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Construction Accidents and Crane Injuries Are Often Fatal

On Behalf of | Nov 21, 2018 | Construction Law, Firm News

Workplace accidents can cause debilitating injuries, leaving some unable to return to work and unable to make ends meet.

Some of the most severe and deadliest workplace accidents happen on construction sites and are more common when large equipment, like cranes, are in use.

At the law office of Bowles & Verna, LLP, we have experience helping victims of construction accidents and crane injuries in and around Oakland, CA get the maximum compensation for their injuries. If you have been injured in a crane-related accident, contact our personal injury lawyers to discuss what legal recourse is available to you.

Crane Injuries Are Often Fatal

Cranes pose many risks to construction workers on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many of the injuries caused by crane accidents are fatal.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 220 crane-related fatalities between 2011 and 2015. Of these deaths, over 100 were caused by being struck by an object or equipment attached to a crane.

Nearly 70 deaths were caused by an object falling from a crane and about 30 deaths were caused by the victim falling from a crane. The remainder of the deaths were caused by accidents occurring during transportation of cranes.

The Leading Causes of Crane Injuries

With crane injuries being so dangerous, it’s important that workers are properly trained in the operation and safe use of cranes, as well as provided proper safety equipment.

Unfortunately, some employers fail to properly train their employees on the safe operation of cranes. Even worse, some workers may decide to take shortcuts in operating cranes, leading to serious mistakes and injuries. Other times, crane operators may simply make an honest mistake or equipment may malfunction.

Crane accidents are often a result of human error or willful negligence but may also be caused by weather conditions or defects within the crane or other equipment or materials used in conjunction with cranes.

Some possible causes of crane accidents include:

  • Cranes contacting power lines
  • Operating a crane in poor weather conditions
  • Using a crane around hazardous conditions
  • Objects falling from a crane
  • Workers falling from a crane
  • Failure to perform safety inspections or continuing to use a crane despite not passing an inspection
  • Cranes overturning
  • Crane hook-lifting device failures
  • Boom collapses
  • Improper use of cranes, for example not using a crane per the manufacturer’s specifications

Common Crane Injuries

Crane injuries are often severe or even fatal. Some common injuries in crane accidents include:

  • Crushed limbs, which often require amputation
  • Severed limbs
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations
  • Death

A Work Injury Attorney Can Help

Due to the severity of crane injuries, it may be difficult or impossible for victims to return to work. It’s important for those who have been injured in a crane accident to seek an experienced work injury attorney to help them get the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

A work injury attorney can guide clients through their workers’ compensation claim as well as gather essential evidence in the event a lawsuit is deemed the best course of action.

Contact the Work Injury Attorneys of Bowles & Verna, LLP

If you are the victim of a crane or other construction accident and are facing an uncertain financial future due to your injuries, it’s time to contact the work injury attorneys of Bowles & Verna, LLP. Our attorneys are dedicated to getting clients the maximum compensation for injuries. Call our team at (925) 935-3300 to schedule a consultation.