Construction work is notorious for being one of the most dangerous fields of occupation. Construction accidents cause roughly 150,000 injuries in America each year. Aside from physical pain and disability, these injuries amount to millions of dollars in financial losses.
There are many aspects of construction work that can be dangerous, but large equipment and machinery is one of the main causes of construction accidents. Here, we discuss one common type of equipment accident: construction accidents involving cranes.
Victims of construction accidents involving cranes in the Great Falls, MT area should work with the experienced attorneys at Murphy Law Firm. Our legal team is prepared to fight for victims of construction accidents to ensure they are justly compensated for their losses.
Types of Crane Accidents
Cranes are large pieces of construction machinery that involve many working parts. If any one of these fails or is operated incorrectly, an accident may occur. Crane accidents may be directly related to the crane, derrick (the lifting device on a crane), hoist (a drum or wheel that uses rope or chain to lift a load), or hoist accessories.
According to collected data, the most common types of crane accidents include the following:
- Crane collapses: When a crane collapses, it poses a great danger to all those in the vicinity of the accident. The heavy weight of a crane can pin or injure anyone on or around a construction site, as well as the crane operator.
- Being struck by a crane load: A crane is used to lift and transport heavy loads that cannot be moved manually. Unfortunately, if a crane fails, it can drop the load it is carrying, and may strike those who are nearby.
- Contact with electrical lines: Cranes are tall pieces of equipment that extend into the air. If care is not taken to avoid nearby obstacles, accidents can happen. One of the most common of these types of accidents occurs when a crane comes into contact with electrical lines, which can result in fire or electrocution.
Injuries in Crane Accidents
Each crane accident is unique, but one thing they tend to have in common is the severe damages they cause. When a crane accident occurs, injuries are likely to be particularly serious.
Some injuries that may be sustained in a crane accident include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Electric shock
Sadly, crane accidents also frequently result in death. According to OSHA statistics, around 85 people in the United States die each year as a result of crane accidents.
Know Your Rights
Whether a crane accident injures a construction worker or a passing pedestrian, accident victims have a right to seek financial compensation for damages. Losses from a construction accident involving cranes include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, medical expenses, the cost of ongoing medical care, and lost wages.
Our attorneys will put together a solid case to prove liability in a construction accident so that our clients can be justly compensated for the full extent of losses.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a construction accident and have questions about your legal rights, contact us at your earliest convenience. The experienced legal team at Murphy Law Firm is happy to listen to the details of your case and recommend your best course of legal action.