Crane Accidents

Crane Accidents in Jackson, MS

At almost any construction site, a crane is going to be the largest, heaviest and potentially the most dangerous piece of equipment on location. Since these vital pieces of heavy machinery are so large, there are a variety of important factors that have to be observed and taken into consideration for safe use. If company owners, project mangers or construction site contractors aren’t complying with all necessary safety regulations and guidelines related to crane operation and safety, everybody in the area is put at great risk. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a crane accident in or around the Jackson Metro Area, you need to get in touch with a personal injury attorney who handles construction site accident cases immediately.

Common Crane Accident causes

  • Tipping
  • Hitting power lines
  • Overloading
  • Insufficient training
  • Dropped loads
  • Boom collapse
  • Not complying with safety regulations
  • Driver inattention
  • Rigging failures
  • Failing to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines
  • Falls
  • Improper crane maintenance
  • Counter weight crushing

Crane Operator Training

Sadly, many injury causing and fatal crane accidents could have been prevented if only the operators were properly trained. Jobsite managers need to ensure all of their employees, including crane operators, are qualified, properly trained and current on all safety information and certifications necessary to safely operate these large and heavy pieces of machinery. When employees are properly trained, the jobsite is a much safer place.

Cranes and Power Lines

One of the most dangerous and deadly types of crane accidents involves power lines. If a crane comes into contact with a hot power line, the operator can be electrocuted, and in many cases, killed. There should always be a minimum distance of at least six feet maintained between any part of the crane, including the boom, and any power lines. It’s also important to ensure all potentially interfering lines are moved during construction. Since power lines can be switched on at any time, operators should treat all power lines as being energized, even if they’re not supposed to be. It’s also essential to use a safety guard when a crane has to work under power lines.

Compliance With Crane Safety and Manufacturer Guidelines

Another cause of many dangerous crane accidents is not following safety guidelines. Nobody should ever be using a crane in a way that it wasn’t intended. Additionally, it’s essential not to overload or improperly load a crane. By following all of the manufacturer’s instructions, you’re going to be setting yourself up for safe and successful crane usage on the jobsite. Safety guidelines and operational instructions cannot be ignored. These specifications need to be followed from the very start, when the crane is initially being set up. Equally important is choosing the right crane for the job at hand. Using a crane that is not the right size for the job can spell danger at the construction site.

Improperly Maintained Crane

Like any piece of heavy machinery or equipment, proper and routine maintenance of the crane is essential for safe and successful operation. Again, crane owners and job site managers need to ensure their cranes are being maintained up to the manufacturer’s standards. For a crane to work safely and properly, all of its parts need to be clean, maintained and up to the task. If a crane wasn’t properly maintained, was allowed to rust in certain critical places or malfunctioned as a lack of adequate maintenance, you could be held liable for any injury or damages that result.

Poor Foundation or Setup

We also see cases involving crane accidents that have to do with the ground or foundation in the area. Cranes absolutely must be used on strong and solid foundations. They weights and balance involved with safe operation of these pieces of heavy machinery is absolutely dependent upon proper foundation choice. Putting a crane on soft foundation or loose soil can spell disaster at the construction site. All factors from pre-planning to operation of the crane have to be considered for safe operation.

After a Crane Accident in Jackson

Cranes are such large and heavy pieces of equipment that accidents can often leave victims catastrophically injured, or worse. After any kind of construction site accident, it’s essential to speak with a lawyer about your injury claim and potential lawsuit. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a crane accident at a jobsite in or around the Jackson Metro Area, contact the skilled and proven team at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC at (601) 265-7766 for a free case consultation today.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WINS

  • $144 Million Death and punitive damages
  • $120 Million Injuries from dangerous drugs
  • $20.4 Million Fraud settlement that went to Mississippians
  • $2.3 Million Brain injury settlement
  • $2.1 Million Civil rights death
  • $1.6 Million Fraud settlement for Mississippians

Contact Us today

To Schedule A Consultation

  • “You were made to do what you do. Know that You make a difference in lives for the better.” - Will A.
  • “We are so appreciative for everything you've done for us. We don't know how we would've gotten through this without your help and generosity!” - N.B.
  • “My family and I will always be indebted to you and your staff.” - B.W.
    • Please enter your first name.
    • Please enter your last name.
    • Please enter your phone number.
      This isn't a valid phone number.
    • Please enter your email address.
      This isn't a valid email address.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please enter a message.