Construction work involving crane operations exposes workers and bystanders to enormous safety risks. A dropped load or an unstable boom can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or fatal crush injuries, among others. Determining why an accident happened is often difficult because several companies may share responsibility for the equipment and the lift.
If you were seriously hurt, a Spring, TX crane injury lawyer could investigate the circumstances and determine which parties may be legally responsible. At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, our work injury attorneys could also evaluate insurance coverage and preserve evidence before anyone repairs the equipment or returns it to service.
What Causes Crane Injuries on Construction Sites?
Crane accidents often result from a poorly planned lift or a defective component, but liability depends on more than the immediate cause. The investigation must determine which company controlled the relevant safety decisions and whether it acted reasonably. Our crane negligence lawyers in Spring could examine the actions that led to the crane accident and identify the responsible parties. Important evidence often includes:
- The crane’s maintenance records
- Proof of the operator’s qualifications
- The lift plan
- Footage of the collapse
- Evidence of overloading or improper assembly of the crane
These records often reveal whether the responsible party skipped a required inspection or failed to address a known defect in the days leading up to the incident. Potentially responsible parties can include:
- Crane owners or rental companies that supplied unsafe equipment
- Contractors who created hazardous working conditions
- Employers who failed to provide adequate training
- Manufacturers that were responsible for defective crane components
More than one party may have contributed to the same accident. Identifying each source of responsibility is important when the injuries require surgery or long-term care.
Employer Coverage and Your Workplace Claim
When a crane injury happens at work, your rights depend partly on whether your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. The state permits many private employers to operate without that coverage and refers to these businesses as non-subscribers. A crane injury attorney from our firm could determine whether your employer is a non-subscriber and how that affects your claim.
Under Texas Labor Code § 406.033, an injured employee suing a non-subscriber must prove negligence by the employer or someone acting within the scope of employment. The statute also prevents the employer from relying on certain common defenses.
You may also have a claim against a third party for a crane accident that occurred while you were working. Negligence by an equipment owner or a subcontractor can create separate liability, so examining site control can reveal whether you have grounds to pursue several claims. A general contractor who rushed the schedule or ignored a worksite hazard may also bear part of the fault.
Compensation in a personal injury action may cover medical expenses and reduced future earning ability, among other proven losses. Claims involving serious crane injuries require particular attention to future damages because their financial effects may continue long after treatment ends.
Contact Our Spring, TX Legal Team To Discuss Your Crane Injury
A crane accident can leave you with questions regarding who managed the equipment and whether your employer bears responsibility. Answering these questions requires a careful review of the worksite and the evidence, rather than assumptions about how the accident occurred.
Contact our team at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris to discuss your situation with an experienced Spring crane injury lawyer. We could examine the circumstances surrounding your injury, explain your potential claims, and help you understand your legal options.
