A crane is a machine used to lift, lower, and move materials from one location to another. These machines are equipped with a hoist, chins, sheaves, and wire ropes to move and transport heavy objects. Cranes are typically used when construction workers need to move loads beyond human capabilities.
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), there are more than 125,000 cranes being used in the construction industry, and approximately 100,000 more being used in the general and maritime industries. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries stated that an average of 71 fatalities occurred each year.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crane accident, our construction accident attorneys believe the victim may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Over the years, our firm has achieved Millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients and if prepared to fight for your maximum compensation.
For more information, call us at 865-2417-0080, or complete the Free Case Evaluation form.
Types of Crane Accidents
Many cranes across the United States have not been properly maintained or inspected on a regular basis, which can result in many types of crane accidents. Furthermore, crane operators often fail to have the proper qualifications to operate each piece of the equipment in a safe manner. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), has analyzed and identified the major types of crane accidents. These types of crane accidents include:
- Boom collapse
- Boom or crane contact power lines
- Crushing by counter weight
- Dropped loads
- Falls
- Outrigger use
- Overturned cranes
- Rigging failures
- Under the hook lifting device
Crane Accident Injuries
Operating a crane, or near a crane, can be very dangerous, especially if the crane has not been properly maintained, inspected, or the operator lacks the qualifications for the job. In many instances, when a crane accident occurs, it will result in injuries to those involved. The most common types of crane accident injuries include:
- Amputation
- Bone fractures
- Burns
- Concussions
- Crushing injuries
- Electrocution
- Impalement
- Internal injuries
- Scarring
- Severed spinal cord
- Traumatic brain injuries
OSHA Regulations
Crane operators are required to abide by all OSHA regulations while operating these enormous machines. These standards have been developed for the safety of crane operators, along with all other construction workers in the surrounding area. The following includes the OSHA regulations:
- If power lines are not de-energized, cranes must be operated in an area of safe minimum clearance
- In areas where safe clearance may be difficult to see, a person must be designated to observe the clearance and give warnings when crane is nearing power lines
- Never use cage-type boom guards, proximity warning devices, or insulating links as a substitute for grounding lines, de-energizing, or keeping a safe clearance
- Visibly ground and de-energize electrical distribution and transmission lines
- Use insulated barriers not attached to the crane to prevent contact with power lines
Contact an Experienced Crane Accident Lawyer Today
The attorneys at Greg Coleman Law have decades of experience representing crane accident victims in Knoxville, and across Tennessee. Our firm has the experience and devotion to fight for the maximum injury compensation, and will not charge you unless a favorable verdict or settlement has been won.
With hundreds of millions of dollars won for our clients, we are ready to seek justice for you today.
To learn more, we welcome you to contact us by phone at 865-287-0080, or complete the quick Free Case Evaluation form at the top of this page.
