Tacoma, WA Attorneys Seek Compensation for Crane Collapses
Making wrongs right after catastrophic construction accidents
Though crane collapses are rare, their destructive potential is enormous. That explains why such stories receive exhaustive media coverage. But long after a crane accident fades from the headlines, those injured must still manage their pain and struggle to overcome physical limitations, while those who lost loved ones must deal with their absence. Since 1959, personal injury attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP have fought tirelessly for injured Washingtonians. Our skilled and concerned legal team has the resources to pursue your case through trial if necessary to secure full and fair compensation.
Understanding the causes of crane collapses in Washington State
When a construction crane and/or its payload plummets onto structures or into the streets below, the public is at grave risk for severe injuries and wrongful death. Two key elements to securing full compensation are determining the cause of the accident and assigning liability to the proper parties. Many factors can contribute to a crane collapse or fall, including:
- Work in high winds — Contractors employing cranes in construction must consider the elements and act responsibly.
- Contact with power lines — Protocols for avoiding electrocution include cutting off power to adjacent power lines. When contractors fail to act or electric companies restore power without consulting the supervisors of the construction site, they risk catastrophe.
- Mechanical failures — Lax inspection and maintenance regimens allow for malfunctions while the crane is operating.
- Faulty installation — Poor counterbalance or outrigging of the crane can make it unstable.
- Failure to secure loads — Improper blocking or “cribbing” of cargo can cause a disastrous imbalance in the load.
- Overload — Forcing the crane to operate beyond its capacity can cause buckling or collapsing of the boom.
- Crane design defects — Problems in design can cause metal fatigue and other complications, resulting in boom breaks or malfunctions. Crane manufacturers are strictly liable for harm from design defects.
- Operator negligence — Investigations into operator errors often disclose that the crane operators were poorly trained and uncertified and did not take basic OSHA safety courses.
Our legal team at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP has the resources to investigate all aspects of a complex crane collapse. We consult with industry experts to reconstruct the accident, ascertain its cause and make the case for liability against the proper parties.
Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer for crane collapses in Washington
Crane collapses cause widespread damage, severe injuries and wrongful death. If you or a loved one has suffered losses due to a crane accident, trust the seasoned trial lawyers of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP To schedule a free consultation, call 253.383.5388 or contact our Tacoma office online.
