Towering cranes are common on construction sites throughout Texas, helping lift heavy materials and speed up building projects. But when something goes wrong, the results can be catastrophic. Crane accidents can cause serious injuries, property damage, and even death—often in seconds.
Understanding the risks and knowing who may be held legally responsible is essential for workers, site managers, and injured victims. At that point, it is vital to have the support of strong legal counsel to assist with your construction accident claim.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents
Crane accidents often result from preventable issues related to human error, equipment failure, or environmental factors. Some common examples include the following:
- Operator Error. Inexperienced or improperly trained crane operators can make dangerous mistakes, such as swinging loads too quickly or misjudging distances. Even minor errors can lead to major accidents.
- Mechanical Failure. Worn-out parts, lack of regular inspections, or faulty design can cause cranes to collapse or malfunction. Mechanical issues are especially dangerous when combined with heavy loads.
- Overloading. Every crane has a weight limit. Exceeding this capacity can result in tipping, structural failure, or dropped cargo.
- Poor Communication. Construction sites are busy, noisy environments. Without clear signals or radios, workers and operators may miscommunicate, leading to accidents.
- Weather Conditions. High winds, lightning, or slippery surfaces can make crane operations unsafe. Work should be paused when weather creates hazardous conditions.
The risk of these hazards only increases when management fails to take reasonable steps to ensure a construction site is a safe work environment.
Who Might Be Liable?
A critical first step in the early stages of a construction accident injury lawsuit is identifying the liable parties. This might be more complex than you realize. There are many situations where multiple parties share in the fault for an accident. Some examples include the following:
- Construction Companies. The construction company carries a heavy burden when it comes to crane usage. They must ensure proper training for their workforce, avoid hiring anyone dangerous or incapable of doing the job, and put into place safety protocols to prevent an accident.
- Operator. The person operating the crane is frequently at fault when something goes wrong. It may be possible to sue the operator and their employer at the same time.
- Equipment Manufacturer. The manufacturer of the crane or one of its parts might also be to blame. When design defects result in a collapse, the company that made the crane could be on the hook for damages.
These are only a few of the potentially liable parties following a crane accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise you on all the possible defendants in your case.
Learn How Lopez Franco PLLC Can Help
If you were hurt in a crane accident, Lopez Franco PLLC is ready to advocate on your behalf. Reach out today for your free consultation.