Crane Accident

When crane accidents occur, they can result in devastating injuries for a worker or bystander, as this heavy machinery can weigh thousands of pounds.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers work hard to achieve maximum compensation for construction personnel and their family members injured in such accidents. We’ll help explore your legal options, including workers’ compensation benefits, personal injury claims, or wrongful death lawsuits following fatal crane-related accidents.

What to Do After a Crane Accident in Chicago

Crane accidents can be life-threatening, and it’s crucial that you act quickly to protect yourself and your legal rights by following these steps as soon as possible.

• Get Medical Help – Workers injured in a tower crane accident should always go to the hospital as soon as possible after workplace accidents, as any delay may lead to the insurance company asserting that any injuries sustained were the result of another activity.
• Report the Incident to Your Employer – You need to report an occupational injury by a certain deadline in order to ensure that you can receive workers’ compensation. If you were hospitalized, your employer needs to report to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promptly. The exact timeline will depend on what state you’re injured in.
• Collect Evidence – Construction workers should take photos of the construction site and gather the contact information of anyone who was present at the scene, as this will help the crane accident attorney from our firm investigate the nature of the accident.
• Consult Construction Accident Attorneys – This is vital for securing fair compensation and protecting your rights. Their expertise ensures you receive the support needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages while holding negligent parties accountable after a construction accident.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Since 2002, 726 crane accidents have been reported to OSHA from all state and federal offices [1]. Of these, 421 were fatal [2], meaning more than half of crane accidents result in death.

Common causes of crane construction site accidents include the following:

• Unstable Load – Since 2002, there have been 3 accidents in OSHA’s Region Five (which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) that resulted from unstable loads [3]; one of these was fatal.
• Lockout/Tagout – 3 accidents in the Region Five area have involved failure to perform proper lockout/tagout procedures; all resulted in death [4].
• Equipment/Mechanical Failures – There have been 6 accidents resulting from equipment failure in the region since 2002 [5].
• Overturning – 8 crane overturns have been reported in Region Five since 2002, resulting in 3 fatalities [6].
• Human Error – When construction workers ignore crane safety regulations or have insufficient training, there can be fatal consequences. Since 2002, 11 accidents have been attributed to ignoring crane operation rules in the region, 6 of which were fatal [7].

Ways Construction Site Owners and Managers Can Prevent Crane Accidents

OSHA notes that 90% of all crane accidents are due to human error [8], one of the startling crane accident statistics proving that proper training is essential to saving lives.

Of these, 80% involve handling a heavy load that exceeds safe limits, and 54% involve improper assembly by swinging the crane boom before the outriggers are fully extended [9].

It’s clear that job site managers can keep crane operators and other employees safe by adhering to all operational standards set by OSHA.

This includes visually inspecting machinery and equipment before use, on the job site preventing encroachment into areas with energized power lines, and checking qualifications [10].

Common Crane Accident Injuries

Mobile crane accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, which can include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Bruises and lacerations
• Head and neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Facial injuries
• Vision loss
• Amputations
• Death

Injured workers and other accident victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible after accidents involving mobile cranes or tower cranes.

Frequent Victims of Accidents Involving Cranes

While a crane accident can affect anyone in the general vicinity, common crane accident victims of this type of construction accident include:

• Crane operators
• Signal persons
• Subcontractors
• Bystanders
• Pedestrians
• Motorists
• Other construction industry workers

Legal Liability for Accidents Involving Cranes

A crane collapse attorney from our firm will seek out any negligent third party that can be held liable in an injury claim, including the following:

• Construction Company – The crane owner is often held liable in a personal injury case, particularly if improper maintenance led to the accident.
• Crane operator – The worker operating the crane can be subject to a personal injury lawsuit if their mistakes contributed to your injuries.
• Other Workers – If other employees or contractors fail to uphold safety standards, construction crane accident lawyers from our firm can pursue legal actions against them.
• Property Owners – The site owner is held responsible for accidents on their property.
• Manufacturer – Manufacturing defects can implicate the crane producer.

Damages Our Crane Accident Attorneys Can Help You Recover

Personal injury attorneys from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can assist you in pursuing two types of compensation after a construction accident involving crane operations: workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim. Each comes with its own list of potential damages.

