Philadelphia Crane Accidents Attorneys

Working with heavy construction equipment can be dangerous. Cranes pose a significant risk of injury and death on a construction site, often resulting in a crane accident. Operating a crane requires extensive knowledge and training. Crane operators and everyone working near the crane must receive proper training and follow safety guidelines and procedures.

While proper training and safety standards for construction sites can reduce the risk of a crane accident, not all sites follow protocol.  When that happens, the results can be disastrous.

Crane accidents continue to be a common construction site accident, especially in Pennsylvania. From 2011 to 2015, Pennsylvania had the fifth-highest number of fatal injuries involving cranes in the United States.

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a crane accident or collapse in Philadelphia, the Pansini Law Group can help.  Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation

Safety Standards for Crane Operations

Many different types of cranes are used in construction. Some of the types of cranes that you might encounter on a construction site include floating cranes, bridge cranes, truck-mounted cranes, overhead cranes, tower cranes, and aerial cranes. Cranes are some of the most complex types of machinery used in the construction industry. Some cranes require construction themselves to be tall enough to reach the tops of skyscrapers.

OSHA regulations provide standards and safety regulations for crane operations. Violating OSHA safety standards increases the risk of injury and death from crane accidents. It also can result in fines and construction site shutdowns.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Many factors can cause a crane accident. Defective parts and crane design can make a crane inherently dangerous. However, many of the crane accidents that occur on construction sites are caused by human error and negligence. Sadly, many crane accidents could have been avoided.

Common causes of crane accidents in Philadelphia include:

• Excessive loads causing the crane to become unbalanced
• The crane is not set up on a solid foundation
• Insufficient clearance for the crane to complete a lift
• The crane was not set up properly
• The operator is negligent, careless, or lacks sufficient training
• The crane is not maintained and inspected according to OSHA guidelines
• The crane is operated with overhead hazards, such as power lines
• Personnel around the base of the crane do not follow safety protocols
• The construction supervisor or contractor lacks training in crane operations
• Failing to use a signal person
• Loads are not adequately secured before being hoisted

Injuries from crane accidents can be life-threatening. In many cases, a person that survives a crane accident may have permanent impairments and disabilities. Amputated limbs, crushing injuries, and electrocutions are common crane accident injuries.

Who is Responsible for Damages Caused by a Crane Accident?

In many cases, workers’ compensation covers work-related crane accidents. However, the victim may also have a third-party personal injury claim against one or more parties. In specific cases, an employee could sue an employer for gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing.

Parties that could be liable for a crane accident in Philadelphia include:

• Crane manufacturers and designers
• The entity responsible for constructing the crane
• Contractors and sub-contractors
• Construction site management companies
• Owner of the construction site

The Philadelphia crane accident lawyers of the Pansini Law Group conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of a crane accident. We subpoena government records and company records to determine whether one or more parties were negligent or committed intentional acts that lead to the crane accident.

Our Pennsylvania trial lawyers have extensive experience handling complex personal injury claims involving large corporations and insurance providers. We have the resources, skills, and experience necessary to go up against an opponent. Our lawyers also have the passion, commitment, and drive to see a case through to the end, even if that means taking the matter to court. We are aggressive advocates for our clients, and we do not let anyone stand in our way as we seek fair and full compensation for our client’s damages.

Contact Our Philadelphia Crane Accident Lawyers for More Information

If you or a loved one were injured in a crane accident, you need experienced legal counsel. Call 1 (215) 732-5555 to schedule a free consultation with one of our crane accident attorneys in Philadelphia to discuss your injury case.