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Crane Accidents

Massachusetts Lawyers For Crane Collapses And Other Heavy Equipment Accidents

If you or a family member was involved in a construction site crane accident, contact the attorneys at Ellis Law Offices, who have been representing injured construction workers throughout Massachusetts since 1968.

The employer, subcontractor, general contractor, project manager and others must ensure that operators of large machinery such as cranes are fully trained and licensed, that the crane has been properly maintained and inspected, and that the surrounding conditions in which the crane is operating are safe. This means the crane has suitable, compacted and stable ground to gain proper footing and stabilization, the crane’s surroundings are free from dangerous live electrical lines, and other heavy equipment is kept clear of the crane’s operation. Also, all other workers in the construction site must be familiar with the operation of particular safety precautions that must be followed.

Crane Collapses And Tip-Overs

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines for overhead cranes that apply to any attachments that are used on this piece of heavy equipment. These guidelines specifically state that the attachments not exceed the rating, capacity, scope or recommendation of the manufacturer of the crane equipment.

When a crane has improper footing or has exceeded its lift capacity for the crane structure or attachments, it can collapse or tip over. The property damage, injuries and fatalities that result are often serious.

Cranes Contacting Power Lines And Electrocution

One of the most common types of crane accidents is when the crane, the load it’s carrying, the attachment or steel cable comes into contact with live power lines. This can electrocute the crane operator and those in the constructed structure and on the ground. Severed live power lines are often knocked off their isolated supports, causing serious injury or death to any worker coming into contact with them.

Cranes Improperly Maintained Or Serviced

Improper or negligent service to a crane by a third-party company, causing injury, death or damage to property, can result in liability to the service contractor.

In case of crane mechanical failure or defect if a crane malfunctions, causing serious injury or death, the manufacturer of the crane and the manufacturer of that particular defective part may be liable for third-party negligence damages.

Beyond Workers’ Compensation Benefits — Third-Party Negligence Recovery

Even if you are collecting workers’ compensation, you may be entitled to bring an additional third-party negligence claim for damages, which include pain and suffering, whole body scarring, a loss of consortium and other damages. Damages recovered in third-party negligence actions often far exceed those that are recoverable under Massachusetts workers’ compensation law.

Ellis Law Offices has over 120 years of combined experienced representing those injured in crane accidents. We have specialized in workers’ compensation law and third-party negligence law since 1968. This means we will find and hold all parties liable so you and your family can be fully compensated for your accident. We represent injured construction workers throughout Massachusetts. Please call now or email us for your free consultation. For your convenience, home and hospital visits are available anywhere in Massachusetts.