Santa Ana Crane Accident Lawyers
Crane Accident Lawyers Seek Maximum Compensation in Santa Ana Cases
New amendments to Santa Ana's general plan will bring a flurry of economic activity, including proposed mixed-use developments at Metro Town Square, Related Bristol, and Village Santa Ana. This is great news for the region, but large construction projects increase the risk of work-related injuries.
Crane accidents are a major cause of severe worksite injuries. If you were injured in a crane accident, contact the Santa Ana construction site accident lawyers at HN Injury Lawyers right away. We can advise you on the best way to move forward with your case.
Our firm has won over $100 million in client verdicts and settlements. Additionally, partner Phillip B. Nghiem was selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine and belongs to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Additionally, partner Ed Hess has 30 years of litigation experience, having recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients.
Call (657) 333-5726 to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys today.
Client Testimonial
I cannot praise Mr. Phil Ngheim and Mr. Ed Hess enough. They truly care about their clients and communicated often while they fought a long hard battle...”
- Lisa Z.
What Are the Common Causes of Crane Accidents?
Operator fatigue is a significant factor in crane accidents. When crane operators are fatigued, their reaction times slow, and their ability to make quick decisions diminishes. This results in errors such as misjudging load weights or incorrectly operating the crane controls. Tired operators are more likely to overlook crucial safety checks, increasing the risk of load drops. Employers must prioritize adequate rest periods and manageable work schedules to address these risks.
Improper maintenance is another leading cause of crane accidents. Cranes are complex machines that require regular inspections and upkeep to function correctly. When maintenance schedules are neglected or improperly carried out, the risk of mechanical failure increases. Components such as cables, brakes, and hydraulic systems can wear out, leading to catastrophic accidents. For example, worn-out cables may snap, causing loads to fall, and faulty brakes result in uncontrolled movements.
Faulty wiring also results in crane accidents. Electrical systems in cranes control essential functions, such as lifting and maneuvering loads. Wiring that is faulty or improperly installed may cause short circuits, loss of control, and fires.
Types of Crane Accidents That Typically Occur
Tip-overs are one of the most dangerous types of crane accidents. They often occur when the crane is overloaded or operated on uneven ground. These accidents result in serious injuries and fatalities. High winds, improper load distribution, and misjudging the crane's lifting capacity can contribute to tip-overs. Operators must be trained to avoid situations that could lead to a tip-over.
Crane collapses cause some of the most catastrophic construction site injuries. These accidents often result from structural failures, improper assembly, or overloading. When a crane collapses, victims may include wo
rkers and bystanders. Key factors leading to collapses include the use of substandard materials, inadequate maintenance, and failure to follow manufacturer guidelines.Falling loads occur when a load becomes detached. Improper rigging, equipment failure, or operator error can all contribute to these accidents. The impact of falling loads can be devastating. Operators must always verify that all loads are secure before lifting and remain vigilant about addressing potential hazards.
Understanding OSHA Regulations and Crane Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established rigorous standards to ensure the safe operation of cranes. These regulations cover various aspects of crane safety, including equipment maintenance, operator qualifications, and safe working practices.
OSHA sets guidelines for load capacities and requires strict adherence to these limits to prevent overloading. Failure to adhere to OSHA standards may result in significant fines, legal liabilities, and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies. OSHA imposes financial penalties on businesses based on the severity and nature of the violations.
OSHA requires that all cranes undergo frequent inspections to identify any potential hazards that could lead to accidents. These inspections must be conducted by qualified personnel who can assess the condition of critical components such as cables, hooks, and hydraulic systems.
Routine maintenance schedules must be followed to keep the equipment in optimal working condition. This includes lubricating moving parts, testing safety devices, and replacing worn-out components.
OSHA mandates that all crane operators must undergo thorough training and obtain certification from a recognized accrediting body. Training programs cover various aspects of crane operation, including load calculations, signaling, and emergency procedures. To be certified, operators must demonstrate their proficiency through written and practical examinations.
Refresher courses and re-certification are required to keep operators updated on the latest safety standards and techniques. Employers are responsible for facilitating this training and ensuring their operators comply with OSHA's certification requirements.
What to Do if You've Been Injured in a Santa Ana Crane Accident
Following a crane accident, the priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Employers are required to have an emergency response plan in place. Trained on-site personnel will administer first aid when appropriate, and emergency responders must be contacted immediately. It's essential to transport injured workers to the nearest medical facility as quickly as possible so they can receive comprehensive treatment.
Immediately inform your supervisor any time you suffer a work-related injury. See your doctor right away and report all of your symptoms. Accurate and thorough documentation can provide essential evidence for legal proceedings and insurance claims.
If you feel up to it, take clear photographs of the accident site, including the crane, load, and any visible damage or injuries. Capture images from multiple angles to create a visual record of the conditions that contributed to the accident. It's also important to gather names and contact information from witnesses who observed the accident.
How Your Santa Ana Work-Related Injury Attorney Can Help
Your Santa Ana work injury attorney will make sure that your rights are protected when you seek compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers assist clients throughout the workers' compensation process and provide legal representation if your claim is denied.
If the negligent actions of a third party contributed to your injuries, there may be an opportunity for one of our attorneys to seek additional compensation beyond your workers' compensation benefits. Negligent third parties may include equipment vendors, independent contractors, property owners, and manufacturers of defective equipment.
Compensation for crane accident victims may include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Wage replacement
- Vocational training
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation
- Medical devices
- Assisted living care
- Wrongful death
Call Our Attentive Crane Accident Lawyers About Your Santa Ana Case
The attorneys at HN Injury Lawyers have dedicated our law practice to helping people regain their lives after a serious accident. We understand the importance of your case, and we're always available to speak with you about its progress. We also take cases on a contingency basis, which means you won't owe our lawyers anything unless we win you a settlement.
Call (657) 333-5726 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Santa Ana crane accident lawyers today.
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