Galveston Crane Injury Lawyer

Cranes are a common sight across a variety of industries, from construction to oil and gas. There is no question that they are invaluable for transferring heavy loads and assisting with building or repairing structures of all kinds. Unfortunately, the accidental injuries that come with these cranes can have devastating consequences.

The companies that own or operate these cranes have an obligation to provide a safe work environment. When they fail to do so, a dedicated work injury lawyer could hold them accountable. When businesses opt out of workers’ compensation insurance, a Galveston crane injury lawyer can pursue a non-subscriber claim against them.

Types of Crane Accidents

State and federal law set out extensive rules and regulations regarding the use, storage, and transportation of cranes and other heavy machinery. The unfortunate reality is that not all companies follow these guidelines to the letter. From the lack of maintenance to the reckless use of these devices, the outcome of an accident can be devastating. Some examples include:

• Hitting powerlines with a crane
• Using a crane for unintended purposes
•  Improper training
• Mechanical defects
• Lifting too much weight

Any of these issues can result in an accidental injury. When these events happen, a Galveston crane accident attorney can get to work to seek justice.

Seeking Damages Through a Non-Subscriber Claim

It is a common misconception that workers injured in construction accidents are always prohibited from suing their employers due to worker compensation laws. While some individuals are limited to filing claims through that system, others have the option to file a non-subscriber claim against the company they work for.

In Texas, not all businesses opt in to workers’ compensation insurance. The companies that choose not to do so are known as non-subscribers. Because they are not a part of this system, they can be held liable when acts of negligence result in injuries to their workforce.

When a person is injured in a crane accident and they are not covered by worker’s compensation, the opportunity to pursue a non-subscriber claim can be appealing. Unlike a workers’ compensation claim—which offers limited wage replacement and does not pay for pain and suffering—a non-subscriber lawsuit gives an injured crane worker access to all of the types of damages available in a typical negligence case. The end result could be substantially greater than a workers’ compensation claim.

The Deadline to File a Crane Accident Suit

The statute of limitations applies to all civil suits in Texas, and non-subscriber claims are no exception. A plaintiff injured in a crane accident just file their lawsuit within two years of the date of their injury to comply with this legal deadline.

Waiting too long could cost an employee dearly, as the courts will generally dismiss these cases with prejudice. That means they not only have their case dismissed but they forever lose the chance to recover a monetary award for their injuries. Thankfully, a crane accident lawyer in Galveston can ensure compliance with this deadline.

Call a Galveston Crane Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crane accident, you might have grounds for a lawsuit against your employer. A direct personal injury claim could provide you with the financial resources you need to treat your injuries and get back the quality of life you previously enjoyed. Reach out to a Galveston crane accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn more.