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Common Causes of Crane Accidents and Prevention
Just as in any mishap, crane accidents can occur for various reasons.
Common causes of crane accidents can include:
- Operator error or negligence
- Lack of proper training or supervision of crane operators and workers
- Mechanical or equipment failure
- Overloading or exceeding the crane's weight capacity
- Improper assembly, installation, or maintenance of the crane
- Improper communication among workers and crane operators
- Environmental factors such as wind, rain, snow, or lightning
- Improper alignment or supporting of the crane on uneven or unstable terrain
- Interference with power lines or other overhead obstacles
- Poor judgment or decision-making by management or other employees
- Lack of safety measures or protocols in place in the workplace
Identifying Responsible Parties in Crane Accident Cases
Various parties may be responsible for injuries sustained in a crane accident. These can range from the employer to others, such as the crane manufacturer, crane operator, cargo loader, general contractor, subcontractor, or the site operator who is responsible for site safety.
While employees injured in crane accidents are entitled to workers’ compensation in which it is not necessary to prove fault, third-party personal injury claims may be pursued against non-employers whose negligence or incompetence resulted in injuries.
At Joubert Law Firm, our team understands the various factors that can be involved in crane accidents. We can thoroughly investigate all aspects of your accident and injuries to determine your legal options in pursuing maximum compensation for what you have suffered and lost.
Understanding Compensation for Crane Accident Victims
It is important to understand the various types of damages available for crane accident injuries. Worker’s compensation provides medical and partial wage benefits. However, it does not provide you with non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or PTSD.
Where third-party claims are pursued, your damages will depend on the facts of your case, such as the extent of your injuries.
These damages can include:
- All past and future medical expenses, including for hospitalization, follow-up care, medical equipment, and assistance therapies, such as rehabilitation
- Lost wages or income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Costs for home/vehicle accommodations
- Costs for personal assistance/home care in permanent disability cases
- Any other economic or non-economic damages applicable to your case
In Louisiana, these claims can be made even if a worker already received some workers' compensation benefits. However, navigating these situations can be challenging without legal assistance.
Seek Legal Help After a Crane Accident in Louisiana
At Joubert Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact that a crane accident can have on you and your family, from lost income to a lengthy recovery period. With proper legal guidance, seeking the compensation you need and deserve can be accomplished. However, these cases can be complex with varying circumstances that require extensive investigation and proper legal procedure.
Because you only have one year to file a personal injury claim in our state, it is best to seek immediate help from our team to ensure that all your options are explored and pursued. Our goal is to help you hold those responsible for your injuries accountable with committed and thoroughly-prepared legal representation.
Our FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will I need to pay any money upfront to get my personal injury started?
No, you will not need any money to get your case started or to initially meet with an attorney. We handle most cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not get paid unless you recover money.
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What is a deposition?
A deposition is a statement given under oath, usually done in a lawyer’s office before a court reporter. Witnesses called to testify in a deposition answer questions posed by attorneys representing both parties in a case. The court reporter produces a written transcript of everything said at the deposition and the witness can read and sign the transcript, swearing it to be an accurate rendition of the testimony given under oath.
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What documents should I bring with me when I meet with a lawyer?
The more information you are able to gather for your attorney, the easier it will be for your attorney to determine whether your claim will be successful. You should supply any documents that might have a bearing on your case, including, but not limited to, collision reports, photographs and medical records. If you have not collected any documents, do not worry because your lawyer will be able to obtain them.
Overview of Crane Accidents & Injuries in Louisiana
Various types of cranes are used in construction and offshore industries. Each crane type serves a specific purpose to meet the needs of the job at hand.
The most common of these include:
- Mobile cranes. These have wheels and can be easily relocated across a job site.
- Tower cranes. These are stationary and used for tall buildings due to their ability to lift loads to greater heights.
- Hammerhead cranes. These are a type of tower cranes that involve heavy-duty lifting used for the weightiest loads on construction sites.
- Overhead cranes. These are used outdoors to lift heavy loads.
- Gantry cranes. These run on rails and are often used for shipyards or cargo ports.
Other types of cranes exist as well, from stacking cranes to ship-to-shore cranes, deck cranes, floating cranes, and more.
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