Every year, hundreds of crane workers, oil works, mechanics, ironworkers, riggers, and other occupations are killed or are seriously injured as a result of crane accidents. Injuries happen not only to those who are operating the cranes and equipment but to workers on the ground and those who may even be an innocent bystander.
At Bautista LeRoy LLC, construction accident lawyers in St. Louis, we can help relieve many of the complicated legal issues that come with being injured by cranes. We are able to provide our clients a sense of peace while we deliver quality legal representation as the attorneys at Bautista LeRoy LLC are St. Louis' Cranes Aerial Lifts attorneys.
Crane Construction Accidents
Construction sites are often extremely busy and involve a lot of coordinated movement while completing the project. From various contractors and subcontractors coordinating when cement trucks should be coming in, what about cranes, when do we need drywall, and other various construction material, the workers must do so within a small area of workspace. Construction sites are also time sensitive matters. When you put a small area, a lot of moving parts and construction workers, and a rush to get the job done, you create a very active environment that is extremely dangerous. This is why crane collapses are one of the most catastrophic construction accidents that can occur. Unfortunately, these collapses occur at an alarming frequency and generally involve serious injury or death of construction workers and others in the area.
What are the causes of crane accidents?
- Contact with Power Lines: A majority of crane accidents are caused by inadvertent contact with overhead powerlines. Crane booms, cables, or other parts can come into contact with an active power line while operating which can electrocute the operator and other workers nearby.
- Weather: Weather can play a part into a crane's stability. If a storm comes through the area it can tip the crane over or cause structural damage to the crane itself, so it is important to inspect the crane after a storm.
- Crane Assembly/Disassembly: There are specific ways a crane must be put together and taken apart, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's specifications to avoid accidents. Additionally, tests must be performed during installation to test the stability of the crane and assess and instability. Failure to do so can cause accidents.
Other injuries can also occur due to the misuse of cranes. A crane can be extended too far out and tip over, have its load inadvertently fall off, and have its load run into something or drop on someone. It is important that the necessary safety steps are being followed while a crane is in operation.
At Bautista LeRoy LLC, we have extensive experience investigating and prosecuting crane and aerial lift claims. When you hire our firm, we will advance all costs associated with representing the client. If we do not win your case, the firm takes on the losses of the litigation costs. In fact, we only get compensated when we win the case. Simple as that. Give us a call at 833-381-6589 or contact us online.
Summary
Construction zones are really busy and crowded. The construction workers and heavy machinery circling in these zones, along with the pressure of deadlines, often cause accidents. These accidents cause trouble not only for the construction site workforce but also for the innocent bystanders. One mistake in a construction zone can have terrible consequences, especially when accidents involve heavy equipment such as cranes and aerial lifts. The crane and aerial lift accidents are commonly caused by:
- Power line contact
- Severe weather conditions
- Improper assembly/disassembly of equipment
- Load management failure
Crane and aerial lift accidents can cause injuries to victims that pose several hazards, including:
- Electrocution
- Struck-by Incidents
- Catastrophic Events, and
- Familial Impact
If these accidents are proven to be caused by failure to follow safety rules or misuse of equipment, potential parties may be held liable. These parties may include:
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Manufacturers
- Site Supervisors and Operators
- Entities Responsible for Site Safety
To prevent these incidents from escalating, victims can consider several legal options. These can help them achieve justice and fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
Bautista LeRoy LLC helps victims injured in crane and aerial lift accidents. Our legal team addresses the complexities of these cases by thoroughly investigating the true cause of the incidents while ensuring victims get the compensation they deserve. The firm also offers free consultations to keep everything you say private and advances all the litigation costs.
Bautista LeRoy LLC has offices in St. Louis, Bentonville and Kansas City. Our firm works with people in St. Louis, Boone County, Benton County, eastern Missouri and southern Illinois.
If you or a loved one has been injured, experienced legal support can make all the difference. Contact Bautista LeRoy LLC by calling 833-381-6589 or through our website to schedule a consultation.
How do crane and aerial lift accidents usually happen?
Crane and aerial lift accidents do not just happen out of the blue. These accidents are typically the result of preventable negligence. Common causes include:
- Electrocution hazards from contact with overhead power lines.
- Equipment failure or poor maintenance of the crane and aerial lift.
- Improper assembly or setup of the crane and aerial lift.
- Operator error or misuse of the crane and aerial lift.
When heavy machinery like a crane and aerial lift is involved, even a small mistake can lead to serious consequences for the crane and aerial lift.
Who can be injured in a crane accident?
It is not just the crane operator who's at risk, but also the following:
- Ground-level laborers and site workers.
- Subcontractors and other skilled professionals
- Pedestrians or bystanders in the "collapse zone" or near the swing radius.
When something goes wrong with the crane, anyone nearby can be impacted by the crane accident.
What makes crane accidents so dangerous?
The crane's size and weight are factors because the crane carries loads and operates at height, often in tight, busy job sites. When a collapse or failure of the crane happens, it can lead to:
- Injuries from the crane accident
- Multiple victims of the crane accident
- Property damage from the crane accident
These are not minor incidents. They are often catastrophic crane accidents.
What should I do after being injured in a crane accident?
Take action as soon as possible after the crane accident.
- Seek attention immediately for your injuries from the crane accident
- Report the crane accident to your employer or site manager
- Take photos of the scene of the crane accident if you can
- Gather witness information about the crane accident
The sooner you document what happened with the crane accident, the stronger your claim may be for the crane accident.
Can I file a claim if the condition of the area caused the crane accident?
Yes. If negligence or a violation of safety standards was involved, you can file an injury or Third-Party liability claim. The people or parties that may be liable include:
- Negligent employers or site managers.
- Equipment manufacturers (in cases of Product Liability).
- Maintenance contractors who failed to inspect the machinery.
Liability can extend to employers, contractors or equipment manufacturers of the crane, depending on the situation of the crane accident.
How can a crane accident lawyer help with my crane accident case?
These crane accident cases can be complex, involving parties and technical details about the crane accident. A crane accident lawyer can do a lot of things to help you, such as:
- Investigate the cause of the crane accident
- Identify all parties for the crane accident
- Handle insurance and legal claims for the crane accident
- Pursue compensation for your injuries from the crane accident
When the stakes are high with the crane accident, having the right legal support can make a real difference in the crane accident case.
