Crane Accidents

The annual number of construction workers that are reportedly injured during a crane collapse on their site is astounding. Whether it is due to a mechanical failure, or a poorly trained operator behind the controls, anyone near the area is at risk of becoming a potential victim.

There are many variables involved in the cause of crane accidents. However, not every accident can be ascribed to a mischance. Most construction site accidents involve a third party or a negligent act. Our experienced lawyer can provide the legal representation required to assist injured victims or surviving family members in obtaining well above than that of workers compensation benefits.

Crane Injuries

Crane related accidents are considered one of the primary causes of death with the estimated weight varying from a 1 ton to a 500-ton crane. According to the US Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), there are approximately 250,000 crane operators nationwide working on roughly 175,000 cranes in the construction industries. Several types of crane accident injuries include:

  • Harm or injury due to a dropped item from a crane
    • This is a relatively common cause of crane accident injuries. With elevation added to the weight of the object carried by the crane, the harm or injury induced by the collision could be catastrophic.
  • Harm or injury resulting from a crane’s hook
    • Detached, unbuckled, or poorly hitched hooks can cause property damage and personal injury as they are likely to swing violently.
  • Harm or injury due to an unbalanced or incorrectly mounted crane
    • This type of accident jeopardizes the property, the crane operator, and individuals within the danger zone, as the crane is at risk of tipping or toppling.
  • Harm or injury due to crane contact with a power line
    • Roughly 39 percent of crane accidents are due to contact with overhead power lines. In the event that a crane comes into contact with a power line, the risk of harm is not limited to just the operator, but rather extends to individuals or any other workers nearby.

Although reports indicate that crane operator injuries and death only amount to 10% of all crane injuries, further statistics show that:

  • Human error accounts for approximately 90% of crane accidents
  • 80% of crane malfunctions or failures are by reason of the operator exceeding the crane’s functional capacity
  • 54% of crane accidents are attributed to a swinging crane

In 2009, 50% of crane accidents resulted in fatalities in the U.S. 

50% of crane accidents involve electrocution

Some of the most common types of cranes accidents are:

  • Manlift Accidents & Bucket Truck Accidents
  • Construction Crane Accidents
  • Cherry Pickers & Truck Crane Accidents
  • Railroad Yard Crane Accidents
  • Tower Crane Collapses & Accidents
  • Marine & Ship Crane Accidents

Crane Safety

Although crane accidents come in seldom situations, they are one of the most catastrophic construction accidents that cause tragic injury. Fatalities happen with all types of cranes, including mobile and overhead cranes and impact the lives of bystanders, passersby, and workers.

Crane accidents are avoidable. Just like any other heavy machinery, cranes must and should be operated, inspected, preserved, and utilized in proper condition. The absence of inspections, mechanical failure, oversight or a slip up from the operator and poorly trained crane operators or uncertified or unqualified crane operators can lead to property damage or serious injury.

It is of utmost importance for crane operators to be conscious of the limits and range of their equipment. The weight capacity and limitation of a crane is important knowledge as one error can lead to the plummeting of thousands of pounds of materials and thus killing or injuring workers and bystanders.

There is reportedly a shortage of skilled crane lift operators due to work opportunities offered and provided abroad. However, this should not justify the acts of those liable for crane accidents. The negligent parties should be held accountable. Businesses should invest in the education of their crane lift employees, especially with looming dangers of crane accidents. Crane accidents can be prevented or limited if businesses were to provide crane accident educations, such as the dangers and risks associated with cranes and riggings and requiring certification and training of crane operators.

Crane Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, crane accidents happen at a frightening rate and almost always lead to death or serious injury of construction workers or bystanders and passersby. In the event of a crane accident, it is hard to tell who can be liable whether it’s the operator, rigger, the company, or the property owners.

Seeking legal representation from our experienced lawyer will assist in investigating who is for any injured parties. Our highly trained lawyer will be able to provide support to the injured party or family by assessing damage and injuries sustained by crane accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident, contact our investigating crane accident lawyer for a free case evaluation now.