Construction sites are full of heavy and dangerous equipment. Cranes are common and often essential in these work zones. However, if a crane is not operated correctly, collapses, contacts an overhead power line, or another difficulty ensues, any workers in the vicinity may be left in peril.
A crane accident can inflict a terrible physical, psychological, financial, and emotional toll on any workers who are harmed. When you or a loved one are injured in a crane accident while working on a construction site, our experienced attorneys at OnderLaw can help. A St. Louis crane accident lawyer who understands the complexities of construction accident law can fight to ensure you receive just compensation for your injuries. At OnderLaw, we don’t just take on cases; we take on causes.
When a crane accident happens, the outcome can be serious or even life-threatening injuries for any workers involved. These incidents can involve any number of hazardous occurrences, such as cargo or loads dropping from great heights or the crane touching a power line.
Malfunctions involving the crane’s hook or boom are another common type of crane accident. Crane rigging failures are also a leading cause of these kinds of construction site accidents. Spinal cord injuries, electrocution, head injuries, and loss of a limb are just a few possible outcomes of a crane accident.
These accidents may arise from unforeseeable events where all regulations and standards were strictly adhered to; however, sometimes, a person or company’s negligence along the chain of command leads to the ultimate catastrophe.
If the crane wasn’t being operated by properly trained personnel, wasn’t adequately inspected before use, or transported materials that surpassed load limits, this could indicate someone’s negligence. Federal safety standards may also have been breached if the crane wasn’t set up correctly or the area around the machine was not cleared ahead of time.
If you have been involved in a recent crane accident, you may be dealing with painful and expensive injuries. A St. Louis attorney could investigate the circumstances of your recent crane accident to assess what legal recourse is available and help you get every penny you deserve.
A proactive lawyer can dig into the circumstances that caused a St. Louis crane accident to determine what benefits and compensation may be available. When you work on a construction site and are injured in a crane accident, you should qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. You don’t have to show that anyone was at fault to get these benefits, and any construction company in Missouri with at least one employee has to carry workers’ compensation coverage.
Workers’ compensation benefits could cover multiple costs related to an injury you sustain in a crane accident while on the job. These could include disability, medical, and vocational rehabilitation benefits. The extent and duration of workers’ compensation will depend on the severity of your injury and how much it impacts your ability to work, among other factors.
Although workers’ compensation laws bar you from suing your employer in most cases, nothing is stopping you from filing a lawsuit against an at-fault third party who had a hand in the accident. For example, if a general contractor’s negligence led to the crane accident or the crane had an inherent defect, you may be able to sue for damages not covered by workers’ compensation benefits. Recoverable personal injury damages could include the value of your mental distress, emotional anguish, pain, and suffering.
When a crane accident happens, you may have multiple legal options. When your injuries occurred on the job, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to get benefits for some of your lost wages and medical expenses. However, if the crane accident occurred because of outside influence—such as a subcontractor’s negligence or a manufacturing defect—you may also want to file a personal injury claim for compensation.
A St. Louis crane accident lawyer at OnderLaw can handle the tactics insurance companies often use to reduce or even outright deny workers’ compensation or personal injury claims. You should be able to focus on your recovery and get the treatment you require without worrying about a legal case.
Our dedicated legal professionals can manage the intricacies of your case, from filing the proper paperwork to navigating the appropriate legal procedures, to claim rightful compensation for your injuries. Call OnderLaw today for more information about starting your claim.
