Crane Accident Attorney in New Orleans

Injured in a Crane Accident? Protect Critical Evidence & Your Claim

Crane accidents can cause severe injuries or fatalities among operators, other construction workers, and bystanders. Falling or swinging loads, crane collapses, tip-over incidents, power-line contact, and improper rigging can leave injured people facing immediate medical, financial, and legal questions. Our team at Womac Law Firm represents injured people, not insurance companies.

A crane accident claim may depend on the injured person’s role, the employer relationship, worksite conditions, equipment condition, maintenance records, training, communications, and the actions of other companies involved in the project. Prioritize your safety and seek medical attention immediately. Report the accident to your employer or supervisor, document the scene with photos if possible, and gather witness contact information. Keep records of communications, medical care, incident reports, and available safety or equipment records. This evidence can help determine what happened and which claim paths may apply.

Request your free consultation by calling (504) 470-3935. Our crane accident attorney in New Orleans can help you understand your legal options.

Common Causes & Impact of Crane Accidents

Crane operations require careful coordination among workers, operators, signal persons, and companies at the worksite. An investigation may need to examine whether the equipment was stable, the ground conditions were suitable, loads were properly secured, and workers were kept clear of suspended loads. OSHA Subpart CC, the federal construction standard addressing cranes and derricks, covers areas including ground conditions, assembly and disassembly, signaling, training, and operator qualification.

Crane accident factors may include:

• Operator or Signal-Person Error: Mistakes, inadequate communication, or insufficient training can contribute to a dangerous lift.
• Poor Maintenance or Equipment Defects: Worn, damaged, or defective components can affect safe operation.
• Improper Rigging: Inadequate load securing can cause a load to shift, fall, or swing during hoisting operations.
• Unsafe Ground Conditions: Unstable ground or improper setup can contribute to a tip-over or crane collapse.
• Power-Line Contact: Contact with energized lines can lead to serious electrocution injuries.

Potentially relevant parties may include an employer, general contractor, subcontractor, property owner, equipment rental company, maintenance provider, manufacturer, or another company connected to the worksite. A crane accident lawyer in New Orleans can evaluate the available evidence and the conduct of the parties involved.

Types of Crane Accident Injuries & Long-Term Consequences

Falling loads, crush incidents, equipment failures, and electrocution can cause injuries that permanently change a person’s life.

Injuries and outcomes may include:

• Amputations
• Eye injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Electrocution injuries and burns
• Broken bones
• Paralysis
• Death

These conditions can require surgery, long hospital stays, and extended rehabilitation. A serious injury may prevent someone from returning to the same type of work, especially a job involving heavy physical labor. When we evaluate a case, we consider its current and future effects, including medical treatment, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain, disability, and disfigurement. We have represented more than 40,000 personal injury victims.

Crane Accident Claims, Evidence & Trial Preparation

After a crane accident, workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims can involve different legal theories and potential recoveries. An injured employee may have a workers’ compensation claim involving an employer while also having a potential claim against a non-employer whose conduct, equipment, maintenance, site management, or defective part contributed to the incident. Whether either claim is available depends on the facts.

Fatal crane accidents may also raise wrongful death and survivor-related claims. Louisiana delictual actions are generally subject to a two-year prescription period under the law effective July 1, 2024. Different claim types, transition rules, and exceptions can affect the applicable deadline, so it’s important to contact our attorneys promptly rather than assume one deadline applies to every case.

We investigate the cause of an accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court when needed. Our review can include worksite evidence, available equipment information, medical records, employment effects, insurance positions, and the conduct of multiple parties. We keep clients informed and provide personalized guidance throughout the legal process.

Our approach to serious crane injury claims includes:

• Trial-Level Experience: We bring more than 30 years of trial-level personal injury experience to the evaluation of serious injury claims.
• Personal Injury Results: We have recovered millions of dollars for clients in personal injury cases.
• Rigorous Preparation: We use mock juries and rigorous trial preparation when litigation is appropriate.
• Client Communication: We provide personal attention and clear updates as the case develops.
• Client Experiences: Read what clients say about our communication and representation.

Founded by Edward J. Womac, Jr., our family-oriented Louisiana personal injury firm focuses on people injured by others’ negligence. We take the time to explain possible claim paths and evidence concerns so clients can make informed decisions about their cases.

Get Clear Guidance After a Crane Accident

If you’ve been injured in a crane accident or lost a family member in a fatal incident, contact Womac Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation. We can help you understand possible next steps, evidence concerns, and whether your circumstances warrant further legal review.

We explain the available claim paths, answer your questions, and keep you informed as the case develops. There’s no upfront cost to discuss your case with our team.

Call (504) 470-3935 today for a free consultation to discuss the accident, potential claims, and next steps.