Our Chicago workers’ comp attorneys can help the injured party file a claim against the company’s insurance policy. A workers’ comp claim will cover the following:

• All medical expenses
• Up to 2/3rds of your lost wages, which may entitle you to $1,897.92 per week [11]

Personal injury suits can entitle you to both economic and non-economic damages. This will cover financial losses and other expenses related to the accident, which can include:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disability and disfigurement

In fatal crane accident cases, our Chicago wrongful death claim lawyers can assist families in recovering financial compensation for burial expenses, grief, and loss of companionship.

You Have Limited Time to File a Crane Accident Claim in Illinois

Filing a crane accident claim is subject to specific deadlines that vary depending on your jurisdiction. These deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, dictate the timeframe within which an injured construction worker must initiate legal action following an accident. Failing to file within this period can result in the forfeiture of your right to compensation.

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a claim can vary depending on the type of case. For instance, personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years, while other types of claims may have different deadlines.

Consult our Chicago crane accident attorneys to seek guidance specific to state laws, ensuring your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe to protect your legal rights.

Different Deadlines for Workers’ Compensation Claims and Employer Notification

In addition to the statutes of limitations for filing a crane accident claim, individuals involved in workplace accidents must adhere to separate deadlines for workers’ compensation claims and employer notification.

Typically, workers’ compensation claims have distinct timelines that require the injured person to report their injury to their employer within a specific period, often ranging from 30 to 90 days from the date of the accident.

The formal claim for workers’ compensation must be submitted promptly, with deadlines varying by state.

Consulting with a knowledgeable legal team is essential to ensure compliance with these deadlines and to safeguard your entitlement to benefits.

How a Crane Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

Seeking legal counsel is an essential part of ensuring that you receive fair compensation for a serious injury. Insurance companies will seek to minimize their responsibility for medical attention and lost earnings. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are well-versed in negotiation with these companies and will be able to prove that your injuries are directly related to the construction incident.

Some of the services we perform for our clients include:

• Talking to witnesses
• Inspecting the construction area
• Analyzing safety policies and procedures
• Reviewing medical records and incident reports
• Collaborating with experts
• Filing legal paperwork
• Providing trial representation

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Chicago Crane Accident Lawyer?

Our Chicago construction accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing upfront. We deduct our fees from your settlement; you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

The Legal Process of a Crane Accident Claim in Chicago

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys will guide you through the process of filing a claim, which includes the following:

• Gathering Evidence – We’ll gather all details around the accident, such as when it happened, who was involved, and whether improper crane operation contributed to the severity of the incident.
• Filing a Report – Our personal injury law firm deals with tower crane accidents on construction sites and will assist you in filing all necessary paperwork with insurance companies and with OSHA.
• Notifying Insurance Companies – We will formally inform the insurance company that we will be seeking compensation through a demand letter.
• Negotiations – After assessing your medical expenses and other losses, we will provide evidence to the insurance company of what compensation you deserve.
• Trial Representation – While many cases settle out of court, it is sometimes necessary to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties. A crane accident attorney from our team will be present with you at trial and will represent your interests in court.

How Long Does It Take for a Crane Accident Case to be Settled?

A crane accident case can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to settle. The time to a settlement depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, any extenuating circumstances around the accident, who is liable, and whether we take the case to court.

Call an Experienced Crane Accident Lawyer Today!

Choosing Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers means having a committed ally to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. With our proven track record in handling crane accident cases, we have the specialized knowledge and experience needed to navigate complex regulations and identify responsible parties. We will meticulously gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win your case. Schedule your free case review today by calling (888) 424-5757 or filling out our online form.

Specific Cases We Handle

• Defective Product Wrongful Death Lawyer
• Excavation Accident Lawyer
• Government Entity Construction Accident Lawyer
• Ladder Accident Lawyer
• Nail Gun Accident Lawyer

References: [1] OSHA, [2] OSHA, [3] OSHA, [4] OSHA, [5] OSHA, [6] OSHA, [7] OSHA, [8] OSHA, [9] OSHA, [10] OSHA, [11] Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.