About Crane Accidents

Cranes are considered to be the most dangerous and difficult-to-operate pieces of equipment used on construction sites. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 2009 (the latest year for which figures are available) there were more than 500 reported crane-related deaths and injuries. Crane accidents not only involve their operators, but can also injure or kill other workers or bystanders.

Overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes, are specialized pieces of equipment designed to be used inside factories. As their name implies, mobile cranes are relatively small, versatile cranes that can be mounted on trucks, boats, all-terrain vehicles or even rail cars.

Tower cranes are skyscraper-sized pieces of equipment used to construct tall buildings (a tower crane was involved in that New York accident cited above).

As you might expect, a tall, heavy, mobile crane capable of swinging multi-ton loads in a broad arc poses a unique array of dangers to the average construction worker. Workers can be struck by falling or swinging loads, injured in falls from the tops of tower cranes, electrocuted by contact with overhead or underground power lines, or even crushed when the entire crane tips over and falls (because of unsafe working conditions or lack of training on the part of the site owner). Carelessly operated cranes can also be lethal to innocent bystanders, not to mention the potential destruction to surrounding property. For example, in 2008 a crane collapse in New York City killed four construction workers and leveled an entire townhouse.

Because of increased government scrutiny in the wake of the 2008 New York accident (and similar incidents across the country), crane owners and operators are especially liable for safety violations, either intentional or inadvertent. Cranes should be inspected regularly, their operating crews should be meticulously trained and well-rested, and care should be taken to prevent passers-by from wandering into the crane’s area of operation. And, because a tower crane is so heavy, it’s especially important for the owner to inspect the foundation on which it’s being used, to prevent cave-ins, tipovers or contact with underground power lines.

There are many different types of cranes, each of which requires expertise to operate as well as a thorough grounding in safety procedures. But no matter how well-trained or competent the operator, if the equipment itself is not maintained properly, has damaged, worn, or defective parts break, a crane accident is bound to happen.

If you have been injured in a crane accident, or someone you love was killed in a fatal accident involving a crane or any other job-related accident, call our law offices today for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to more than just worker’s compensation. We will investigate the facts of your case to see if any third parties can also be held accountable. Never assume that you have no right to recovery beyond a worker’s compensation insurance claim — only a skilled attorney can tell you what you may be entitled to in a civil claim.

Have you, or someone you love been the victim of a crane accident?

Orange County Personal Injury Attorney John Rapillo can help you.

In California, certain employers must offer their employees workers compensation insurance. An employee who is covered by worker’s comp is entitled to receive compensation for injuries and accidents that occur on the job. However, just as with any other type of insurance, having worker’s comp insurance is not a guarantee you will receive benefits you are entitled to. Although in most cases involving injuries on the job you may not be able to sue your employer, many types of accidents occur because of faulty equipment, product failure, or the negligence of third parties that you may be able to sue.

If you have been severely injured on the job, or someone you love was involved in a fatal accident, call the Law Offices of John Rapillo before you settle a claim. You may be entitled to more than you have been offered, and you may be able to recover in a claim against a third party.

The California worker’s compensation system is designed to protect employers against liability for their employees; it was not set in place to ensure you have the compensation needed for your loss or recovery. Only an experienced attorney can serve as your legal advocate to ensure you understand all your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

For a free consultation, call now toll free: 800-814-4771; Newport Beach Office: 949-675-5060; Huntington Beach Office: 714-848-4849 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM.

Orange County, CA attorney John Rapillo is a trial lawyer for plaintiffs (victims.) If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an accident on the job or at a construction site, Mr. Rapillo will attempt to settle your personal injury case — but will prepare to go to trial if necessary to get you the compensation you deserve. From his Orange County personal injury law offices in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, California, John Rapillo represents crane operators, construction workers, bystanders and other crane accident victims who were harmed by tower cranes, overhead cranes, equipment that was not maintained, worn or defective parts, and will seek to hold third parties accountable when possible. Serving Southern California including: Irvine, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana Heights, Corona Del Mar, Garden Grove, Stanton, Rossmoor, Yorktown, Adams, Fountain Valley, Midway City, Golden West, Riverview, and Tustin.

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