Often, the aftermath of a crane accident can be as extensive as the initial event. When an accident involving one of these tall, metallic structures leaves hundreds injured and property destroyed, not just the company who owns or operates it is liable but also its crane operator. To ensure you’re protected in case you incur any damages, it’s best to understand who bears responsibility for what—be it liability on behalf of your employer or liability on behalf of your insurance policy.
Common Injuries Suffered in Crane Accidents
Crane accident injuries are varied and include any of the following:
- Burns, cuts, and scalds from flying debris and shrapnel.
- Head injuries from flying debris striking a crane operator on the head.
- Sprains, strains, fractures of bones from falling objects hitting workers.
- Rib injuries due to broken ribs as a result of multiple impacts from hard objects or jagged metal edges from falling objects.
- Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects hitting crane operators or their workers.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents
The following are common causes of crane accidents:
- Electrocution
Electricity is one of the common causes of crane accidents. This is usually caused by faulty equipment, a short circuit, or a defective power line.
- Failure to Follow Safety Protocols
Despite having safety protocols written and implemented by crane operators and owners, accidents happen due to failure to follow them or because safety measures have not been created for certain situations.
- Struck by Load
Struck-by-load accidents are usually the result of a mistake on the part of the crane operator, who either loaded something on the wrong side of the crane or failed to secure it in place before operating properly. This can happen from an overloaded weight being either dropped or from a person moving equipment on a platform without securing it to the ground first.
- Crane Collapse
Crane collapses are usually caused by the crane operator, who either failed to heed safety precautions or who failed to adhere to the strict safety procedures written and implemented.
Holding those Responsible
The following parties can be held liable, and compensation can be sought from them in case of a crane accident:
- Company Operating the Crane
A company is usually held liable for crane accidents resulting from mistakes made by its operator or a malfunctioning crane. As stated by https://gio-law.com/new-york-
- Crane Operator
In many cases, the crane operator can be held liable for making a mistake that causes an accident, especially if he is acting outside his job description or simply not doing his job properly.
- Company Overseeing Crane Safety
The company overseeing crane safety can be held liable for failure to provide a safe environment for its employees and for failing to provide proper training to its employees during their jobs. In addition, the oversight company may also be held liable if defects are found in the crane’s design.
- Crane Manufacturer
The manufacturer of a crane can also be held liable for any defects found in the crane’s design, construction, and assembly, as well as in the training manual provided to its operators.
Conclusion
Crane accidents often result from an oversight or a mistake. People injured in these accidents should know their rights and ask for compensation from these parties to gain the financial support they need to get themselves back on their feet again.