Atlanta Crane Accident Attorneys
Advocating for victims of crane and construction accidents in Atlanta, Georgia
In the world of construction and industry, cranes are an iconic symbol, lifting tons of material with ease and shaping skylines. However, these towering machines are capable of extreme danger in the event of an accident. Crane accidents can have catastrophic consequences, harming operators and anyone in the immediate area. Many of these accidents are also fatal.
At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, our team of skilled personal injury attorneys understands the complexities of crane accident cases and is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. With a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in these types of cases, we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the path toward recovery. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to provide the support and legal expertise you need during this difficult time.
Quick Questions
- Who is liable for an Atlanta crane accident?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Georgia for a crane accident injury?
- What are common worksite and construction accidents involving cranes?
- What are the main causes of crane accidents?
- What types of injuries occur from crane accidents?
- What are the different types of cranes?
- How can companies practice crane safety?
- Do you have a crane accident attorney near me?
The attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton are highly professional and extremely compassionate. They truly care about seeking justice for their clients.
[Who is liable for an Atlanta crane accident?
Determining liability for a crane accident in Atlanta can be complex and depends on various factors such as the specific circumstances of the accident, the parties involved, and applicable laws and regulations. Liability can potentially fall on multiple parties.
- If the crane accident occurred in the course of employment, the employer may be held liable for the accident under the principle of vicarious liability. This means that an employer can be held responsible for the actions or negligence of their employees while they are performing work-related tasks.
- Crane Operators. If the crane operator's negligence, lack of training, or improper actions contributed to the accident, they could be held personally liable for the damages.
- Crane Owner: The owner of the crane may be held liable if the accident was caused by faulty equipment, inadequate maintenance, or failure to ensure the crane's safety.
- Manufacturers and suppliers. If the crane or its components were defective or malfunctioned, the manufacturer, distributor, or supplier of the crane or its parts could be held responsible for the accident under product liability laws.
- Construction contractors and subcontractors: If a crane accident occurred on a construction site, the general contractor, subcontractors, or other parties involved in the project may share liability, depending on their roles and responsibilities in ensuring a safe work environment.
- Property owners. If the crane accident occurred on property owned by someone other than the employer, the property owner might be held liable if they failed to maintain safe premises or allowed hazardous conditions that contributed to the accident.
- Engineers and designers. If the crane was not properly designed or engineered, and this contributed to the accident, the responsible engineers or designers may be held liable.
- Government entities. If the accident occurred on a public road or government property, liability could involve government agencies responsible for maintaining safe roadways or enforcing construction regulations.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a crane accident in Atlanta, it's crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate the circumstances and help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Georgia for a crane accident injury?
If you are filing or plan to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, your statute of limitations is typically two years – but there are exceptions to every rule, and you may have less time than you think. For example, claims against a state agency may need to be filed within six months.
In some cases, you may wish to file a lawsuit even if you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Harris Lowry Manton LLP can help you explore your options.
What are common worksite and construction accidents involving cranes?
A variety of accidents can occur when using and operating a crane. Equipment company Big Rentz notes these can include:
- Being struck by the load, boom, or jib
- Falling from the crane
- Transportation incidents
- Tipping over
- Structural failure
- Overloading the crane
- Electrical hazards
What are the main causes of crane accidents?
Total Equipment Training discusses the main causes and types of crane accidents on construction sites:
- Crane buckling or collapsing. Cranes must have support structures to keep them upright as they operate. If the crane is set on unstable ground or the crane surpasses its weight limits, it will collapse.
- Improper assembly. If a crane is set up improperly or extended improperly, accidents are sure to happen.
- Improper employee training. If employees are unaware of safety hazards, they may ignore them. Employees who are not trained on safety procedures can also cause accidents.
- Mechanical failure. This often occurs due to poor maintenance. Components can wear out, causing them to break or malfunction. This can also happen due to product defects.
- Electrocution. This happens when an uninsulated part of the crane comes into contact with live electricity, like power lines.
What types of injuries occur from crane accidents?
Crane accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening.
- Head injuries: Blows to the head from falling objects or collisions with crane components can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head trauma.
- Spinal cord injuries: Falls or impacts can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis and long-term disabilities.
- Loss of limb: In severe cases, crane accidents can lead to the loss of limbs or body parts due to crushing or severing injuries.
- Lacerations and abrasions: Workers can suffer cuts, scrapes, and bruises from sharp edges, flying debris, or contact with equipment.
- Electrical burns and shocks: Crane operators and workers can be electrocuted or suffer burns from coming into contact with power lines, electrical equipment, or faulty wiring.
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma or crushing injuries can lead to damage to internal organs, potentially causing internal bleeding or other complications.
- Burn injuries: Fires or explosions resulting from electrical malfunctions, fuel leaks, or other factors can cause burn injuries.
- Musculoskeletal injuries: Strains, sprains, and musculoskeletal injuries can occur from overexertion, repetitive motions, or awkward postures during crane operations.
- Emotional and psychological trauma: Witnessing or being involved in a crane accident can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological issues.
- Fatalities: In the most tragic cases, crane accidents can result in fatalities, leaving families and communities devastated by the loss of a loved one.
It is important to note that crane accidents not only affect the crane operators but also other workers and bystanders in the vicinity.
What are the different types of cranes?
There are a wide variety of different cranes, all used for different industries and tasks. They all come in different sizes and configurations to fit the job at hand. Following are just a few of the different types of cranes you might see on a job site:
- Mobile cranes
- Tower cranes
- Overhead cranes
- Gantry cranes
- Jib cranes
- Telescopic cranes
- Loader cranes
- Floating cranes
- Railroad cranes
Proper training and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial when operating any type of crane to prevent accidents and ensure efficient and safe lifting operations.
How can companies practice crane safety?
Equipment company Big Rentz offers a variety of tips for operating cranes safely:
- Selecting the right crane for the job – typically a fixed crane for industrial and tall construction projects and mobile cranes for others.
- Using only trained and qualified personnel.
- Reading the operator’s manual in full.
- Performing daily operator, startup, and safety checks.
- Clearing obstacles prior to crane travel.
- Stabilizing the crane before rigging.
- Rigging the load correctly.
- Paying attention to load limits.
- Using proper communication and hand signals.
- Managing complex lifts correctly.
Do you have an Atlanta crane accident attorney near me?
Harris Lowry Manton LLP’s Atlanta office is located at 1418 Dresden Drive, in Brookhaven, Georgia, with plenty of local parking just a short walk away.
Experienced Atlanta crane accident attorneys
If you or a loved one have been affected by a crane accident, don't wait to take action. Your well-being and rights deserve protection. The team at Harris Lowry Manton LLP is waiting to hear from you. Call us in Atlanta or Savannah or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced team of personal injury attorneys. We're here to listen, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.