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Crane Accidents

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Over 8000+ consumer rights cases settled.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

Cranes are used in multiple construction projects, from road work and bridge projects to building high-rises. While this piece of equipment is invaluable in the world of construction, it also poses a significant risk for serious injuries or death when not used properly or proper safety precautions are not followed. 

If you have been injured in a crane accident, contact Mike Agruss Law for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, Mike Agruss Law is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice. 

Crane Accident Statistics 

According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), between 2011-2015 there were 220 reported crane-related deaths in the U.S., with an average of 44 per year, and 90% of these accidents due to human error.

Just over half of all fatal crane injuries involved a worker being struck by an object or equipment, three-fifths involved the worker being struck by a falling object, with the remainder of the accidents involving a worker struck by an object falling onto them from the crane, transportation incidents, and falling from an upper level to a lower level. 

In this timeframe, Illinois was the state with the second-highest number of injuries (12) behind Texas (40). While the majority of those injured or killed in crane accidents were construction workers, bystanders are also at-risk. 

Crane Accident Prevention 

Using heavy equipment, like cranes, on the construction site requires workers to follow proper safety precautions. This includes ensuring that workers receive proper training and certification, all equipment is maintained, and a safety plan is in place for each piece of equipment.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recommends the following to improve crane safety: 

  • Train personnel – Only employees that are trained and certified in crane operation should be permitted to operate any crane.
  • Provide a level worksite – Cranes should only be operated on a level, flat area.
  • Check load stability – A worker should raise the load slightly, hold it at that height, check the load stability and brakes before moving the load.
  • Have a safety plan – A plan should be in place before the crane is operated, including a plan to stay within weight limits, not moving the crane over workers, and watching for dangers, especially power lines, which can cause electrocution.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to negligence on the job site or a defective product, an experienced personal injury lawyer can review your claim and determine if there were unsafe working conditions, potential OSHA violations, and other hazards that may have existed at the time of your accident. They will also determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages and what compensation you may be entitled to.

We at Mike Agruss Law are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services. 

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at Mike Agruss Law, we put People, First

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google.  Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at [email protected], or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7. 

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