Can You Pursue a Crane Accident Injury Lawsuit?

Whether you live in what might be described as a boomtown or an "old-growth" community, chances are you see cranes at work sites virtually every day.  They are a common feature of any metropolitan area, present wherever there is construction.  Cranes are a sign of change and progress.

But cranes are also a sign of a potentially deadly accident waiting to happen.  And when crane accidents happen, injuries may be severe.  The damage to property and loss of life may be catastrophic.

Who Is Responsible?

Although we describe these events as accidents, in most cases, one or many people contributed to their occurrence through negligence or deliberate misconduct.  If you were injured, lost property, or even suffered the wrongful death of a loved one, you may think you deserve compensation from those responsible, but finding the responsible party or parties is challenging.

Although construction sites are often under the administration of a single entity, this does not mean that everything at the site is controlled by that company.  Contractors hire workers, subcontractors, and suppliers, who also hire workers, subcontractors, and suppliers, and so on.  Accidents occur usually as a result of not just one person's actions, but the actions of many people, such as

• A construction firm that hired a contractor with a poor safety record
• A contractor who hired a worker or subcontractor with a poor safety record
• A contractor who cut corners by purchasing or using defective supplies or equipment
• A supplier who knowingly provided substandard material
• A manufacturer who produced defective equipment or materials
• A worker who acted recklessly, with negligence, or under the influence at the work site

If you don't understand the workings of a construction site or have experience with similar litigation, it may be impossible for you to sort out who is responsible or may legally be held responsible.

What Damages You May Receive

If your property has been damaged, you may receive full repair or replacement cost for that property.  If your property was a business, you may receive compensation for loss of business and clients' goodwill due to the inconvenience of the accident.  If you have been injured in a crane accident, you may receive compensation relating to:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages during recovery period
• Decreased earning potential for permanent disability
• Diminished quality of life, disfigurement, and pain and suffering
• Punitive damages for gross negligence or misconduct

The amount of compensation you receive depends not only on the circumstances of your case, but also on the lawyer you employ in pursuing your lawsuit.

Your Lawyer Makes a Difference

In pursuing a complicated lawsuit like a crane accident case, your choice of lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.  To maximize your chance of a positive outcome from your case, look for these characteristics in a crane accident law firm:

• Extensive legal education
• Experience with your type of case
• A winning record
• A reputation among lawyers that may lead to better offers up front
• Work on commission--you don't have to pay them out of your pocket

Because most reputable firms offer free consultations, it is often a good idea to talk to many different law firms before deciding which will best represent you.