Pittsburgh Crane Accident Lawyer

A crane accident occurs when a malfunction, operator error, or other hazardous condition involving a construction crane causes harm to a worker, bystander, or property. Cranes are used to lift and move heavy materials at construction sites, but when not operated or maintained properly, they become dangerous pieces of equipment.

Crane accidents may involve collapsed booms, falling loads, contact with power lines, or cranes tipping over entirely. The results can be devastating, particularly on busy construction sites in urban areas like Pittsburgh, where these machines often operate near buildings, roads, and pedestrian walkways.

Common Types of Crane Accidents

At Friday & Cox LLC, our team has handled a wide range of crane accident cases. Some of the most common types include:

• Crane Collapses: When a crane’s structure fails due to poor design, overloading, or improper assembly, it may collapse, causing extensive damage and severe injury.
• Falling Loads: Materials or equipment being hoisted by a crane can fall if improperly secured or due to mechanical failure.
• Crane Tip-Overs: When cranes are not properly stabilized or used on uneven surfaces, they can tip over, especially in high wind conditions or when overloaded.
• Electrocution: Cranes that come into contact with power lines pose a serious risk of electrocution to operators and nearby workers.
• Mechanical Failures: Defective parts, poor maintenance, or manufacturer errors can cause critical components of the crane to malfunction.
• Operator Error: Inadequate training, lack of experience, or negligence by crane operators often lead to preventable accidents.

Each of these accidents can lead to devastating consequences, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, or even wrongful death.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Understanding what caused a crane accident is crucial for determining liability and pursuing compensation. The most frequent causes of crane accidents in Pittsburgh construction sites include:

• Inadequate Training: Employers who fail to properly train crane operators may be held liable when an accident occurs.
• Negligent Maintenance: Cranes require regular inspection and maintenance. Failing to detect or repair a malfunctioning component can lead to catastrophic failure.
• Improper Crane Assembly: Erecting or dismantling cranes improperly is a leading cause of collapses and mechanical failure.
• Overloading: Exceeding the crane’s weight capacity places excessive stress on the equipment and can lead to tipping or collapse.
• Poor Communication: Miscommunication between workers and crane operators can result in unsafe hoisting, movement, or placement of materials.
• Unsafe Work Conditions: Operating cranes in high winds, rain, or on unstable ground increases the risk of an accident.

Who is Liable for Crane Accidents?

Establishing liability in crane accident cases can be complex. Multiple parties may be involved, and determining who is legally responsible requires a thorough investigation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, potentially liable parties may include:

• Construction Companies: Employers and site managers have a duty to ensure safe working conditions and properly trained staff.
• Crane Operators: Negligent or reckless operation of cranes can make operators personally liable.
• Equipment Manufacturers: If a defective crane or crane part caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible under product liability laws.
• Maintenance Contractors: Third-party companies hired to inspect or service cranes may be liable if poor maintenance contributed to the accident.
• Property Owners or Developers: In some cases, those in control of the construction site may be liable for failing to address known hazards.

Whether your claim involves a workers’ compensation case or a third-party personal injury lawsuit, our legal team can help you navigate the complexities of liability and pursue the compensation you need.

Compensation Available for Crane Accident Victims

If you were injured in a crane accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability or disfigurement
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Wrongful death benefits (if you lost a loved one)

While injured workers can apply for workers' compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages, they can also obtain non-economic damages like pain and suffering through a third-party claim if the injury was caused by a third party, such as a manufacturer of a defective tool or the property owner if there was a dangerous condition on the premises that wasn't disclosed.

Our Pittsburgh crane accident attorneys at Friday & Cox LLC are committed to maximizing your recovery. We will aggressively negotiate with insurers or litigate your case in court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.