Crane & Forklift Accidents

Crane & Forklift Accidents

Crane and forklift accidents can be devastating.

It’s easy to understand that negligence while working on a crane or forklift could have devastating consequences. Cranes lift workers high up into the air, leaving them vulnerable to accidents involving falls. The same is true of those using forklifts, though not to the same extent. However, a forklift accident could result in someone being crushed by a falling load or run over by a driver who either isn’t paying attention or has a problem with the forklift.

If you have been injured in a crane or forklift accident or have lost a loved one to such an accident, you can call The Medina Law Firm PC for help. Israel Medina is a work and construction accident attorney who has helped those in the wrong place at the wrong time and suffered the consequences of a crane or forklift accident. These accidents have the ability to devastate lives.

Crane & Forklift Accidents

Common Crane Accidents at Construction Sites

Cranes range in size from small, self-propelled units to towering rigs that must be transported in and installed at the site. Because many factors play into the safe operation of a crane, there are many reasons a crane accident can happen, including the following:

  • Overloading
  • Arm collapse
  • Unstable cargo loads
  • Snapping cables
  • Swing radius
  • Operator error
  • Equipment malfunction

Even well-maintained cranes can unexpectedly experience a malfunction or cause injury if operated in an improperly designated area. As with any construction site, you are at risk of injury when the proper safety measures are not followed.

Crane Accidents

As a construction worker, you are already engaged in a risky occupation and you have the right to be protected from the additional workplace hazards to which you are exposed. Working on a construction site with heavy machineries, such as cranes, the danger of a construction site injury increases due to the large size and weight of the equipment and its cargo. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 79 fatal occupational injuries were related to cranes, derricks, hoists, and hoisting accessories in 1993. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) analysis of crane accidents in general industry and construction identified an average of 71 fatalities each year.

You should be aware of the dangers associated with cranes and falling debris and your employers’ responsibility to provide protection against those hazards. If you are injured and have concerns about the insurance company’s settlement, you should consider hiring The Medina Law Firm PC to help file a personal injury claim for your crane accident.

We are on your side

Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are a common piece of equipment used at loading docks, construction sites, and oilfield sites. With all these machines moving around carrying various types of potentially dangerous cargo, forklift accidents are a sadly common occurrence in Texas. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are roughly 85 forklift fatalities and 34,900 serious injuries each year, with 42 percent of the forklift fatalities occurring when the operator is crushed by a tipping vehicle.

No one should have to suffer the injuries and losses that often result from a forklift accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a forklift accident, you may need to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. We at The Medina Law Firm PC can evaluate your claim and inform you of your legal options.

Common Causes of Forklift Accidents

Construction sites and loading docks frequently use forklifts for loading and transporting cargo. The sheer number of forklifts in use at worksites increases the frequency of accidents. Busy loading areas increase the danger level, as the more people and equipment involved in the construction site, the greater the chances that an accident can occur.

Typical forklift accidents are caused by conditions such as the following:

  • Overloading the cargo weight limit
  • Improperly secured loads falling off the forklift
  • Forklift malfunction caused by improper maintenance
  • Navigational hazards
  • Operator error

Many of these forklift accident conditions can be prevented with proper safety procedures and routine maintenance of the forklift equipment.

We want to help you!

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crane or forklift accident, reach out to a personal injury attorney like Israel Medina for help. The Medina Law Firm PC will discuss the legal options available to you. We can help you seek workers’ compensation claims and fight to hold the employer or crane/forklift manufacturer responsible. We can make sure you are fully compensated for the damages and pain you’ve suffered.

 

The Medina Law Firm PC understands the law surrounding workplace injuries and will make sure that justice is done in the event of a crane or forklift accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.