California Crane Accident Attorneys

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Table of Content

Crane Accident Statistics
Common Causes of Crane Accidents
Common Types of Crane Accidents
Crane Accident Injuries
California Crane Regulations
Crane Safety Checklist
Personal Injury Lawsuits vs. Workers’ Compensation
Benefits of a Crane Accident Attorney

Record-Breaking Crane Accidents Attorney in California

Crane work is some of the most important work done throughout the United States, as it plays a huge role in creating the infrastructure that our society utilizes. Structures such as buildings, bridges, and roads are all things that help to make life easier for each community. Particularly in larger cities and states, such as California, construction zones are quite common, and crane work is in much higher demand. With increased construction areas, crane accidents have unfortunately increased, as well.

In 2015, 63-year-old Judge Lightfoot was killed in Crestmore, California, in a fatal crane accident. Lightfoot’s death is just one of several examples showing the many tragedies of yearly crane accidents. Often, these accidents include companies, levels of government, and even innocent pedestrians.

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.

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

Generally, many crane accidents occur when the officials in charge of construction sites fail to prioritize the workers’ safety. OSHA standards have been implemented to reduce and prevent injuries and accidents. It is important to note that the construction field is naturally a dangerous working environment, and various things can occur that can lead to an accident. Below is a list of common occurrences:

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

Crane accidents happen for many reasons. Below is a list of the most common causes 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

Every accident can cause a different injury. Below is a list of common 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

Workers' Compensation

$2,500,000.00

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.

Any failure to comply with the guidelines and regulations provided by OSHA can lead to the constructor’s liability if an accident occurs. In such a case, an experienced crane accident attorney can help the victim investigate the accident and help the road to recovering damages easier.

Crane Safety Checklist

Several steps can be taken to help avoid crane accidents. Below is a list of crane safety guidelines:

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

What you do after an accident is crucial to protecting your physical well-being and legal rights. Consider the following after a crane accident:

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.

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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.

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From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.

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Arash Law Answers

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Who Is Liable in a Crane Accident?

The central component in a successful crane accident case is determining who is at fault or liable. Below is a list of the possible liable parties:

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.

Each aspect can have its own unique set of circumstances. An experienced crane accident attorney can help to distinguish the circumstances of the victim’s case so that the proper restitution can be awarded.

Personal Injury Lawsuits vs. Workers’ Compensation

In a workers’ compensation claim, workers can ensure that their medical expenses are paid and receive compensation for their losses if their injuries prevent them from working. Workers can file these claims without proving a case against their employer. There are limited options a worker has when seeking compensation for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.

A personal lawsuit can help an injured worker seek losses related to the accident. For example, suppose a worker sustains an injury from a crane accident and later learns that the equipment was defective. In that case, they can take legal action against both the company and the equipment manufacturers.

If You Are Not a Construction Worker

If someone suffers an injury in a crane accident but they are not a constructor, they can still receive compensation. They have an even greater chance of receiving compensation, and through a personal injury lawsuit, they can hold the construction company or the crane operator liable. In these cases, the victim has a two-year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit.

In the case of a wrongful death, where a loved one may have been killed in a crane accident, a wrongful death lawsuit can help to recover the medical bills, funeral costs, and even the pain and suffering that the family endures. There is a two-year statute of limitations when filing a lawsuit.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

Every bicycle accident has unique circumstances, so there is no definitive answer to what each victim will receive. Generally, economic, non-economic, and punitive damages determine a victim’s compensation. Below is a list of the different types of losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are easily identifiable. Economic damages are typically tangible losses that a victim suffers after an accident. Examples of economic damages include the following:

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

Non-economic damages refer to an accident victim’s losses that may be intangible and, therefore, less obvious. An accident victim may need assistance proving all their damages, but an expert attorney’s help can greatly benefit the accident victim if they claim non-economic losses. Examples of non-economic losses include:

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

Punitive damages are not used to repay the victim; they are attached to the defendant to ensure they will not cause a similar accident again. Courts typically award punitive damages if the defendant’s actions are wildly outrageous.

Benefits of a Crane Accident Attorney

To get the best results in a crane accident case, hire an experienced attorney. Below is a list of benefits hiring an attorney provides.

Crane Attorneys Have Experience

A crane accident attorney has experience handling the various facets of a crane accident case. Their experience handling the legal, insurance, and healthcare systems can help the victim receive the compensation to which they are entitled, which ensures that the case is not just a closed one but a successful one.

Crane Attorneys Can Manage Some of the Stress

The primary concern of a crane accident victim is to make a full and healthy recovery while recovering any compensation owed to them. The physical recovery can be stressful enough, so an attorney can use their legal experience to relieve the stress from the victim.

Crane Attorneys Maximize the Claim

Any victim of a crane accident is entitled to full compensation. A crane accident attorney will value the case, ensure the victim receives all money owed to them, and ensure they do not miss any coverages where extra money can be left out. In many cases, the attorney will strive to go the extra mile so the victim can receive an even higher settlement than they originally sought.

Crane Attorneys Help You Receive Medical Treatment

Crane accident attorneys typically have a network of medical field contacts. Attorneys will not offer medical advice or recommendations, but their contacts do understand the mental, physical, and emotional effects that a victim bears. They can recommend physicians and therapists to aid the victim in recovering

Free Case Consultation

When someone is involved in a crane accident, whether they did or did not suffer an injury, they can seek a free case consultation. This consultation will typically consist of reviewing the relevant documents, pictures, and statements to help start the individual in the right direction. Additionally, the consultee will have the opportunity to ask the attorney any questions about the case. The consultation will be the attorney giving the consultee personalized legal advice specifically tailored to the case details. Here are a few things the consultee should have in their possession for the session:

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

California has strong workers’ compensation laws that help employees be protected after an accident. There are a few laws of which many workers may not be aware. Below is a list of them:

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.

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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.

A crane accident can be quite difficult. In addition to the property damage and bodily harm, there is much mental, emotional, and financial damage from which the victim must recover. Knowing the subsequent steps to take can be difficult, but there are experienced crane accident attorneys who can help people through this process. From investigating and engaging with the insurance company, the attorney will act on behalf of the victim to ensure they receive full restitution for their economic, non-economic, and punitive losses.

The attorneys at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have decades of experience in helping our clients get the compensation they are entitled to after a crane accident. When a victim suffers a loss from an accident, they need a legal team to help them recover. Our legal team takes pride in making sure victims get what they deserve.