Crane Accident Attorneys in St. Louis

Expert Legal Support for Crane Accident Victims in St. Louis

Crane accidents are not among the most common dangers on construction sites, but they are among the most serious. They can hurt crane operators, workers, bystanders, and even nearby pedestrians. Anyone working with or near a crane should, therefore, be trained in safety measures; unfortunately, many employers fail to provide the instruction necessary to maintain a safe workplace environment.

Whether your accident claim involves a crane collapse, a tip over, or objects falling from the crane, it is important to have an attorney team on your side to investigate the incident. You are most likely eligible for benefits through your employer’s workers' compensation insurance, but if it can be proven a third party is to blame for causing your accident, you may also be entitled to recover damages by filing a personal injury claim.

Our St. Louis crane accident lawyers can thoroughly investigate your claim to help you maximize your compensation. Call (800) 391-4318 now for a free consultation.

How Common Are Crane Accidents?

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a total of 33 fatal crane accidents in 2017, the lowest number in 5 years. Of those, more than half involved a victim being struck by an object or equipment. This rate is similar to previous figures found by the agency. Whether items are dropped, displaced, or attached to a crane, the results of an accident can be tragic. Less common, but still fatal, accident types include:

• Fall to a lower level
• Transportation accident
• Overhead power line electrocution
• Crane collapse

The BLS did not include numbers for non-fatal injuries, but other sources suggest crane accidents result in death around 50% of the time.

Seeking Compensation for Crane Accidents

If you or a loved one has been involved in a crane accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Our experienced crane accident attorneys in St. Louis are here to provide the legal support and guidance you need to pursue a successful claim.

Crane accidents can result in severe injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations
• Crush injuries

These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Our dedicated legal team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

When pursuing a crane accident claim, it is crucial to have skilled legal representation on your side. We will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and if necessary, take your case to trial to fight for your rights.

Don't settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you take control of your claim.

Commonly Asked Questions

Are there any regulations related to cranes?

Yes, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established standards for cranes and derricks in construction. These guidelines cover topics such as operator qualification requirements, load capacity limits on cranes, ensuring proper maintenance and inspection is done regularly on cranes.

What should I do if I am injured in a crane accident?

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury due to a crane accident in St Louis MO it is important that you seek medical attention right away. After receiving medical attention for your injuries it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Can I file a claim if I was injured by another's negligence while operating or working around a crane?

Yes. If it can be proven that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries from the crane accident then you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against them for damages sustained from the incident.

Who can help me with my legal rights after suffering an injury from a Crane Accident?

You should seek out experienced attorneys who specialize in representing individuals who have been injured due to another party’s negligence. The attorney team at Meyerkord & Kurth will review all relevant documentation related to your claim so they can determine what options may be available for pursuing compensation.

Causes of Crane Accidents

The Crane Inspection and Certification Bureau found that most crane accidents were due to negligent, untrained, or inexperienced crane operators. They may be caused by operators who:

• Try to push a crane past its capacity
• Fail to extend outriggers
• Hit a power line or other source of electricity with the crane
• Fail to control the crane

However, though a company may point to this “human error” to absolve itself of responsibility, they are misdirecting victims’ attention. The managers who chose to hire an inexperienced crane operator, did not provide proper training, and/or had lax oversight policies that allowed for negligent behavior must take responsibility for workers who make mistakes under their employ. 

Because cranes are highly specialized, highly dangerous machines, they require trained operators and multiple safety systems. If the crane is set up on an unstable service; if the area it encompasses is not blocked off to other workers; or if the wrong load chart is on hand, employees may be at risk and unaware of it. A company must provide a safe workplace. It cannot put the burden of preventing injuries on the employees. Any failure to do so constitutes a violation of the OSH Act and could open it up to liability.

Preventing Crane Accidents: Tips for Employers and Workers

While crane accidents can have devastating consequences, they can often be prevented with proper safety measures and training. Employers and workers in the construction industry should prioritize the following tips to reduce the risk of crane accidents:

• Ensure all crane operators are properly trained, certified, and experienced.
• Regularly inspect cranes and equipment for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.
• Follow manufacturer's guidelines and recommended maintenance procedures for cranes.
• Implement and enforce strict safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and using safety harnesses.
• Provide adequate training for workers on how to work safely around cranes, including proper communication and signaling techniques.
• Establish clear communication channels between crane operators and other workers on the construction site.
• Monitor weather conditions and suspend crane operations during high winds, storms, or other hazardous weather conditions.
• Regularly conduct safety meetings and refresher training sessions to keep workers updated on best practices and potential hazards.
• Encourage workers to report any safety concerns or near-miss incidents involving cranes.
• Continuously evaluate and improve safety procedures based on lessons learned from previous crane accidents.

By prioritizing safety and implementing these preventive measures, we can work together to reduce the occurrence of crane accidents and protect the well-being of construction workers.

What to Do After a Crane Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident, there may be one or more paths to compensation depending on the circumstances.

For employees hurt on the job, workers’ compensation will likely be an option. Making a claim could help you recover medical bills and receive payments to replace missed wages. However, if another party was implicated—perhaps a different subcontractor directly employed the operator involved in the accident—you may also be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit.

When bystanders are hurt, workers’ compensation does not apply. However, a personal injury suit can help an accident victim pursue justice. Our lawyers can help you identify who is liable for the accident and file a claim for compensation. It’s possible more than one party was involved; bringing a suit against multiple entitles can be complex, but could be the best way to get fully compensated for your injury.

In the case of fatal accidents, loved ones will likely be able to file a wrongful death claim with the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance to help cover the costs of the funeral and the lost monetary support. Third-party liability may also allow you to confront the responsible party for their carelessness and recover a wider range of damages so you have a financial safety net.

There Is a Way Forward After a Crane Accident

Whether you want to file a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury suit, or both, our attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth have the experience you need to make a strong case. We put the client first in every case we take on—and we’ve helped injury victims win over $450 million in settlements and jury verdicts.

Knowing your legal options can give you power in a time that may feel uncertain. Our attorneys are here to sit down with you to discuss your case. With us, you can determine how to pursue the compensation you need for your treatment and make a plan to get started. Especially if insurers are ignoring your reasonable demands, you need a team that’s not afraid to fight for you in court.

Contact our St. Louis team online or call (800) 391-4318 to discuss your options and take the first steps toward pursuing the compensation you deserve.