Crane accidents, whether due to improper setup, overloading, or collapse, can be extremely severe and occasionally fatal. In June 2015, a man died while de-rigging a crane on the campus of Penn State when another worker knocked out a pin, causing the crane to drop on the 29-year old victim.
In February 2013, a fire in a crane at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia injured an employee. In October 2010, a construction worker was injured on the site of the new National Museum of American Jewish History after being struck by a crane that was rammed by a trash truck at the construction site.
These are just a few of the crane accidents that have been reported in the Philly area over the past few years. Statistics indicate that workplace injury from heavy machinery such as cranes are growing more common.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our workers’ compensation attorneys to hold negligent workers, and property owners responsible so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Crane Accident Injuries in Pennsylvania
All cranes have limits that restrict the amount of weight that particular crane can lift. If the recommended weight is exceeded, the crane is at risk for buckling or collapsing. In addition, if the boom on the crane has not been assembled properly or is not properly blocked, the load could become unbalanced and cause the crane to collapse.
One of the most common causes of crane accidents is improper training of employees. When an employee is not trained in the proper operation of the crane, accidents can occur. There have been reports of crane accidents due to a lack of routine maintenance or inspections.
Too often, employers attempt to short-cut inspections or maintenance and this can lead to catastrophic equipment failure. Crane operators have also been injured when the crane comes in contact with overhead electrical lines.
Injuries Caused by Crane Accidents
According to reviews of workers’ Compensation claims, the most common injury that occurred in crane accidents were injuries sustained when an employee or other person was struck by a falling object. In addition to those types of injuries, workers’ comp claims reveal that there have been injuries from falls, when people are caught in or compressed by parts of the crane as well as electrocution and burns when the crane comes in contact with live electrical wires.
Broken bones, head and spinal injuries and compression fractures are some of the most common injuries found in crane accidents. There have been reports of other types of injuries consistent with motor vehicle accidents when there is a crash between the stationary crane and a moving motor vehicle.
Who’s Responsible for Crane Accident Injuries in Philadelphia
In Pennsylvania, all employers are required to provide some sort of workers’ compensation coverage, whether they purchase insurance from a company or provide self-insurance in the event of a workplace injury. Even if it is determined that the employee was responsible for the injury, they are still eligible for coverage for their injuries and lost wages. However, there are instances where an employee who is injured may be able to pursue additional compensation from other parties. If the crane malfunctioned, it is possible to hold the manufacturer of the crane responsible. If the fault was due to negligence on the part of another person who worked at the company, they may also be held responsible for the injuries sustained.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a workplace accident, contact Lundy Law today. We can help guide you through the complicated workers’ comp process and review your case to see whether you may be eligible for additional compensation. Contact us through our free consultation form or give us a call at 1-800-Lundy Law.
