Crane and Forklift Accident Lawyer in Odessa, Texas

Name: Crane/Forklift Accidents
Brand: The Medina Law Firm
Rating: 4.8 (12 reviews)

Working in the oilfields in Odessa, Texas, at the heart of the Permian Basin, comes with risks when using cranes and forklifts. Crane and forklift incidents are common, leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and substantial financial and legal consequences for the injured party and their family. Israel Medina, a former oil and gas worker in Odessa, Texas, has seen first-hand the devastation such accidents can cause. He has seen workers suffer enormous physical and emotional losses as many cannot work the way they did in the past and lose their jobs because of injuries. With its experience and resources, the Medina Law Firm works hard to do something about that.

What Are Crane and Forklift Accidents?

Crane and forklift accidents occur during the operation of these heavy machinery pieces, leading to damage, injuries, or fatalities. These accidents are prevalent in construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas industries, where cranes and forklifts are essential for moving heavy loads and equipment. Due to the challenging and high-risk environment, these accidents can have severe consequences in oilfields like West Texas.

Crane Accidents - Causes

Common types of crane accidents include:

Crane Collapse: When a crane's structure fails, it collapses, often due to overloading, mechanical failure, or improper assembly.
Boom Failure: The boom, or the arm of the crane, can break or malfunction, often resulting from overextension or excessive weight.
Load Drops: When the load lifted by the crane falls because of rigging failures, operator errors, or mechanical issues, injuries occur.
Contact with Power Lines: Cranes in contact with overhead power lines can lead to electrocution and fires.
Tip-Overs: Cranes can tip over due to uneven ground, improper setup, or overloading.

Forklift Accidents - Causes

Forklift accidents involve incidents with forklifts used to lift, carry, and transport heavy materials over short distances. Common types of forklift accidents include:

Tip-Overs: Forklifts can tip over when carrying heavy or unbalanced loads, navigating uneven surfaces, or making sharp turns.
Falling Loads: Materials can drop off the forklift, hitting and injuring nearby workers.
Operator Falls: Operators can fall off the forklift when not using seat belts or operating in a reckless manner.
Collisions: Forklifts can collide with other vehicles, structures, or pedestrians due to poor visibility, operator error, or lack of proper signaling.

Injuries Associated with Crane and Forklift Accidents

Crane and forklift accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. Given this equipment's powerful and heavy nature, even a minor incident can have serious consequences. Below are some of the common types of injuries associated with crane and forklift accidents:

Falls: Workers operating or assisting with cranes can fall from significant heights, leading to broken bones, spinal injuries, or head trauma. Falling within the crane's operating cabin due to sudden movements or equipment failure can also cause injuries.
Electrocution: Cranes coming into contact with power lines can result in electrocution, causing burns, cardiac arrest, or even death.
Blunt Force Trauma: Workers can be hit by falling loads or parts of the crane, leading to concussions, fractures, and internal injuries.
Crushing Injuries: Limbs or other body parts can be caught or crushed between the crane/forklift and other structures or objects. Crushes can lead to severe trauma, including broken bones and amputations. In more severe cases, entire bodies can be crushed by collapsing cranes or falling loads, often resulting in fatal injuries.

Physical and Financial Damages a Worker Can Suffer in a Crane and Forklift Accident

Crane and forklift accidents can affect workers, resulting in physical and financial damages. Common damages a forklift accident lawyer can handle are:

Medical Expenses

Immediate Medical Costs: Expenses for emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, and initial treatments
Ongoing Medical Costs: Costs for physical therapy, rehabilitation, follow-up visits, long-term medications, and specialized care

Lost Wages and Income

Temporary Loss of Income: Wages lost due to the inability to work during recovery
Permanent Loss of Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income in the future due to long-term or permanent disability

Rehabilitation Costs

Physical Therapy: Expenses for ongoing physical therapy to regain mobility and function
Occupational Therapy: Costs for therapy to help adapt to physical limitations and return to work or activities

Home and Vehicle Modifications

Accessibility Modifications: Expenses for modifying the home or vehicle to accommodate disabilities, such as installing ramps, stair lifts, or hand controls in cars

Personal Care Costs

In-Home Care: Costs for hiring personal care aides or nurses to assist with activities
Assisted Living: Expenses for moving to assisted living facilities if independent living is no longer possible

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Travel Costs: Expenses for traveling to and from medical appointments
Medical Equipment: Costs for purchasing necessary medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, or braces

The Medina Law Firm

man in white shirt and hat on construction site

How the Medina Law Firm Can Help

Israel Medina and his staff work hard to restore the financial losses workers face. Compensation will not alleviate the pain and suffering they must deal with. However, it will help them and their family move on after the accident. Our firm is dedicated to helping individuals and families receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and expenses related to in-home care, assisted living, out-of-pocket costs, and medical equipment. Our experienced attorneys will work to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights in court if necessary.

Medina Law Firm

You have the right to recover damages if you experience injuries from crane and forklift accidents due to negligence. The Medina Law Firm is here to help. Call us at (432) 698-3400 or use our convenient message form. You can also drop by our office at 2651 Kermit Highway, Odessa.

At our free case examination, we will review your incident, determine if liability exists, answer your questions and discuss your options. We also work on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay us a fee until you win. This allows everyone to have legal representation, even during a challenging time.