Crane accidents are among the most catastrophic incidents on construction sites, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities.
Whether due to equipment failure, human error, or negligence, victims deserve justice and compensation. If you or a loved one has been affected by such an accident, hiring an experienced crane accident lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights.
But what makes these cases so complex? Who can be held liable and how do you maximize your compensation? Let’s explore the legal landscape surrounding crane accidents and how a dedicated Rodich Law attorney can make all the difference.
What Is a Crane Accident?
A crane accident refers to any mishap involving a construction crane, resulting in injury, property damage, or death. These incidents can occur due to operational errors, mechanical failures, or environmental factors.
Common types of crane accidents include:
Crane collapse: When the crane’s structure fails, causing it to fall.
Electrocution: Contact with power lines.
Falling objects: Improperly secured loads falling from cranes.
Crane tip-overs: Instability due to overloading or poor setup.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents
Crane accidents often stem from preventable factors, such as:
Equipment malfunction: Mechanical defects or wear and tear.
Operator error: Lack of training or misjudgment.
Improper maintenance: Neglected safety checks or repairs.
Weather-related incidents: High winds or storms causing instability.
Statistics on Crane Accidents in the U.S.
Crane accidents remain a significant safety concern in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
On average, 42 crane-related deaths occur annually.
60% of these fatalities involve workers being struck by falling objects.
Nearly 20% of crane accidents are caused by electrocution.
Common Injuries in Crane Accidents
Physical Injuries
Crane accidents often result in life-altering physical injuries, including:
Fractures and broken bones: From falls or heavy object impact.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Due to head trauma.
Spinal cord damage: Leading to paralysis in severe cases.
Amputations: From machinery entanglement.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Beyond physical damage, victims frequently suffer from emotional distress, including:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Anxiety and depression.
Sleep disorders or emotional trauma.
Long-Term Health Complications
Crane accident victims may endure chronic health issues, such as:
Permanent disabilities.
Reduced mobility and chronic pain.
Long-term dependency on medical care.
Liability in Crane Accidents
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in crane accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties:
Employers: Responsible for worker safety and equipment maintenance.
Crane operators: Liable for negligent or reckless handling.
Equipment manufacturers: Accountable for defective parts.
Property owners: Liable for unsafe work environments.
Proving Negligence in a Crane Accident Case
To establish negligence, your crane accident lawyer must demonstrate:
Duty of care: The responsible party had an obligation to ensure safety.
Breach of duty: They failed to meet that obligation.
Causation and damages: Their negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries.
Third-Party Liability in Crane Accidents
In some cases, third parties (e.g., contractors, subcontractors) may also be held liable. Your lawyer will investigate whether external parties contributed to the accident.
Legal Rights of Crane Accident Victims
Right to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Victims of crane accidents have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against negligent parties. This claim seeks compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If a crane accident results in death, the victim's family can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages, including:
Funeral expenses.
Loss of income.
Loss of companionship.
Steps to Take After a Crane Accident
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Call 911 or request emergency medical services if you or others are severely injured.
Follow through with all recommended treatments to establish a clear medical record of your injuries.
Retain copies of all medical reports, bills, and prescriptions—these will serve as evidence of your physical damages.
Report the Accident to Authorities
It’s essential to officially report the accident and injury to the relevant authorities. This creates a formal record of the incident, which can be invaluable in your legal case.
Notify your employer or site manager immediately.
File an incident report with your company’s safety officer or HR department.
Contact OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) if the accident resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. OSHA investigations can provide valuable documentation supporting your claim.
Document the Scene
Gathering evidence from the accident site is crucial. If you are physically able, take steps to preserve evidence that can support your case.
Take photos and videos: Capture images of the crane, surrounding area, equipment, and any visible injuries.
Collect witness statements: Get contact information from coworkers or bystanders who witnessed the accident. Their testimonies can corroborate your claims.
Preserve physical evidence: If any equipment or machinery is faulty, document its condition.
Contact a Crane Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps is to consult with an experienced crane accident lawyer at Rodich Law as soon as possible. Legal representation ensures that your rights are protected and increases your chances of securing full compensation.
A lawyer will guide you through the legal process, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
They will handle communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel to prevent you from being pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.
Your lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Compensation Available in Crane Accident Cases
Medical Expenses
Medical bills often make up the largest portion of compensation in crane accident cases. Victims can seek reimbursement for both current and future medical costs.
Hospital bills: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, and hospitalization.
Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other recovery treatments.
Ongoing treatments: Compensation for long-term care, such as medications, assistive devices, or home health services.
In severe cases, victims may also seek compensation for anticipated future medical expenses, especially if lifelong care or therapy is required.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Crane accident victims often face time away from work, resulting in lost wages. In cases of permanent disability, they may also claim compensation for their reduced earning potential.
Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work during recovery.
Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to work, you may be compensated for the difference in future income.
Vocational rehabilitation costs: If you need to train for a new career due to disability, you may be entitled to compensation for these expenses.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Beyond financial losses, victims can claim compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Physical pain: Chronic pain, discomfort, or ongoing physical limitations.
Emotional suffering: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or reduced quality of life.
Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for an inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence
In cases where the responsible party displayed egregious negligence or reckless behavior, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future.
Gross negligence by employers: Failing to provide proper safety measures, ignoring OSHA regulations, or knowingly using defective equipment.
Reckless behavior by operators: Intoxicated or unlicensed crane operation.
Wrongful Death Damages for Families
If a loved one dies due to a crane accident, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages, which can include:
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship and consortium
Emotional distress and suffering
Additional Compensation Factors
The compensation amount will vary based on factors like:
Severity of injuries: More severe injuries often result in higher compensation.
Impact on daily life: Permanent disabilities or chronic pain may increase the settlement value.
Fault and liability: If the employer or third party is clearly at fault, you may receive a larger settlement.
Seeking legal counsel from a qualified crane accident lawyer ensures that you accurately calculate and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Rodich Law – Your Trusted Crane Accident Lawyer
At Rodich Law, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured workers in the areas of Woodland Hills and Southern California. With five decades of combined experience, we have recovered substantial awards for clients, including cases previously denied.
Crane accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with life-changing injuries and mounting expenses. If you or a loved one has been affected, seeking the help of an experienced crane accident lawyer is essential.
They will fight for your rights, help you obtain maximum compensation, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Don’t face the aftermath alone—reach out to a trusted legal team like Rodich Law for expert guidance.
