Austin Crane Accident Lawyer
Austin has grown so much over the last few decades that it has earned itself the nickname “Crane City.” Towering construction cranes dominate the Austin skyline as high-rise after high-rise goes up in the downtown area and beyond. And while cranes are a necessary part of large-scale construction projects, they can also be hazardous.
Crane accidents are among the most dangerous types of construction accidents and often result in severe, even fatal, injuries. Crane operators, assemblers, and construction workers – not to mention other nearby individuals such as motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists – can be seriously harmed in a crane accident if construction companies or other entities are negligent.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident in Austin, you could be entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses you suffered due to the accident. Attorney Adam Loewy wants to help you seek this compensation. He has extensive experience helping victims of construction accidents obtain the financial relief they need and has secured more than $40 million on behalf of his clients to date.
If you’ve been hurt in a crane accident, reach out to the construction accident lawyers at the Loewy Law Firm today for a free, no-risk case assessment.
Why Choose Loewy Law Firm After a Crane Accident?
Getting the money you need after a sudden accident can be more difficult than it should be. That’s why it is crucial to have a dedicated advocate to handle your claim. Throughout his nearly 20 years of serving injured Austinites, Adam Loewy has secured more than $40 million in settlements and judgments for injured clients. Reach out to our office today so that we can conduct a thorough investigation into the crane accident and begin building a strong case on your behalf.
Causes of Crane Accidents
Crane accidents happen for a number of reasons, though human error is often the underlying factor. Some of the most common types and causes of crane accidents include:
- Crane collides with a power line
- Crushing by counterweight
- Boom collapse
- Rigging failures
- Crane load dropping accidentally
- Poor crane maintenance
- Inexperienced crane operators
- Failure of the construction company to properly vet and train new hires
The company overseeing the construction project and/or operating the crane is often to blame for the accident. However, other entities could potentially be responsible as well. Liable parties could include the designer and manufacturer of the crane system or a third-party contractor working on the job site.
If you were injured on the job and your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, then you should be entitled to benefits regardless of who was responsible for causing the accident. However, if you were injured in a crane accident while simply passing through the area, or your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you could be entitled to sue the company directly.
Common Injuries Caused by Crane Accidents
A crane collapse or malfunction can lead to severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Accidental amputation
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts and lacerations
If you were involved in a crane accident, we recommend seeking medical attention right away. Some injuries, such as internal injuries, don’t present symptoms right away, and complications could set in if these injuries go undiagnosed and untreated. If you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit, it’s also important to establish medical records that clearly demonstrate you were injured during the incident.
Compensation for a Crane Accident Injury
A construction worker who suffers injuries in a crane accident should be entitled to benefits through their employer’s workers’ compensation policy. Texas does not require employers to provide workers’ comp, but many carry insurance to avoid the risk of a personal injury lawsuit. After a crane accident, you should immediately report the accident and any injuries you sustained to your employer. You will also need to submit a report detailing your injuries to the Division of Workers’ Compensation. To have a valid claim, you’ll need to do this within one year.
Workers’ compensation benefits typically cover:
- Medical costs – Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could be facing steep medical expenses. Workers’ compensation covers the cost of all necessary medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital bills, doctor visits, emergency medical services, prescription medications, and other healthcare expenses.
- Lost income – If you have to take time off work while you are recovering from your injuries, you can recover a portion of your lost income through your employer’s workers’ compensation policy. You are also entitled to wage-loss benefits if you are still able to work but in a capacity that does not pay as well as your pre-accident position.
Employers who provide workers’ compensation are generally shielded from being sued by their employees, but there are some situations where you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit after a crane accident. For example, if the crane accident was caused by the negligence of a third-party contractor or by the designer or manufacturer of the crane system, you could hold that party accountable for their negligence through a civil lawsuit. And if your employer does not have workers’ compensation, or you were injured while passing by a construction site you do not work at, you could file suit against the construction company itself.
A successful personal injury suit can provide you with additional compensation that isn’t available under workers’ comp, including money for property damage and pain and suffering.
Getting Help from an Austin Crane Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured in a crane accident in Austin? If so, contact Loewy Law Firm right away to discuss your case during a free consultation with an experienced, tenacious Austin crane accident lawyer. You deserve to be compensated for any losses you suffered in the accident, either through the workers’ compensation system or a personal injury lawsuit. Let us demand this compensation on your behalf.