Crane accidents on construction and industrial sites often lead to severe, life-altering injuries. When heavy equipment fails or safety procedures are ignored, the consequences can affect every aspect of your life. A Midland crane injury lawyer could help you understand how liability applies and what steps may be available to recover compensation.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we represent injured workers and families facing the aftermath of catastrophic incidents. An experienced work accident attorney from our firm could evaluate the circumstances of your accident, identify responsible parties, and guide you through the legal process with clarity and precision.
Common Factors in Crane Accidents
Cranes are essential to many industries, particularly in construction and oilfield operations. However, their size and complexity create significant risks when safety standards are not followed. Common causes of crane-related injuries include:
- Improper assembly or dismantling
- Equipment malfunction or poor maintenance
- Operator error or inadequate training
- Overloaded lifts or unstable ground conditions
- Failure to follow site safety protocols
Each of these scenarios raises questions about negligence. To establish liability in a crane injury case, our Midland, TX attorneys investigate to determine who controlled the worksite, who maintained the equipment, and whether proper safety measures were enforced.
Who May Be Responsible for a Crane Injury?
Determining responsibility after a crane accident is rarely straightforward. A Midland attorney could help analyze the facts, as multiple entities may share liability depending on how the crane injury occurred and who failed to meet their duty of care. Potentially liable parties include:
- Employers or site operators who failed to maintain a safe work environment
- Crane operators who acted negligently
- Third-party contractors responsible for setup or supervision
- Manufacturers of defective crane components
In situations like these, state law permits injured workers to file claims outside workers’ compensation in certain cases. If an employer is a non-subscriber, you may bring a negligence lawsuit, and the employer loses key liability defenses.
Additionally, under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. This statutory deadline directly affects your ability to recover damages, so you should seek legal guidance promptly after a construction accident.
When Can You File a Claim After a Crane Accident?
Many injured workers are uncertain about whether they have the right to file a claim, especially when the accident occurred at work. The answer depends on several factors, including employer coverage, third-party involvement, and the cause of the accident.
You may be able to pursue compensation if your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, if defective equipment caused your injury, or if safety violations were ignored or concealed. You may also bring a claim against a third party who contributed to the accident.
These claims can involve substantial damages, including medical expenses, lost income, long-term rehabilitation costs, and compensation for physical pain and emotional impact. However, proving that you are entitled to these damages requires clear evidence of negligence and causation.
A Midland construction accident attorney manages this process by conducting a thorough investigation, preserving key evidence, consulting with experts, and building a crane injury claim that reflects the true scope of your injuries.
Consult a Midland, TX Attorney About a Crane Injury Case
Crane accidents demand careful legal analysis due to the number of parties involved and the severity of the injuries they cause. Acting quickly allows you to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and build a strong foundation for your case.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we work to provide clear guidance so you can make informed decisions about your next steps. If you were injured in a workplace accident involving heavy equipment, a Midland crane injury lawyer from our firm could help you evaluate your options and pursue appropriate compensation. Reach out today to discuss your situation and move forward with clarity after a serious personal injury.
