Crane equipment is essential on many construction sites, but any mistakes in setting up or operating the equipment could come with serious risks. When a crane accident occurs, those injured and their loved ones may wonder how such a powerful machine failed. In the aftermath, it is important to understand what went wrong and how to pursue maximum compensation under state law.
If a crane accident recently injured you, contact a Modesto crane accident lawyer at Curtis Legal Group. Our construction accident attorneys are ready to discover safety failures and expose negligence as we guide you through the civil claim process. Let the Heavy Hitters™ break down the investigation process, explain how liability works, and help you proceed.
The Risks of Crane Accidents
The precise coordination required for crane operation may be difficult in narrow work areas where buildings and power lines limit the range of safe movement. Even a small miscalculation could cause a shift in excessive force on the crane’s structural components. Visibility challenges require a spotter or signaler to monitor movements, and any miscommunication could cause a serious incident.
People often link causes of a crane accident to preventable oversight in the planning, equipment handling, or safety enforcement. Construction companies may avoid issues, such as overloading or rigging failures, with proper inspections and maintenance procedures. They should fix any problems with the structure or hydraulics system, and they should also correct worn rigging equipment immediately.
If a company skips these inspections, delays repairs, or mishandles load calculations, the risks of equipment failure increase significantly. Safety failures such as these often reflect deeper issues with training or supervision practices, and a Modesto crane injury attorney may help you understand how to use these issues in your claim.
What Are Common Injuries From Crane Accidents?
Many crane-related injuries involve high-impact or crushing forces. Falling loads, collapsing booms, or tip-overs could result in fractures, head trauma, or spinal injuries. If a load shifts suddenly or a crane collapses without warning, machinery weighing more than a ton may crush workers.
Some crane incidents could also involve injuries resulting from a fall, especially during lifting operations or when workers are on elevated platforms. Because these accidents typically involve complex forces and heavy machinery, even non-impact injuries may be significant.
Many times, these injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or long-term care. Psychological effects include post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, which could sometimes last a lifetime. Understanding the full scope of possible injuries with the help of a Modesto lawyer from our firm makes it easier to assess the extent of damages suffered in a crane accident and therefore pursue maximum compensation.
Legal Standards in the State
Several state regulations guide safe crane usage. California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) requires specific certification for operators as well as strict inspection and maintenance requirements for the machinery itself. These rules cover rigging equipment, load calculations, and communications between workers. Proper documentation is also extremely important, especially for lift procedures, equipment checks, and the assessment of possible hazards.
After an accident, it is crucial to uncover what negligent actions contributed to the incident. Evidence such as photographs of the scene or debris patterns could offer insight into the sequence of events. Cal/OSHA findings may highlight safety lapses, missing certifications, or equipment issues. Together, all this evidence helps our crane accident lawyers to clearly demonstrate what happened in Modesto and identify responsible parties.
Contact a Crane Accident Attorney in Modesto for Legal Support
If you sustained harm in a crane accident, you need a lawyer who knows what to look for among the piles of evidence and holds negligent parties responsible. Crane incidents involve powerful machinery and potentially multiple contractors. You deserve an advocate who will use state laws to maximize the damages courts award you for your injuries.
The Heavy Hitters™ at Curtis Legal Group are here to help those injured by crane incidents. Contact us today to learn how a Modesto crane accident lawyer at our firm may fight for you and seek a fair resolution.
