Crane Accident Attorneys

Crane Accident Attorneys

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were a total of nearly 300 crane-related deaths between the years 2011 to 2017. Among those crane-related deaths, men accounted for the majority of the fatalities, and non-Hispanic workers were most likely the ones involved in crane accident fatalities. The second most common group likely to be involved in a crane accident fatality were Hispanic and Latino male workers.

Most crane accident injuries in the United States occur when a construction worker is struck by an object or equipment while using the crane. These accidents can result in severe injuries, often leading to disabilities that prevent victims from returning to work and resuming normal activities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident, contact our top-rated, experienced construction accident attorneys for a free, no-risk consultation.

Between 2011 and 2017, 43% of crane accident fatalities occurred within the private construction industry. In 22% of these cases, the worker operated the crane at the time of the accident. More than a quarter of crane injuries happened at construction sites, with factories and plants being the second most common locations for these injuries.

Top States Where Crane Accidents Occur

The top states that have experienced the most crane accident injuries are:

• California
• Texas
• Florida
• New York
• Illinois

The primary reason for the high incidence of crane accident injuries in these states is the relentless pace of constructing new roads and buildings to accommodate growing populations. Unfortunately, the rush to keep up with urban expansion often leads to increased crane accidents and associated injuries.

How Common Are Crane Accidents?

Crane accidents are quite prevalent, according to the Center for Fatal Occupational Injuries. These accidents are among the most severe and frequent incidents that can occur in the construction industry. On average, approximately 44 people are killed in crane accidents each year.

Can I Sue for My Crane Accident Injuries?

If another party was liable for your crane accident injuries, you could sue the negligent party to seek compensation for your injuries Crane accidents often result in severe and catastrophic injuries that can take months or even years to heal. During this time, victims may face significant financial hardships, incurring thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost wages.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Crane Accidents?

Crane accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons. The most common causes include:

• Crane overturning: Instability or uneven ground leading to the crane tipping over.
• Crane collapse: Structural failures resulting in the crane falling apart.
• Mechanical failures: Malfunctions in the crane’s operating systems or components.
• Defective equipment: Manufacturing defects that compromise the crane’s safety and functionality.
• Improper maintenance: Lack of regular inspections and upkeep leading to wear and tear.
• Inexperienced operators: Operators lacking the necessary training and experience to handle the crane safely.
• Overloading: Exceeding the crane’s lifting capacity, leading to structural failure.
• Improper setup: Incorrect assembly or positioning of the crane.
• Weather conditions: Operating cranes in adverse weather conditions such as high winds or storms.
• Poor communication: Miscommunication between crane operators and ground workers, leading to accidents.
• Lack of safety protocols: Inadequate safety measures and guidelines on construction sites.

Each of these factors can lead to severe injuries and underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and proper training in the construction industry.

How Do Crane Accidents Occur?

According to OSHA, crane accidents often result from the following violations:

• Crushed by a Load: Construction workers can be crushed by loads that are improperly secured or moved by the crane.
• Dropped Loads: Poor rigging practices can cause the crane to drop its load, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Crane Tip-Overs: Instability or improper setup can cause the crane to tip over and fall.
• Contact with Power Lines: Cranes coming into contact with live power lines can result in electrocution or fires.
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in the crane’s operating systems or components can lead to sudden breakdowns.
• Overloading: Exceeding the crane’s weight capacity can cause structural failure or collapse.
• Improper Setup: Incorrect assembly or positioning of the crane can lead to accidents.
• Inadequate Operator Training: Inexperienced or poorly trained operators may make errors that result in accidents.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Operating cranes in high winds, storms, or other adverse weather can increase the risk of accidents.
• Lack of Communication: Miscommunication between crane operators and ground workers can lead to dangerous situations.
• Insufficient Maintenance: Failing to regularly inspect and maintain the crane can result in equipment failures.

These accidents highlight the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols and proper training for crane operation and rigging practices.

What Type of Compensation Could I Receive for My Crane Accident Lawsuit?

The types of damages you can receive depend on the specific circumstances of your crane accident. For instance, someone who has suffered a permanent disability is likely to recover more compensation compared to someone with a temporary injury. The most common types of compensation for crane accident injuries include:

• Past Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time away from work.
• Future Lost Wages: Compensation for future income lost due to long-term or permanent disability.
• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, emergency room treatment, prescription medication, and medical supplies.
• In-Home Medical Care: Costs for ongoing medical care provided at home.
• Physical Rehabilitation: Expenses for physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for any property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner.
• Emotional Distress: Damages for psychological impact and mental anguish resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies.
• Permanent Disability: Compensation for lifelong disabilities resulting from the accident.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Damages for physical scars or disfigurement caused by the accident.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: In cases of fatal crane accidents, compensation for funeral and burial costs.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Costs for retraining or education if you need to change careers due to your injuries.
• Assistive Devices: Coverage for wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other assistive devices needed for daily living.
• Home Modifications: The costs of modifying your home to accommodate your disability, such as wheelchair ramps or bathroom modifications.

