Since the beginning of this year, there have been twelve deaths caused by crane accidents across the country. Even when a crane accident does not result in death, it can still cause serious injuries that are often permanent.
Construction is considered to be the most dangerous industry in the United States. When you work with heavy machinery, cranes, scaffolding and equipment, you are at risk of being involved in an accident. Construction sites that are not safe and workers who take short cuts to save time contribute to the number of construction injuries each year. One news article suggested that the recent increase in construction-related accidents had to do with a combination of untrained immigrant workers, inattention to safety regulations and profit-minded contractors who cut corners.
Crane injuries are usually caused by energized power lines, under the hook lifting devices, overturned cranes, boom collapses, dropped loads, falls, crushing caused by counter weights and rigging failures. When mistakes are made on a construction site, the result can be catastrophic. That is why claims involving crane accidents usually have the potential for serious damages. If you have been injured in a crane accident, you have legal rights and could be entitled to compensation.
Workers’ compensation is generally available for injured construction workers, but if your crane accident was caused by negligence, you may be able to pursue further monetary damages. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, both past and present, pain and suffering and other damages associated with your injury. The Virginia construction accident attorneys at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, LLP can help you determine how much your case is worth and can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call 888-907-2631 for our Warrenton office or 800-741-1012 for our Culpeper office for legal advice regarding your crane accident case.
The article, Crane Accidents in Virginia, has more information on this topic.