Virginia Crane Accident Lawyers

Construction sites have a reputation for being hazardous, and rightfully so. They are filled with uniquely dangerous and powerful equipment. Cranes can be particularly precarious, posing dangers to both operators and those working in the surrounding vicinity. Although they make light work of heavy loads, one false move, one failed safety inspection, or one miscommunication between the operator and those on the ground can be enough to wreak havoc. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2011 and 2017, 42 workers were killed each year on average in crane-related accidents.

These types of accidents don’t just happen in large states either. While many crane-related accidents take place in Texas, New York, and California, as recently as December of 2020, a crane operator in Virginia was killed while on the job.

Crane accidents happen, and when they do, the Virginia construction accident attorneys of CHASENBOSCOLO are ready to help victims and their families seek full and fair compensation. Crane injuries can be devastating, changing a person’s entire quality of life and ability to work in their chosen field. Medical bills can reach exorbitant heights. Victims deserve compensation that accounts for their losses, and CHASENBOSCOLO wants to help them get it.

If you want to talk about how a crane-accident has impacted your life and what we may be able to do to help, reach out to the skilled crane accident attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO. We even offer a free consultation to help get you started. Call (703) 538-1138 to schedule yours today.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Whether a crane is sitting on the ground or is 50 stories up in the air perched on a platform, these machines are the heavy lifters of construction sites. Operators must have the proper training and nerves of steel to operate these behemoths. That’s because accidents involving cranes can be catastrophic both for the operator and for the crews working on the ground surrounding the crane. Work zone negligence or a safety protocol failure can lead to life-altering injuries or even death.

Some of the most common causes of crane accidents include:

Falling objects

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that one of the most common causes of crane-related accidents is falling objects or equipment. A heavy object crashing down on top of a crane operator can cause catastrophic injuries. Objects can fall from cranes when there are crane rigging failures, mechanical failures, when the object is too heavy for the crane to safely lift, or when it is incorrectly attached to the crane.

Crane collisions

Crane collisions happen when the arm of the crane collides with a building or other stationary object. These types of accidents can happen due to poor judgment or lack of communication between the crane operator and other crew members. A crane colliding with a building or another object can also loosen debris and cause serious injuries to workers on the ground beneath the crane.

Electrocutions

Electrocutions can happen when a crane is set up too close to overhead power lines. If a crane boom or cable encounters a power line, electrocution injuries or severe burns may be the result.

Crane overturning

A crane could tip or overturn for a variety of reasons. Overloading the weight capacity of the crane is one of the main causes of crane tipping. A crane hitting a stationary object just right or with a large amount of force could also cause a crane to overturn. Cranes raised up off the ground or on a tall building are also at risk of overturning if they are not properly positioned in a stable location.

Boom and jib accidents

Workers are at risk when dismantling sections of the crane, such as the boom or jib. When workers remove the pins holding each boom section together, there is a risk of the section collapsing when adequate support is removed.

Improper crane set up

Just as workers can be injured dismantling a crane, workers and operators can also be at risk when they are setting up a crane or when it has not been set up properly. An improper set-up can result in a crane completely collapsing when put into use.

Use only as intended

Cranes should only be used for their intended purpose and within the designated safe operational range. Cranes have weight limits and restrictions which should never be breached. Neglecting these specifications can cause catastrophic crane failure and serious injuries or even death.

Mechanical or part defects

Design or mechanical defects in a crane may also result in serious crane accidents. These problems are typically the result of poor design or line defects from the manufacturer of the crane or from a third-party that manufactures crane parts.

Poor weather conditions

Being forced to operate a crane in poor weather conditions can also contribute to accidents. Cranes should not be used in icy or excessively windy conditions so that operators and ground workers stay safe.

Common Injuries Associated with Crane Accidents

Crane accidents often result in traumatic, even fatal injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that between 2011 and 2017, there were a total of 297 crane-related deaths. Those that survive this type of devastating accident are often left with debilitating injuries that prevent them from returning to work. Some of the most common injuries associated with crane accidents tend to be:

Traumatic brain injury
Broken bones
Amputations (loss of limb)
Paralysis and spinal injuries
Burns or electrocution wounds
Lacerations
Wrongful death

After a significant crane accident, a victim may be faced with the prospect of paying mountains of unexpected medical bills. Surgical costs, doctor’s visits, hospital bills, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and physical therapy costs can quickly skyrocket. The more severe the injury, the higher the cost of treating it.

Victims may become emotionally strained, anxious, and depressed when they find out that their injury will prevent them from returning to work. Without money for medical expenses and everyday essentials, a crane accident turns into something even more devastating than that one-time event. It turns into an everyday battle just to survive the aftermath.

If a crane accident has shattered your life, you need help picking up the pieces. That’s where the attorneys of CHASENBOSCOLO come in. We can help victims or their surviving family members seek the full and fair compensation that they deserve. From covering medical costs to lost income, at CHASENBOSCOLO, we want to make sure that you get the money you need. Before you accept any offer of payment, talk to an experienced crane accident attorney to make sure you are getting everything you are entitled to.

Who is Liable for a Crane Accident?

Crane accidents are significant events that can devastate a victim or their family for years to come. Getting compensation for these accidents can be complicated because there are so many elements that require detailed attention.

Finding out how and why a crane accident happened may be vital to getting a victim the full and fair compensation that they deserve. Establishing liability is crucial because it dictates who may be responsible for paying. In fact, more than one party may be responsible for causing an accident, further complicating a victim’s claim.

Depending on the situation one, or more of the following parties could be liable for a crane accident:

The crane operator
The construction company
A third-party property owner
The crane manufacturer
A parts manufacturer

Establishing who is liable for the accident helps narrow down the avenues that a victim may take to pursue compensation. Whether it’s a workers’ compensation claim, private insurance claim, or personal injury lawsuit, the attorneys of CHASENBOSCOLO can review your situation and advise you on the best options for receiving fair compensation.

Do not accept any financial offer without first seeking legal advice. Insurers may offer you a settlement right away, but a quick cash payout is almost never in your favor. Such an offer may not come close to covering all your medical expenses and lost income. Talk to an experienced crane accident attorney to find out what your claim is worth. Your attorney can then guide you through which legal approach will yield the best possible outcome for your situation.

Contact an Experienced Crane Accident Attorney in Virginia Today

Crane accidents often result in crippling, sometimes life-ending injuries. If you’ve been seriously injured or lost a close family member to a crane accident, you may be able to recover compensation.

Don’t take an insurance company’s word for what your case may be worth. Contact an experienced crane accident attorney first. At CHASENBOSCOLO, we know you are struggling to get past this traumatic event, but the constant physical pain and financial strain can be overwhelming. Shift the burden off your shoulders and onto ours.

At CHASENBOSCOLO, we will review the circumstances of the accident and review with you which legal options may be best for you. We can then move forward with the process of seeking full and fair compensation for your injuries and time away from work.

Get started for free by contacting our office at (703) 538-1138 to speak with a skilled attorney and schedule your no-obligation consultation today.