California Crane Accident Attorneys
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Record-Breaking Crane Accidents Attorney in California
Overall, the losses in America due to crane accidents are millions. Fatalities in this accident category are common. The Crane Inspection and Certification Bureau (CICB) estimates that approximately 50 percent of all crane accidents in the United States result in fatal injuries. This statistic is both daunting and eye-opening, as many victims of crane accidents are unaware of the proper steps to take following an accident.
If you suffered an injury in a crane accident, contact the attorneys at Arash Law. The attorneys at Arash Law have decades of experience representing accident victims, and we want to help you, too. Having represented thousands of satisfied clients, let us take care of the insurance company negotiations and guide you successfully through the legal process. At Arash Law, you only need to focus on your recovery to return to a fulfilled life.
For decades, the attorneys at Arash Law, founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have helped accident victims get the compensation they deserve. The effects of suffering a crane accident can be daunting and extensive. The crane accident attorneys at Arash Law are completely dedicated to helping victims navigate the legal process. No matter the case’s complexity, here at Arash Law, we will ensure our clients get the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation.
Crane Accident Statistics
It is estimated that there are 7.49 million Americans employed in construction as of 2019. That makes up 5 percent of the American workforce. Crane accidents in the United States cost the country millions every year.
One study looked at accidents over ten years. In 249 crane accidents, 133 injuries took place, and 133 fatalities occurred. Approximately 838 Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) violations had been committed. In costs, those injuries and fatalities were $2.3 million in OSHA fines alone.
The average injury in total costs is approximated at $200,000. Deaths have an average cost of $4 million. Factors that go into these costs include medical bills, investigation costs, property damage, and lost wages. Companies involved in these incidents also have costs such as lost production. There are a number of other costs that you can incur if you or a loved one has been involved in a crane accident.
Our California construction accident law firm knows exactly what you are going through. We help people that have been injured in crane accidents and help them to get the compensation they deserve. We can fight for you to have your losses covered. Call our California accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free review of your case.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents
- Selecting the wrong crane type for the job
- The crane was improperly constructed, causing it to collapse
- Cranes being utilized outside of the manufacturer’s specifications
- Cranes coming into contact with power lines
- Mistakenly dropped crane loads
- The failure to comply with OSHA safety standards
- Overloaded machines, which can cause equipment to overturn, particularly when the stabilizing outriggers are not properly implemented.
All of these issues usually result from either inadequate training, improper maintenance, or the negligence of employees. If you suffered an injury because of accidents caused by any of the above actions, contact a crane accident attorney immediately.
Common Types of Crane Accidents
- Improper assembly – The improper setup of a crane can lead to potentially fatal accidents. If a crane is not set up correctly, it is often due to the boom’s gratuitous extension without the manufacturer’s manual reference. Also, it can be due to the improper use of blocking supports.
- Cranes buckling and collapsing – Most cranes have structures that support them, preventing them from moving while they are being used. Accidents such as buckling or collapsing can occur if they are set up on unstable ground or go beyond their weight limits.
- Mechanical failure – This failure is typically just a result of the poor maintenance of the crane. When the moving components of the crane deteriorate, the crane can malfunction.
- Electrocution – Electrocution is often caused by an uninsulated part of the crane coming into contact with live electrical wires
- Insufficient or improper training – Many crane accidents occur simply due to improper training. Crane operators can ignore OSHA safety standards, thereby ignoring surrounding safety hazards. Doing so poses a threat to not only themselves but also their coworkers, bystanders, and other nearby structures. While on-site, all workers should be critically aware of the crane’s operational range and have safety protocols in an emergency.
Crane Accident Injuries
- Head injuries
- Concussions
- Electrocutions and burns
- Lacerations and bruises
- Broken bones
- Compression and crushing injuries that occur due to being run over by a crane
- Catastrophic brain injuries and spinal cord areas that occur due to falling materials from the crane
- Wrongful death
Suarez v. PLI Marketing Solutions (settled on 3/2/2022) – Settlement involving a forklift operator who fell off a loading dock crushing his left upper extremity when his brakes failed.– Tina Eshghieh
California Crane Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided specific guidelines and regulations for all constructors to follow during on-site work. These guidelines also include power lines, machinery certifications, and fall protection. Additionally, there are permits that a construction company must obtain before starting work on a site. Under California law, a tower crane erection permit is required when using full tower cranes taller than 36 feet.
