A crane is one of the most recognizable pieces of equipment on a construction site, and it can also be one of the most dangerous objects. A crane accident can cause devastating injuries for victims, and those responsible for these catastrophic accidents must be held accountable for their actions.
The experienced crane injury attorneys at Deldar Legal recognize the need for strong advocates in crane accident cases; we have a history of successfully securing the compensation that injury victims deserve following crane accidents. You can call the office or contact us today to schedule a free consultation of your case with one of our experts in California personal injury law.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents
A crane accident can be caused by a number of different factors on a construction site. Insufficient or improper training, operation errors, insufficient inspection or upkeep of the equipment, mechanical failures, improper rigging, collapses, and buckling all lead to accidents involving cranes.
A lack of workplace safety protocols can also lead to electrocution accidents or incidents involving falling tools from cranes that can also cause devastating injuries to victims. Crane operators, construction site workers, and individuals in the surrounding area of a worksite can all become victims in a crane accident, and the catastrophic nature of their injuries cannot be overstated.
Crane Accident Injuries
Injuries caused by crane accidents are often devastating for the victims. The sheer size of a crane, combined with the nature of most crane accidents, can leave victims permanently disabled as a result of their injuries. Some of the most commonly seen injuries following a crane accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Multiple bones fractures
- Crushing injuries
- Electrocution injuries
- Disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Amputated limbs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis, and
- Death
All too often, the victims of crane accidents suffer from partial or total disability that will affect them for the rest of their lives. In many cases, it renders an accident victim unable to work or provide for their loved ones.
Some require a lifetime of care for the physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that a crane accident can cause. It is crucial that you speak with an experienced crane accident attorney if you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident as soon as possible.
What is My Crane Accident Case Worth?
Given the catastrophic nature of most crane accident injuries, compensation for a victim must include all costs associated with the accident, including future care and expenses. Compensation in these cases includes payment for all general and special damages from the crane accident.
General damages compensate a victim for their pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Special damages cover all out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of future income and benefits, rehabilitation costs, future medical care, and property damage. Talk to an attorney today to evaluate your crane accident claims.
Compensation for Crane Accident Victims
Crane accidents are often catastrophic. The injuries are rarely minor, and the financial impact can be overwhelming. A successful claim is not just about immediate expenses, it is about protecting your long-term future.
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses
This includes emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, and any future treatment you may need. Many crane injuries require ongoing care, sometimes for life.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, especially in physically demanding jobs like construction, you may recover compensation for both lost income and reduced earning capacity.
Permanent Disability
Crane accidents can lead to life-altering conditions such as paralysis or severe mobility limitations. These damages account for how your life and independence have changed.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the physical injuries, victims often endure significant emotional and psychological distress. This includes chronic pain, anxiety, and the mental toll of recovery.
Loss of Quality of Life
When an injury prevents you from doing the things you once could, whether working, supporting your family, or enjoying everyday life, that loss matters and is compensable.
At Deldar Legal, we take a comprehensive approach. We work to understand the full scope of your losses so your case reflects not just what happened, but what it has cost you moving forward.
Who Is Liable for a Crane Accident?
Crane accidents are rarely simple. Unlike other types of injury cases, there are often multiple parties involved on a construction site, and more than one may be responsible.
Potentially liable parties include:
Construction Companies and General Contractors
They are responsible for maintaining a safe job site, ensuring proper supervision, and enforcing safety protocols. Failures in oversight often lead to serious accidents.
Subcontractors
Different crews may be responsible for specific tasks. If a subcontractor acted negligently, they may share liability.
Crane Operators
Operators must be properly trained and follow strict safety procedures. Errors in operation can have devastating consequences.
Equipment Manufacturers
If a crane or component fails due to a defect, the manufacturer or distributor may be held accountable under product liability laws.
Property Owners
In some cases, the property owner may be responsible if unsafe conditions contributed to the accident.
Crane accident cases require a detailed investigation. At Deldar Legal, we examine every angle, identify all responsible parties, and build a case designed to maximize accountability and recovery.
Can You Sue Beyond Workers’ Compensation?
Many injured workers assume that workers’ compensation is their only option. While workers’ comp can provide basic benefits, it often does not cover the full extent of your losses.
In many crane accident cases, you may also have a third-party claim, which allows you to pursue additional compensation.
You may be able to file a lawsuit if:
- A subcontractor or another company on the site caused the accident
- A defective crane or equipment contributed to your injuries
- A third party acted negligently outside of your direct employer
Unlike workers’ compensation, a third-party lawsuit allows you to recover damages for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses.
Understanding the difference is critical. Workers’ comp may help with immediate needs, but a lawsuit can address the bigger picture.
At Deldar Legal, we carefully evaluate your case to determine all available options. Our goal is to make sure you are not leaving compensation on the table simply because the process is complex.
Talk to Our Office
At Deldar Legal, we zealously advocate for victims of crane accidents in California and will aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve after an accident. Call or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.