With hundreds of thousands of cranes and approximately a quarter of a million crane operators employed in the U.S. today, crane accidents are one of the leading causes of serious construction accidents. Every year, approximately 50 workers are killed in jobsite accidents involving cranes, and hundreds more are injured.
The most common type of accident involves cranes that come in contact with power lines, causing electrocution; however, other types of accidents such as overturning and mechanical failures are common as well.
Whether due to a design or manufacturing defect, improper maintenance, insufficient training, or some other cause, crane accidents create a serious risk to crane operators, other workers in the vicinity and frequently, to innocent bystanders.
Cranes are complex machines consisting of many different moving parts, each of which performs its own specialized function. Each of these parts, from the cab to the hoist, has its own safety risks that must be accounted for.
Preventing Crane Accidents
Fortunately, there are many steps employers and employees can take to reduce the risks of crane accidents on the jobsite, including:
- Maintaining a safe jobsite and keeping cranes away from live power lines
- Heeding manufacturers’ warnings and recommendations to avoid overloads
- Daily inspecting cranes and all other construction machinery
- Appropriate operator training to ensure that all safety features are understood and used properly
What to Do after a Crane Accident
If you or a family member was injured in a crane accident, whether as an employee or bystander, you deserve to receive compensation for your losses. To preserve your legal rights, however, it is important that you seek legal advice from an experienced crane accident attorney as soon as possible.
The lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers have handled many crane accident claims, and we have a thorough understanding of the unique issues surrounding these cases. Our attorneys will fight aggressively to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Please contact our construction accident lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. Jacoby & Meyers has offices throughout the U.S.