Were you or a loved one injured in a crane accident in South Carolina? Whether you were injured while on the job or as a passerby, you could be owed significant compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
The South Carolina worker’s compensation attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have seen the severe injuries and damage caused by crane accidents. We also know how costly medical care can be and how difficult it can be to support yourself and your loved ones if you miss work due to injuries.
Jebaily Law Firm was founded on the principle of providing justice for everyone in South Carolina. We’ve been committed to that standard for over 50 years.
Our injury lawyers are ready to go the extra mile for you after a crane accident. We’ll always treat you like family and advocate for your right to compensation. We even offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights. There’s no obligation and you can reach us by phone or online anytime.
For your free consultation, contact us today.
Hazards from Cranes in the Workplace
Cranes are essential for many construction projects throughout our state. However, they can be exceptionally dangerous if they are not assembled and operated correctly. That’s why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines and manuals covering every aspect of crane management and operation. They discuss everything from crane setup and operation to communication between workers and the operator.
However, those in charge of workplaces like construction sites and ports don’t always take the proper safety precautions. Disregarding these precautions could lead to hazardous conditions such as:
- Improperly constructed or positioned cranes
- Insufficient foundations for cranes
- Overloaded cranes
- Allowing cranes to operate too close to electrical lines and buildings
- Too many vehicles and workers within the crane’s operation area
Common Causes of Crane Accidents in SC
What are some of the leading causes of crane accidents at construction sites, cargo ports, and other workplaces in South Carolina? They include:
- Crane contact with electrified power lines – According to the National Safety Council, crane contact with power lines is one of the leading causes of fatal crane accidents. Any time a crane needs to be near power lines, site managers should take every precaution to ensure the safety of everyone around.
- Boom or crane collapse – Safe setup and operation are essential. That means ensuring every crane is correctly assembled and making sure that no crane is lifting more than it can handle. Otherwise, it could collapse and cause injuries.
- Overturned crane – Cranes, especially mobile cranes, need to be set up on a solid foundation. That includes the use of outrigger supports where necessary. Failure to do so could result in a crane falling over.
- Dropped loads – These are some of the most common crane accidents at construction sites. Crane operators and people on the ground must ensure that any loads are properly balanced and secured before they’re lifted.
- Crushed by counterweight – Counterweights allow cranes to lift extraordinary weights, but they must be adequately secured. If they come loose, the crane could fail, injuring the operator and everyone around.
- Rigging failure – The rigging for a load is one of the most critical parts of any lift. Incorrect installation, too much weight, or damaged rigging can cause a deadly accident.
- Crane collision with building – Sometimes, cranes need to operate in tight spaces. However, site managers should ensure that any crane operation won’t encounter nearby structures that could injure people on-site and people in the building itself.
- Collapse during crane setup – Certain cranes, such as tower cranes, have specific setup procedures. Failure to follow them could result in crane collapse and major injuries for anyone involved.
Determining Liability for Crane Accidents in South Carolina
When a crane accident happens, an injury lawyer in South Carolina can investigate the circumstances of the accident and determine who could be liable. Crane collapse lawyers in SC may use evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and injury records to understand what happened. We can then review each organization and individual’s responsibility for the construction site to determine who might be responsible for compensating you.
Common Work Injuries Caused by Crane Accidents
Cranes are heavy pieces of equipment, and even a small mistake or problem could spell disaster. Crane accidents or a crane collapse in South Carolina can lead to severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries and skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Electrocution
- Crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Wrongful death
What to Do After a Crane Injury
After an injury from a crane accident, what can you do to seek compensation? These tips can help you understand your rights and your next steps following crane accidents in South Carolina:
- Speak with a crane accident lawyer in South Carolina. Crane accidents may involve workers’ compensation claims, lawsuits against third parties, and in-depth investigation. Our experienced law firm can help you with everything your case needs.
- Record information about your medical treatments and what you feel. That can be an essential part of understanding your medical care and your experience after a crane accident, which could affect your benefits and compensation.
- Don’t discuss the accident online or on social media. Talk with your lawyer before saying anything about your accident.
- Keep any records related to your serious injury. Medical records, employment records, and any other information related to the accident could prove vital to your case.
- Follow through on your treatments. Even if you’re beginning to feel better after an accident, make sure you still listen to your medical provider and attend any appointments.
How an SC Crane Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you were injured in a crane accident in South Carolina, the first step you should take is to seek medical treatment. The next thing you should do is to call an experienced injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
If you were injured on the job, a worker’s compensation lawyer can help you seek benefits through your employer’s insurance, which would likely cover your medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages as you recover. Surviving family members may be entitled to death benefits if a worker is killed on the jobsite. An injury attorney can also help determine if a third party might owe you additional compensation if the accident was caused by the negligence of someone besides other than your employer or a co-worker.
If you were injured as a passerby near a job site, your injury lawyer could investigate the accident, establish which party or parties might be responsible, and help you seek fair compensation through a negligence claim.
Contact Our Experienced South Carolina Crane Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a crane accident, contact Jebaily Law Firm, P.C., now. We’re here to help and are ready to do everything we can to help you recover the compensation you need.
For over 50 years, Jebaily Law Firm, P.C., has fought for injured people in our communities. We’re committed to serving the people of South Carolina, and we’re here to support you if you’re injured. Contact us today for your free consultation to discuss how we can help.
