Crane Accidents
Cranes and other hoisting equipment form a major backbone of the construction, shipping, and manufacturing industries in the United States. An accident at a related worksite can result in serious injury or fatalities. Common causes of injury and death are toppled cranes, dropped loads, falls, and electrocution by power lines.
From 2011 to 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics documented an average of 44 deaths per year attributable to crane accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has estimated that approximately 1-in-1000 workers who work their entire lifetime around cranes are at risk to be killed by an accident.
You could have a personal injury or wrongful death claim on top of a workers’ compensation claim if the injury or death was the fault of the manufacturer or a result of negligence by a third party besides your employer. Because each case is different, it is critical to consult with an experienced attorney to assist you in developing the best plan for your case.
Crane Accident Attorney in Atlanta, GA
The Balams Firm handles personal injury, product liability, and workers’ compensation claims arising from many different kinds of accidents. The Balams Firm has a wealth of knowledge and experience gained through representing clients in these and similar cases throughout the greater Atlanta metropolitan area and elsewhere in Georgia.
We have represented clients in many Georgia regions, including in Sandy Springs, Roswell, Marietta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Duluth, East Point, Dunwoody, Forest Park, Norcross, Smyrna, Milton, Riverdale, Decatur, College Park, and other locations in Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton and DeKalb Counties. Call The Balams Firm today at (404) 445-2005 for a free consultation.
Overview of Crane Accident Law
- Workers’ Compensation for Crane Accidents
- Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
- Additional Resources
Workers’ Compensation for Crane Accidents
According to Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation, if you were injured on the job, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance program should cover your medical bills, lost wages up to $675.00 per week while you’re recovering, and also help with the cost of any long-term disabilities you may sustain. A claim must be filed through your employer within 30 days of the injury.
Even if your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance program is supposed to cover the costs of crane-related injury sustained on the job, you may face difficulties actually receiving the benefits you are owed. Benefits might be denied because employers are unscrupulous, because the facts are under dispute, or because the employer is claiming that the employee has shown past unsafe behavior.
If for some reason your benefits are not paid, you may need to contact the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation for assistance. A competent attorney can help navigate any obstacles you encounter and increase your chances of receiving full benefits. Please see the section on workplace accidents for more information.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
Even if you were injured while working, you may still have a personal injury or wrongful death claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim, for example if defective crane or other equipment or a safety oversight by a third party caused your injury. Generally, a personal injury claim must be filed within 2 years of the accident under Georgia’s statute of limitations, Georgia Code Section 9-3-33. Each situation is unique, and a competent lawyer can help you work through the complicated specifics of your case, such as those involving lawsuits against multiple parties, and come up with an effective strategy that will help you get maximum compensation for your injuries.
Bystanders are sometimes also hurt by cranes. If you are not a worker, you may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death suit. Who you can successfully sue will depend on whether a manufacturing defect or the negligence of a crane owner or operator caused your injury. Contact an attorney to discuss the possibilities or risk getting substantially less money than you should. For more information see premises liability and product liability.
Additional Resources
“Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety”, Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Government overview of crane safety-related topics. Includes information about different regulations for crane safety. Links to tips about best practices and other resources are also provided.
“Fatal Occupational Injuries Involving Cranes”, Bureau of Labor Statistics – A factsheet compiling various data about crane-related deaths. It includes helpful information about different causes of accidents as well as other statistics. Provides perspectives about the various things that can go wrong at worksites with active hoisting equipment.
Crane Accident Lawyer in Fulton County, GA
The Balams Firm has experience representing clients throughout the greater Atlanta area and across Georgia. We have represented Georgia clients in many personal injury, workers’ compensation, and product liability arising from many different kinds of accidents.
Our attorneys have the skill and knowledge required to give you the best chance at being awarded the full amount of compensation you deserve for your crane accident. Don’t hesitate to call us at (404) 445-2005 for a free consultation!
