Atlanta Crane Accident Lawyers

When Atlanta Crane Accidents Cause Serious Injuries

Cranes are essential on many construction sites to lift and transport construction materials. If defective or not operated properly, they can cause serious accidents and injuries. It is the responsibility of contractors and construction employers to ensure workers who operate cranes are correctly trained and that cranes are properly assembled and tested for stability.

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How Do Crane Accidents Occur in Atlanta?

The sheer height and weight of cranes can add to the risk for workers on construction sites. Construction workers are most frequently killed or injured in crane accidents, but bystanders may be hurt, as well. Atlanta crane accidents can occur in several ways. The following are among the most common, as reported by OSHA:

• Crane collapses
• Contact with overhead power lines
• Struck by a crane load
• Struck by other crane parts
• Highway collisions

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Potentially Responsible Parties for Crane Accidents

Under OSHA regulations and Georgia state construction laws, cranes must be properly maintained, operated by workers with sufficient training, outfitted with correct warning labels and instructions, and properly supervised during use. A party that neglects any of these safety factors may be held responsible for crane accidents. Under workers’ compensation laws, employees are prohibited from suing their employers for workplace injuries. In some cases, negligent parties other than an injured worker’s employer may be responsible for crane accidents. For example, potentially liable parties may include:

• Property owners
• Architects
• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Equipment manufacturers

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Types of Injuries Caused by Crane Accidents

Crane accident injuries can be fatal. OSHA reports that in a single year in the U.S., crane accidents killed 58 people and injured 126, including 11 rescue workers. Common injuries with this type of construction accident include:

• Crush injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Electrocutions
• Head, neck, and back injuries

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How to Get Compensation for Atlanta Crane Accident Injuries

Workers’ Compensation

Your first avenue of compensation after a crane construction accident is workers’ compensation. To receive these benefits, you do not need to prove that anyone was at fault for your accident and injuries – only that you were injured on the job. Workers’ comp should cover your medical expenses related to the injury and reimburse you for a portion of your lost wages. If you have lost a loved one in a crane accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation death benefits.

Third-Party Claim for Damages

In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, you may be entitled to file a third-party claim against a contractor, subcontractor, or another third party that caused or contributed to your crane accident. Types of negligence for which a third party may be held liable include failing to train crane operators and workers properly, allowing damaged or defective equipment on the construction site, or failing to take other mandated safety measures. Our experienced Atlanta construction accident attorneys can tell you if you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to claim.

Wrongful Death Claim

If you have lost a loved one in a tragic crane accident caused by the negligence of a third party, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. In addition to medical, funeral, and burial expenses for your deceased loved one, you may be able to claim damages for lost wages, benefits, services, care, companionship, and counsel the deceased would have provided if they had lived.

Call Grant Law Office at (404) 995-3955 after a serious crane accident. Our husband and wife team of Atlanta personal injury lawyers have a successful track record for our clients in the construction industry.

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