Crane Safety Checklist
- Identify danger zones and hazardous areas.
- Communicate all work operations to the staff.
- Ensure that rigging is well done to prevent falling materials.
- Before operating the crane, set up and test all communication channels.
- Do not overload the crane.
- Be sure to have qualified personnel inspect the crane.
- Certify and train signal persons and crane operators.
What to Do After a Crane Accident in California
- Seek medical attention as quickly as possible – Following an accident, the most important thing to attend to is the victim’s health. The construction site manager should contact the local emergency responders to prevent further bodily damage.
- Document the accident – After receiving medical, gather evidence from the accident. Evidence can include pictures of the damages, witness statements, witness contact information, and any medical treatment. Also, document all medical expenses, including paramedic bills, ambulance bills, and even insurance claims. These documents can all be used to help the validity of the victim’s case and help them to recover the financial losses.
- File an accident report with the employer or site manager – There is usually a 30-day window to file a report following an accident; however, filing should be done as soon as possible. If the 30 days are exceeded without an accident report being filed, California law determines that the victim forfeited any right to receive compensation. The report should be as detailed as possible, including all parties involved (a crucial component of the claim).
- Contact a crane accident attorney – Experienced and dedicated crane accident attorneys can help the victim navigate the legal process, helping them to recover the losses they deserve.
Who Is Liable in a Crane Accident?
- The property owner or management company
- The construction company
- Crane operator
- Crane manufacturer
- Maintenance workers whose job is to inspect or repair the crane
- Construction project’s engineer or architect
It is important to note that while many crane accidents are due to human error, it does not necessarily mean that someone was being negligent. In either case, the victim still reserves the right to receive compensation. Under personal injury law, the victim can use vicarious liability to hold construction companies responsible for their employee’s negligence. Negligence occurs when:
- The employee is not experienced in operating heavy machinery.
- The employees have not been properly trained in crane safety or operation.
- The crane has received improper maintenance.
- The crane is operated improperly.
Personal Injury Lawsuits vs. Workers’ Compensation
If You Are Not a Construction Worker
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Economic Damages
- Present and future medical costs include rehabilitative services, physical therapy, and medical equipment.
- Current and future lost income, which is the inability to return to the same type of work you did before the accident
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering and the inconvenience of being involved in the accident
- Loss of consortium, which is a legal claim for the victim’s spouse for the loss of the benefit of their spouse’s services and companionship
Punitive Damages
Benefits of a Crane Accident Attorney
Free Case Consultation
- Before the consultation, the victim should gather all evidence from the accident. This evidence should consist of liability and damages against all responsible parties.
This evidence may include:
- Photographs of the scene of the accident
- Statements from any witnesses
- Medical records
- Invoices from injury-related expenses
Keep in mind that in hiring an attorney, they will do a thorough investigation to compile such evidence as well.
- Write a Personal Injury Journal
To keep track of the events that transpire following the crane accident, it is beneficial for the victim to keep a personal journal of their injuries. Not only should they record their injuries, but they should also record the difficulties resulting from them. These difficulties can include being unable to perform basic tasks, hobbies, or just the pain they endure. Bringing this journal to the consultation can assist the lawyer in discussing the victim’s non-economic losses.
Important Rights of the Victim
- Temporary or part-time employees can still be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
- Independent contractors can still be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
- Undocumented workers can still be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
- Employers must pay for medical care if an employee suffers an injury while working. This requirement stands whether or not the employee requires time off from work.
- The employer has no legal right to punish or terminate the worker’s employment for requesting workers’ compensation benefits.
Consult With a California Crane Accident Attorney
The crane industry is an inherently dangerous line of work. Multiple people operate and maintain heavy machinery to protect themselves and others. As cities and states grow, construction sites increase the probability of crane accidents. California has several of the largest populated cities in the United States, with many construction zones. Cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Oakland are steadily growing, and as such, both constructors and bystanders need to be aware of what to do in the case of a crane accident.
Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation.
