to reach. Typically used for maintenance work or in transportation projects, these cranes are popular in the Los Angeles metro area for infrastructure maintenance and utility repairs.

Q: What sets telescope cranes apart from other types?
A: Telescope cranes are designed for flexibility, as their telescoping booms can be extended or retracted to reach various heights, making them suitable for a variety of tasks.

4. Bulk Cranes

Bulk cranes are much larger than typical cranes and are specifically designed to handle extremely heavy loads. These cranes are used for transporting large materials such as shipping containers and industrial equipment. They are often found at ports, such as the Port of Los Angeles, to handle heavy cargo. Given their size and weight capacity, bulk cranes are essential for large-scale logistics and industrial projects.

For more insights, check out a report by KTNV-TV on the use of bulk cranes in managing heavy logistics operations in and around California ports.

Why is Understanding Crane Types Important?

In construction accident cases, determining which type of crane was involved is essential for establishing liability and pursuing compensation. Different cranes have unique features and operational requirements, which means that an attorney needs to have a detailed understanding of each type to correctly evaluate the situation.

Q: What are some common causes of crane accidents in Los Angeles?
A: Common causes include mechanical failures, operator error, poor weather conditions, and improper use of equipment. Tower cranes, for instance, are prone to accidents if not properly stabilized, while mobile cranes like telescope cranes can tip over if not correctly balanced.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who understands the nuances of these complex cases. For recent statistics and news on crane-related accidents in the Los Angeles area, you can refer to KRNV NBC Reno for up-to-date coverage on construction safety and accident prevention.

What compensation could I recover for my crane accident injuries?

By holding the negligent party responsible, you could recover monetary damages for what you have suffered. But, your attorney should make sure that they have covered all your losses. Often there are several types of losses that an injured victim may suffer. Below are some examples of compensation you could receive:

• Property damage: property damage takes into account any personal property that was damaged at the time of the crane accident. This is usually not a common type of compensation but could be recovered.
• Medical expenses: medical bills are compensated by holding the responsible party accountable for your actions.
• Lost wages: usually, those injured in a crane accident are not able to return back to work. Because they are not able to return to work, they could recover their lost wages, along with the loss of income.
• Punitive damages: punitive damages are awarded when a party acts maliciously. In the event that a construction site company purposefully acted recklessly, it could be held responsible for punitive damages.

Who can file a lawsuit for a crane accident injury?

Many people think that they do not have the right to file a lawsuit for a crane accident injury because they are not construction site workers. However, this is not the case; if you were a pedestrian, driver, motorcyclist, employee, or supervisor, who was injured in a crane accident, you have the right to hold the negligent party responsible. You don’t need to be employed by a construction company.

For example, if you were a pedestrian crossing the street, and up above a construction site employee improperly maneuvered the crane, and the cream collapsed, leading to your injuries, you have the right to file a lawsuit and hold the construction site employee and the construction site company accountable. 

Crane Defects In Los Angeles

Sometimes, a defective crane could be the cause of the crane accident. Product liability lawsuits are lawsuits that our top-rated attorneys have experience in, products liability is a specific type of lawsuit that will require a top-rated lawyer. 

Product liability holds manufacturers responsible for a defect in the product. There could be a design defect, manufacturing defect, or warning defect. It is the plaintiff’s responsibility to prove the defect with the crane. This could get very technical, especially when having to prove how the crane accident happened and what the defect is. Call our attorneys today for more information. 

Contact Our Los Angeles Crane Accident Lawyers Today

When you contact our injury attorneys at Heidari Law Group,  you get top-quality legal care. We also offer complimentary case evaluations to discuss your specific accident and make sure that we take the right steps for you. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation, and to contact our experienced legal staff.