Los Angeles Crane Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Crane accidents can have devastating consequences, and understanding the common causes is key to preventing them. These incidents often occur due to a combination of mechanical failures, human error, and environmental factors.

The most common causes of crane accidents:

• Overloading: One of the most frequent causes of crane accidents is overloading the crane beyond its lifting capacity. When the crane is forced to lift loads heavier than it is designed to handle, it can lead to tipping, structural failure, or even a collapse of the crane. Overloading is often the result of miscalculating the weight of the load or not adhering to the crane’s specifications.
• Improper Use of Equipment: Crane operators and riggers must use the correct lifting techniques and equipment for specific loads. Using the wrong type of rigging gear or attachments can lead to imbalances, dropping the load, or causing the crane to lose stability.
• Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues such as worn-out cables, defective brakes, or malfunctioning hoists can result in crane accidents. These failures may be due to improper maintenance or wear and tear over time. Regular inspections and servicing of cranes are critical to preventing these types of accidents.
• Inadequate Training of Crane Operators: Poorly trained or inexperienced crane operators are more likely to make mistakes, which can lead to accidents. Crane operation requires not only technical knowledge but also an understanding of safety protocols, load dynamics, and how to handle unexpected situations.
• Poor Communication: Effective communication between the crane operator and the workers on the ground is essential for safe operations. Misunderstandings or lack of coordination can lead to accidents, especially during complex lifting tasks. Hand signals, radios, or other forms of clear communication should always be used.
• Unsafe Working Conditions: Crane accidents can also occur when the working environment is hazardous. Uneven ground, high winds, wet conditions, or obstructions in the crane’s path can compromise its stability and make operations unsafe. It’s crucial to assess environmental factors and adjust operations as needed.
• Electrical Hazards: Many crane accidents involve contact with overhead power lines. If the crane or its load touches live electrical wires, it can lead to electrocution of the operator or workers nearby. Careful planning and awareness of the crane’s surroundings are necessary to avoid this type of accident.
• Improper Setup or Assembly: If a crane is not set up correctly, it may not be properly balanced or secured. This can result in tipping or collapse during operations. In some cases, assembly issues may arise from skipping steps, using the wrong parts, or rushing the setup process.
• Weather Conditions: Extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, lightning, or heavy rain can create unsafe conditions for crane operations. Wind, in particular, can swing loads, destabilize the crane, and make precise movements more difficult. Operating a crane in such conditions without proper precautions increases the risk of accidents.
• Fatigue and Human Error: Fatigue, distraction, or simple mistakes made by crane operators or other workers can result in accidents. Human error is a significant factor, and ensuring that workers are well-rested, focused, and follow safety protocols can help mitigate this risk.
• Lack of Inspections and Maintenance: Regular inspections and proper maintenance are essential for ensuring that cranes are functioning safely. Failure to inspect and repair equipment regularly can lead to hidden defects or wear that could cause accidents.

How Shoop APLC Can Help You

When you've been injured in a crane accident, it's crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side to help you navigate the complex legal process and maximize your compensation.

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, our team of skilled crane accident lawyers has a proven track record of success in representing clients who have suffered injuries in crane accidents.

Why choose us as your advocate:

• Extensive experience: Our attorneys have years of experience handling crane accident cases and have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding these types of accidents.
• Proven results: We have a strong track record of securing substantial compensation for our clients, helping them recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Thorough investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Personalized attention: We understand that every case is unique, and we provide personalized attention to each client, tailoring our legal strategies to their specific needs and goals.
• Strong advocacy: Our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. We will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Don't face the legal process alone. Contact our Los Angeles crane accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.