Our Los Angeles Crane Accident Lawyer Can Help You

The City of Los Angeles is the most populous in the U.S. state of California. With roughly 3.9 million residents within the city limits as of 2020, Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States, behind only New York City; it is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of the Southern California region. If you’ve been injured in a crane accident in Los Angeles, our experienced Los Angeles crane accident lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.

Crane accidents in Los Angeles can be extremely dangerous for workers on construction sites. Cranes are large and powerful pieces of equipment used for lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment. The nature of their operation and the inherent risks involved make crane accidents a significant concern.

If you have been injured in a crane accident in Los Angeles, it is important to seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to your employer. Additionally, consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in construction accidents can help you understand your legal rights, navigate the complexities of filing a claim, and seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other damages.

Los Angeles Crane Injury Statistics

Between 1992 and 2002, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identified a total of 719 work-related fatalities that were linked to crane accidents, either directly or indirectly. These incidents were categorized as follows:

• 40.3% of the victims were hit by a mobile crane or by an object from an uncontrolled hoisted load.
• 24.1% of the injuries occurred when the crane came into contact with an electrical source, such as overhead power lines.
• 12.2% resulted from falling off the crane.
• 10.6% happened during the process of moving mobile cranes from one site to another.
• 10.2% were caught in the moving mechanisms of the crane.
• The remaining 2.6% fell into the category labeled as “other.”

What Does Cal/OSHA Mention about Crane Accidents on Construction Sites

Cal/OSHA (California Division of Occupational Safety and Health) has specific regulations and guidelines in place to address crane safety on construction sites in California. These regulations are aimed at preventing crane accidents and ensuring the safety of workers. Here are some key aspects mentioned by Cal/OSHA regarding crane accidents:

• Certification and Training: Cal/OSHA requires crane operators to be certified or qualified to operate cranes safely. Operators must undergo proper training and obtain certification from an accredited organization. Additionally, riggers and signal persons involved in crane operations are also required to be trained and qualified.
• Inspections and Maintenance: Employers are responsible for ensuring that cranes are inspected regularly by qualified individuals to identify any potential hazards or defects. Cranes must also undergo periodic thorough inspections to ensure their safe operation. Any necessary maintenance or repairs must be promptly addressed.
• Crane Safety Devices: Cal/OSHA mandates the use of specific safety devices on cranes, including load indicators, boom angle indicators, anti-two-blocking devices, and outrigger/stabilizer controls. These devices are intended to enhance crane safety and prevent accidents.
• Crane Setup and Assembly: Cal/OSHA provides guidelines on proper crane setup, including ensuring stable ground conditions, proper assembly of the crane components, and adherence to manufacturer specifications. Proper outrigger or stabilizer deployment is essential to maintain crane stability during operation.
• Power Line Safety: Cal/OSHA emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe distances between cranes and overhead power lines to prevent electrocution hazards. Requirements include implementing safety measures such as de-energizing power lines, using proximity warning devices, and maintaining the required minimum clearance distances.
• Communication and Signaling: Clear communication and signaling protocols between crane operators, riggers, and other personnel are crucial for safe crane operations. Cal/OSHA provides guidelines for proper communication methods and signals to ensure coordination and minimize the risk of accidents.

Crane Accident Settlements

If you have sustained an injury in a crane incident, you may qualify for compensation to address medical expenses, lost income, physical therapy, and other associated costs. While workers’ compensation insurance may cover certain expenses, it may not cover them all. Your crane accident lawyer will assess whether a lawsuit can enhance the overall reimbursement for your injury and to what extent.

Typically, the insurance providers of the responsible party will offer a settlement that falls short of covering the total amount of these expenses. A crane accident attorney will then engage in negotiations to secure a larger settlement that takes into account lost wages and other expenses that may not be covered by workers’ compensation. If these negotiations do not yield a satisfactory outcome, your attorney can proceed to trial and present arguments before a jury in order to obtain a higher amount of compensation.

Common Crane Accidents on Construction Sites in LA

Crane accidents on construction sites in Los Angeles can occur due to various factors. Some common types of crane accidents that can happen include:

• Crane Tip-Overs: Crane tip-overs can occur if the crane is not properly stabilized, the ground conditions are unstable, or the crane exceeds its lifting capacity. These accidents can lead to the crane toppling over, causing significant damage and posing a serious risk to workers and nearby structures.
• Load Drops: Improper rigging, equipment failure, or operator error can result in loads being dropped from the crane. This can cause severe injuries or fatalities to workers in the vicinity of the falling load.
• Crane Collapses: Cranes can collapse if they are not properly assembled, operated, or maintained. Factors such as structural failures, inadequate maintenance, or extreme weather conditions can contribute to crane collapses, leading to devastating consequences for workers and property.
• Struck-By Accidents: Workers can be struck by moving crane components, such as the boom, counterweight, or load, causing serious injuries or even fatalities. This can happen if workers are in the crane’s swing radius or if there is a lack of proper communication and signaling.
• Electrocution: Crane accidents involving contact with overhead power lines can result in electrocution. If a crane makes contact with live electrical wires, it can cause severe injuries or fatalities to the operator and nearby workers.
• Falls: Workers can fall from heights while working on or near cranes, such as when accessing the crane cab, performing maintenance tasks, or working on elevated platforms. Falls from cranes can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, or even death.

How Can the Los Angeles Crane Accident Lawyer Help You Get the Workers Compensation Benefits?

The Pacific Attorney Group can provide assistance specifically for workers who have been injured in crane accidents on construction sites. Here’s how we can help in crane accidents:

• Evaluation and Consultation: Our law firm will assess the details of your crane accident, including the cause of the accident and the extent of your injuries. We will evaluate the viability of your workers’ compensation claim specifically related to the crane accident.
• Filing the Claim: The Pacific Attorney Group will assist you in filing a workers’ compensation claim specific to your crane accident. We will ensure that all necessary documentation, such as accident reports and medical records, are gathered and submitted correctly and within the required deadlines.
• Gathering Evidence: Our law firm will gather relevant evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim for the crane accident. This may include reviewing accident reports, conducting interviews with witnesses, obtaining expert opinions, and gathering medical records to establish the cause and severity of your injuries.
• Negotiations with Insurance Companies: The Pacific Attorney Group will handle negotiations with the insurance company representing your employer or the responsible party. We will advocate for your rights and work to maximize the benefits you receive, such as compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and rehabilitation costs resulting from the crane accident.
• Appeals and Disputes: If your workers’ compensation claim is denied or disputed, our law firm can represent you in the appeals process. We will gather additional evidence, present your case before an administrative law judge, and argue for the benefits you deserve specifically related to the crane accident.
• Third-Party Claims: In some crane accidents, there may be third parties involved, such as equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or other entities. The Pacific Attorney Group will assess whether there are grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against these third parties, potentially seeking additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.

By specializing in crane accidents, we at the Pacific Attorney Group can provide personalized legal representation tailored to the unique circumstances and complexities of crane-related injuries. Our goal is to ensure you receive fair and appropriate compensation for the specific injuries and damages resulting from the crane accident on the construction site.

Book your free consultation today. 

Contact Los Angeles Crane Accident Lawyer to Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or someone you care about suffered an injury in a crane incident? Our skilled Los Angeles crane accident attorneys specializing in premises liability at Pacific Attorney Group can assist in identifying the responsible party and exploring potential compensation for your injuries.