Crane Accidents

Cranes are among the most common pieces of equipment on construction sites, and among the most likely to cause devastating accidents and injuries if not operated properly. Accordingly, construction site employers and contractors are required to make sure workers and those who operate cranes, hoists, winches, and boom mechanisms are properly trained to use heavy equipment. Should a crane accident occur because an employer or contractor failed to comply with their responsibilities, victims may have valid legal claims for compensation. The crane accident attorneys at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers is prepared to help you after a serious construction site injury or death of a loved one.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), crane accidents leading to worker injuries frequently involve:

• Contact with power lines – Nearly 40% of crane accidents are caused by overhead power lines. Crane operators, as well as any other workers nearby, can be electrocuted when crane booms, cables, or other crane parts contact live power lines during operation.
• Crane boom collapse – When the crane boom is extended beyond manufacturer specifications, it can affect the crane’s capacity to carry loads and put overwhelming pressure on the mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components of the crane. At a certain point, the crane boom will collapse, potentially injuring the crane operator and workers below.
• Crane tip over – A crane can tip over if overloaded beyond capacity, or if ground conditions are unstable or uneven. If a crane tips over, the operator and any workers near the crane may be injured.
• Improper assembly and/or disassembly of the crane – When cranes are not assembled and disassembled according to manufacturer specifications, crane accidents are likely to occur. Before operation, tests should be carried out to make sure the crane is stable, and to avoid the likelihood of an accident. Too often, lack of proper communication, unrealistic time constraints, and simple laziness cause necessary tests to go unperformed.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crane accident on a construction site, it is important to hire the best personal injury lawyer possible. In many cases, a contractor, subcontractor, or other party caused or contributed to the accident, whether by allowing damaged or defective equipment on the jobsite, failing to properly train workers, or by otherwise failing to take appropriate safety measures to avoid crane accidents. Only by talking to an experienced crane accident attorney will you know if you have a valid claim for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

It is the job of every construction site employer and contractor to follow strict safety standards to ensure the safety of their employees. If an employer or contractor prioritized time or money over your safety, and you or a loved one was injured in a crane accident as a result, our attorneys can help you obtain fair compensation for your damages. Contact our offices in Atlanta at (404) 460-0101 or 888-426-2100 to schedule a free initial consultation.