These compensations aim to address the wide-ranging impacts of crane accident injuries on your life and well-being.

Wrongful Death and Crane Accidents

Oftentimes, crane accidents lead to fatalities rather than injuries. If your loved one has passed away due to a crane accident, contact our attorneys to see how you could file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party responsible for the crane accident. A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal claim brought by the decedent’s family members against the liable party to seek compensation for any financial suffering the decedent experienced, along with other family and funeral expenses. For more information on wrongful death cases, contact our top-rated California personal injury attorneys today.

Who Can I Sue for a Crane Accident?

Several parties may be held liable for a crane accident. To determine the specific liable party for your crane accident injuries, contact our construction accident attorneys today for a free, no-risk consultation. The at-fault party, also known as the defendant, can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Potential defendants include:

• Property Owners: Those responsible for the premises where the accident occurred.
• Crane Operators: Individuals operating the crane at the time of the accident.
• Engineers: Professionals responsible for the design and safety of the construction project.
• Construction Inspectors: Those tasked with ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards.
• Government Entities: Local, state, or federal bodies that may have oversight or regulatory responsibilities.
• Architects: Designers of the construction project who may be liable for design flaws.
• Crane Manufacturers: Companies that design and produce the crane equipment.
• Construction Project Management Companies: Firms overseeing the construction project, responsible for coordinating and ensuring safety protocols.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: Parties involved in various aspects of the construction work.
• Maintenance Companies: Firms responsible for the upkeep and repair of the crane.
• Safety Officers: Individuals or entities responsible for implementing and monitoring safety measures on the construction site.
• Equipment Rental Companies: Companies that lease cranes and other construction equipment.
• Training Providers: Organizations responsible for training crane operators and other personnel.

Contacting our experienced attorneys will help you identify the liable party and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Negligence In Crane Accidents

Crane accidents will most likely have to be filed under a negligence claim. Negligence is a legal claim that the plaintiff, also known as the injured victim, will have to prove. The plaintiff needs to show:

• The defendants had a duty to the plaintiff to act in a reasonably safe manner
• The defendant breached that duty when they failed to act in a reasonably safe manner
• The defendant’s breach caused plaintiff to suffer injuries
• The plaintiff now has damages due to their injuries

Example of crane accident negligence: The construction Company negligently hired an inexperienced crane operator. While the crane operator was operating the crane, he negligently dropped the load onto another construction worker down below. The construction worker who has sustained injuries could file a claim against the construction company for negligently hiring an inexperienced crane operator.

How could the construction company be held liable for my crane accident?

In California and Nevada, the theory of vicarious liability holds employers responsible for injuries caused by the negligence of their employees. If an employee engaged in negligent behavior within the scope of their employment, the employer is likely to be held liable for the employee’s actions. This means that if an employee operated a crane negligently, the injured victim has a valid claim against the employer who hired the employee.

To prove the employer’s liability, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the employee acted within the scope of their employment during the incident. For more detailed information on how to establish this, contact our top-rated personal injury attorneys today. We can guide you through the process and help you build a strong case.

Can I Sue for Injuries from a Defective Crane?

If you have been injured due to a defective crane, you may have a claim against the product manufacturer. Cranes can be defective in several ways, including:

• Manufacturing Defect: Occurs when a specific crane is defectively produced compared to others on the production line.
• Design Defect: This occurs when all cranes of a particular model are inherently flawed due to poor design.
• Warning Defect: This occurs when the crane lacks adequate warnings or instructions for safe use.
• Material Defect: This involves the use of substandard materials that compromise the crane’s integrity.
• Assembly Defect: Results from improper assembly or installation of crane components.
• Quality Control Failure: This occurs when the manufacturer fails to properly inspect and test the crane before distribution.
• Software Defect: This involves flaws in the crane’s operating software, leading to malfunctions.
• Component Defect: A specific part or component of the crane is faulty, affecting overall performance and safety.

If you believe a defective crane caused your injury, contact our experienced attorneys to discuss your case and explore your legal options.