Victims and their families may struggle to cope in the aftermath of a serious accident that causes personal injury. A catastrophic event such as a crane accident can cause permanent injuries that may impact a victim’s ability to work or live life as they did before.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crane accident and you believe that negligence was involved, a Waukegan crane injury lawyer could help protect your rights. Our attorneys could evaluate your options for filing a workers’ compensation claim to recover damages.
Crane accidents often injure workers, but bystanders and those near the crane may also experience harm. Other individuals frequently injured in these accidents include crane operators and riggers, as well as individuals in vehicles should a crane part or load fall on them.
One of the most prevalent causes of crane accidents occurs when the crane boom strikes energized overhead power lines, increasing electrocution risks. Crane overturns are also common and may be attributable to uneven ground, improper load distribution, or loads exceeding stability limits. Component malfunctions such as broken cables, faulty hoist mechanisms, or hydraulic system failures can also cause serious or deadly crane accidents.
If a crane is used to lift loads exceeding its rated capacity, or if mistakes are made during setup, structural instability may occur. Inadequate training of crane operators can also lead to terrible accidents caused by improper positioning or failure to follow safety procedures.
Inconsistently inspected cranes could also malfunction and injure multiple people. A crane injury attorney in Waukegan could guide you through the legal process following a crane accident, investigate its cause, identify potentially liable parties, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure compensation for your injuries.
Victims of crane accidents may sustain a wide range of injuries, potentially including:
A Waukegan attorney could protect your interests and help you assert your right to compensation if you have sustained serious injuries in a crane accident. A lawyer could collect and preserve evidence from the scene, review safety protocols, interview witnesses, analyze crane maintenance records, and consult with experts to identify the cause of the accident and at-fault parties.
Depending on the circumstances, liable parties could include the crane operator, the construction company, subcontractors, the crane owner, equipment manufacturers, and the property owner.
Workers’ compensation can provide medical benefits and partial wage replacement after an accident. If a third party other than your employer is liable for your accident, you could be eligible to file a personal injury claim to recover damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other financial costs that exceed the scope of workers’ compensation benefits.
Many construction projects require both mobile and fixed cranes for completion. Usually, these projects conclude without incident, but if dangerous factors such as poor maintenance, negligent crane operation, and overloading are present, an accident can occur and leave numerous people gravely injured.
Crane accident victims may be entitled to multiple forms of monetary compensation. If you were injured in a crane accident that occurred at work, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Moreover, if a negligent third party caused your injuries, you may have the opportunity to pursue additional monetary damages.
A Waukegan crane injury lawyer could investigate your accident, determine liability, and review your legal options. Our bilingual team is capable of addressing your legal needs in both Spanish and English, so contact Schlack & Bassmaji today to schedule your consultation.
