Construction zones are frequent sites of accidents. When adequate safety measures are not in place, construction machinery can cause serious or even fatal harm to workers. Although the industry is dangerous by nature, many of these accidents are unfortunately caused by avoidable and negligent behavior.
If you were injured in an incident involving construction machinery, contact an Elgin crane accident lawyer to discuss your case. With experienced legal counsel at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., you could pursue comprehensive compensation for your losses and suffering.
Potentially Responsible Parties for Crane Injuries
When considering a lawsuit for a crane accident in Elgin, an injured victim and their attorney must first determine who could be held responsible in a potential claim. Those injured by a crane, regardless of whether they were working at the construction site or not, could name the following potential defendants:
- Contractors or sub-contractors
- Architects
- Property owners
- Superintendents
- Maintenance personnel
For a construction worker injured at their job site, several additional parties could be liable, including their employer, manager, supervisor, or other administrative personnel. If an Elgin resident is injured during their employment, their claim may be affected by Workers’ Compensation exclusivity, which a knowledgeable crane accident lawyer could further explain.
Holding the Crane Manufacturer Liable
Depending on the crane’s use and the nature of the damages, an injured worker may be able to sue the machine manufacturer for strict liability. Strict liability means that certain actors are responsible for negligence regardless of fault or criminal intent. If argued successfully by a persuasive attorney, the consequences of the manufacturer’s work will suffice to hold them liable for the crane accident.
Cranes are complicated machines that require proper installation, usage, and maintenance of various parts. If an injured Elgin resident and their diligent attorney can prove that one of the components should have been developed differently, the manufacturer or architect of the crane may be held liable.
Common Causes and Injuries in Crane Accidents
Crane accidents can result from any of the following common causes:
- Improper crane assembly
- Boom collapse
- Dropped loads
- Collisions with power lines
- Rigging failures
Regardless of the cause, these types of accidents are usually severe and often involve multiple victims. When the crane is in operation, construction workers, supervisors, and general laborers are all at risk of the following frequent injuries in the event of a malfunction:
- Broken bones
- Crushed limbs
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Concussions and head trauma
Unfortunately, injuries in crane accidents can be catastrophic, if not fatal, and survivors may be left with significant medical costs for treatment and rehabilitation. These injuries can have long-lasting effects and require continuous treatment. In these cases, injured crane accident victims may need rigorous legal support in seeking compensation through a civil claim.
Meet with an Elgin Crane Accident Attorney
Crane accident litigation can be complicated by various personal injury and worker’s compensation laws. On top of that, Illinois law gives an injured victim only two years after their accident to file a claim. This time limit can make it difficult to pursue compensation alone.
Luckily, there is compassionate legal support nearby to assist those injured by malfunctioning construction machinery. Whether you were hurt on the job or as a bystander, call an Elgin crane accident attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery.
