Houston Crane Accident Lawyer
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Houston Crane Accidents and Injuries
On any construction site at any given time, there are likely to be many pieces of heavy equipment. Cranes are often the largest and heaviest of all these equipment pieces. They can also be some of the most dangerous. They lift extremely heavy loads, move them in different directions, and deliver materials to different areas of construction jobs. If negligence is involved in the operation or maintenance of a crane, this could cause a serious crane accident. Victims who sustain injuries in crane accidents should contact a Houston crane accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At Reich & Binstock, our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling even the most complex accident cases. We have seen firsthand how much damage crane-related accidents can cause both to construction sites and people. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a crane accident, you may be eligible for compensation. To schedule a free consultation, contact our skilled crane accident lawyers by calling 713-622-7271 today.
What Is a Crane Accident?
Crane accidents can occur in a number of ways. Examples include the crane or boom coming into contact with power lines, rigging failures, overturned cranes, load drops, counterweight crushing, and boom collapse. Of these accidents, cranes or booms coming into contact with energized power lines make up the largest percentage of crane accidents. Cranes are large, dangerous, and require a lot of skill to operate. Any form of negligence could result in a crane injury to operators, other workers, and even passers-by.
Certain workers are more at risk of crane-related fatalities and injuries. These workers are as follows.
- Electricians
- Cutters, metalworkers, and welders
- Construction workers
- Tower and crane operators
Types of Crane Accident Cases
Crane accidents can happen when crane operators or crane parts manufacturers are negligent in some way. Even employers can be held liable for crane accidents and injuries if they fail to properly train their workers or hire enough staff for a project.
When crane accidents happen, they often result in serious injuries or even wrongful death. Personal injury claims from crane accidents have many forms, including defective product cases and wrongful death cases.
Defective Product Crane Accidents
Product defects can affect virtually any type of product, including construction equipment. If a manufacturer of crane parts exhibits negligence in the design or production of the product, they could be held liable for injuries that occur as a result. Contact a Houston product liability lawyer if a defective crane part caused your injuries.
Wrongful Death Claims
Any personal injury case can turn into a wrongful death claim if the victim dies due to their injuries. Wrongful death claims are unique in that they are filed by family members of the victim. Along with damages like medical bills and pain and suffering, families can fight for funeral and burial expenses. If you have lost a loved one in a Houston crane accident, please contact a Houston wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Crane Accidents?
It is true that construction is a relatively dangerous industry due to the nature of the work. However, by following all proper safety precautions, workers and companies can prevent most accidents from happening. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates and enforces safety standards on various job sites, including construction sites.
However, greed often gets in the way of companies’ strict adherence to safety standards. Cutting corners is unacceptable, as it puts the crane operator, other construction workers, and the entire operation at risk of accidents. Severe injuries and death are common results of crane accidents.
When a crane operator, other worker, or the construction company fails to adhere to all OSHA regulations, they could be held liable for accidents that happen as a result. It is never okay to endanger the lives of others with poor crane safety practices. Injured workers may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit after a construction accident in Houston.
Violations of Safety Standards
Some of the most common safety violations that lead to crane accidents include the following.
- Failing to properly set up the crane, leading to collapse
- Failing to abide by the crane’s load and operational limits
- Using the crane in a way that does not follow manufacturer guidelines
- Choosing the wrong crane for the specific job
- Not cleaning the area around the crane’s operation
- Coming into contact with live power lines, which can lead to execution
If you have been injured in a crane accident due to someone else’s negligence, speak with a qualified crane accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help protect your rights and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Crane Accidents?
Many crane accidents result in serious, life-changing injuries. These injuries could lead to a victim having many medical bills, lost wages, and possibly needing lifelong care. This is why our crane accident attorneys fight so aggressively for our clients’ rights.
Some of the most common injuries in crane accident cases include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and electrocution injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
If an unsecured load is hoisted into the air by a crane operator, this could lead to falling objects striking other workers in the head. Even with a hard hat on, heavy construction materials can do significant damage. If you suffered a head injury during a crane accident, contact a Houston TBI lawyer right away.
Electrocution Injuries
Electrocution accidents are among the most common causes of crane accident injuries. They occur when the crane touches a live power line. When this happens, the metal boom of a crane can conduct the electricity and electrocute the operator.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Other accidents during crane operation can result in back and spinal cord injuries. The operator could fall out of the cab, get caught between the moving parts of the crane, or suffer a spinal injury during a crane collapse. If you suffered a spinal cord injury in a crane accident, contact a Houston spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible.
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Crane Accident Case?
In the most serious cases, monetary compensation cannot possibly replace what a victim has lost or repair the damage that has been done. However, it does make life after the accident a little easier. After a crane accident, injured victims may be able to seek the following types of compensation.
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- In a wrongful death case, funeral and burial expenses
How Can Houston Crane Accident Attorneys Help?
Unfortunately, many injured workers mistakenly assume that filing a workers’ compensation claim completely bars them from pursuing a personal injury claim. This is not always the case. Workers’ compensation only prevents them from suing their employer. However, if a third party’s negligence was responsible for the accident, the injured worker could pursue a claim against them. Examples of potentially liable third parties include property owners and parts manufacturers.
An important thing to remember is that workers’ compensation insurance often does not provide full compensation for the injured worker’s losses. If this is the case, they should contact a crane accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can evaluate your claim and ensure you are well-informed of your legal rights.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Texas, the personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Waiting even one day longer than that would likely bar you from being able to pursue compensation. After the accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are injured, adrenaline can mask even serious injuries. Then, contact a personal injury attorney about your case. They can ensure that you don’t miss your filing deadline.
Contact a Houston Crane Accident Lawyer at Reich & Binstock
At Reich & Binstock, our experienced attorneys have decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims. We know how frustrating it can be to suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence, but we can ensure that your voice is heard. To schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyers, please call our office at 713-622-7271 today.
There is never a fee unless we recover on your behalf.
