Crane accidents are a leading cause of injury and death on construction sites. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a crane accident, it is important to consult with an experienced Ohio construction accident lawyer.
At Bashein & Bashein, our attorneys have the skill and experience to determine the facts in crane accident cases. Our thorough, aggressive approach allows us to identify all liable parties and hold them responsible.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crane accident, we encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation with a dedicated Cleveland crane accident lawyer.
Why Choose the Crane Accident Lawyers at Bashein & Bashein?
- Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers in Cleveland. With over 20 years of legal experience, you can trust us to fight for your side of the story.
- Our firm brings excellence and integrity to each and every case we handle. Your attorney will take the time to learn about you and your case so that we can provide the best possible representation.
- Navigating a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit can be difficult after a crane accident. We will handle all aspects of your case so that you can focus on what matters most: healing and recovery.
Causes Of Crane Accidents
There are a number of different types of cranes used in construction and demolition projects, including mobile/truck cranes, tower cranes, gantry cranes and barge cranes. When any crane is used on a construction site, safety precautions must be followed by the crane operator and other construction workers in the vicinity. Failure to do so can result in catastrophic and fatal injuries.
Common causes of crane accidents include:
- The crane dropping loads on workers below
- The crane coming into contact with power lines, causing electrocution accidents
- Workers falling off of crane platforms
- Defective construction equipment
- Crane collapses due to unstable surfaces
- Overloading the crane
Compensation For Crane Accident Victims
In handling crane accident cases, we pursue all available sources of compensation for our clients. If a negligent third party (not your employer or fellow employee) was responsible for the accident, you may pursue a personal injury claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. This allows you to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and other elements not covered under workers’ compensation law.
How to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Cleveland, OH
If you are injured in a crane accident, the incident likely happened while you were at work. In Ohio, the vast majority of employers with at least one employee must hold workers’ compensation insurance, which pays for medical bills, disability, and other benefits after a workplace injury.
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Cleveland, you will need to seek medical attention and report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Then, you will need to file an official claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). The BWC will let you know within 28 days whether your claim was approved or denied.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Crane Accident
While you cannot file a lawsuit against an employer after a crane accident, you could pursue legal action against a negligent third party. Coworkers, contractors, visitors to your workplace, and even crane manufacturers may be financially liable for your injuries.
To prove a personal injury lawsuit after a crane accident, you will need to show that the at-fault party caused the incident and your injuries. Generally, there are four facts that must be proven in a personal injury claim:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care.
- The at-fault party breached the duty of care.
- The breach of care caused your crane accident.
- You suffered damages.
For example, say that a contractor overloads the crane, causing the load to suddenly drop on top of you. The crane operator would have had a duty to ensure that the crane’s load met the equipment’s weight requirements. In this situation, the operator failed to uphold this duty and caused your accident.
OSHA Violations/Investigations
Crane accidents are often the result of violations of OSHA regulations. Our lawyers understand OSHA rules and we investigate constructions accidents with an eye toward these violations, which can bolster our clients’ cases.
Why You Need an Attorney for Your Crane Accident Claim
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim, personal injury lawsuit, or OSHA investigation can be very challenging. In these situations, you need all of the help and support that you can get. By hiring a lawyer from Bashein & Bashein, you gain access to a breadth of knowledge, resources, and experience to support your accident claim.
Our Cleveland crane accident attorneys have years of experience helping injured workers recover the settlement and benefits that they deserve. We understand the ins and outs of these claims. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your paperwork is completed correctly and that you meet all deadlines and statutory requirements.
Your lawyer will also explore all possible pieces of evidence and gather the information necessary for a compelling claim. If the BWC fails to offer a fair settlement for your crane accident, we will not hesitate to file an appeal and advocate aggressively for your right to maximum compensation. To protect your right to recovery, speak to our lawyers today.
Schedule a Consultation with a Cleveland Crane Accident Lawyer
Contact Us
Contact Bashein & Bashein at 216-771-3239 or toll-free 800-771-4457 for a free initial consultation with one of the attorneys at our Ohio crane accident law firm.