CRANE ACCIDENT - CRANE COLLAPSE

Crane Accident – Personal Injury Compensation Claim

A crane accident can occur in several different ways including a full or partial crane collapse, ancillary equipment failure that endangers drivers, workers and those in proximity, negligent mishandling or misuse of the lifting equipment by the driver which usually restricts injuries to co-workers or objects dropped or falling from cranes:

• A crane accident involving structural failure is a rare event, however when a crane collapse does take place, the sheer enormity and weight of the equipment involved can result in tremendous damage – endangering the lives of not only on-site workers but also the lives of the general public including those apparently within the security of close buildings.

• Crane accidents involving co-workers being hit by loads are not uncommon on building sites and their occurrence is usually due to negligence by the crane operator either through lack of experience or training or a simple negligent mistake often caused by communication difficulties. Loads weighting several tons can cause extreme danger to other workers and fatalities, particularly on building sites, are not uncommon as a result of accidents involving cranes.

• Falling objects are a particular danger on building sites most often as a result of objects falling from scaffolding however there are also many incidents caused by objects falling from cranes or from the loads that cranes are carrying which can cause serious injury. Due to the heights that are often involved in a crane accident even small falling objects can pose extreme danger.

• Employers are required by law to ensure that all equipment is safe and is properly maintained and any injury caused as a result of mechanical failure of a crane or ancillary equipment is likely to be the liability of the employer so far as damages for personal injury are concerned.

Safe Use Of Cranes

Crane Accident Regulations

Employers are required by these acts to ensure that the crane is strong and stable enough for a particular use, positioned in such a way as to minimise risks, that its use is planned, organised and performed by competent people and that competent people are conducting regular inspections. Crane accidents caused by an operator’s negligence or failure to operate a crane according to the safety procedures outlined in the above acts can leave the operator legally responsible for both civil compensation and criminal prosecution.

No Win No Fee Compensation Claims

If you have been the victim of a crane accident that was the result of an owner or operator’s failure to follow the established safety guidelines for the operation of cranes, then you may be entitled to compensation and to ensure that you protect your legal rights you should discuss the case in detail with a solicitor at the first opportunity.