The Devastating Toll of Crane Collapses Across the Country
Dozens of people are killed every year in crane-related accidents in the United States, hundreds more are injured. Crane collapses not only injure workers and construction crew, but they also result in harm to bystanders. Many crane accidents and injuries are preventable with adequate safety measures.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland, & Briggs, we represent individuals and families who have been affected by crane accidents. Whether you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crane-related incident we might be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. We have secured over $1 billion on behalf of injured parties in Houston and nationwide.
If you were injured in a construction crane accident, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to schedule a free consultation.
How Many Crane Accidents Happen Each Year?
Hundreds of crane accidents occur each year. A study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Texas leads the nation in the number of fatal injuries involving cranes. In total it had more crane-related fatalities than Florida, New York, and California combined.
Nearly half of all fatal workplace crane accidents occurred in the private construction industry and over one-quarter (27%) occurred at a construction site (except road construction). Many of these accidents can be avoided with the implementation of proper safety measures.
How Many People Are Injured or Killed in Crane Accidents?
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 42 crane-related fatalities occur each year. While this is down significantly from the number of deaths that were averaged previously, it is still a devastating number.
Deadly crane accidents:
- December 2022: Construction worker dies in Fort Lauderdale crane collapse on the I-95 corridor.
- May 2022: Two people were killed at a Boynton Beach construction site in Florida when a crane collapsed.
- June 2019: One was killed and five injured in a Dallas crane accident at an apartment building under construction.
- April 2019: Crane accident in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle kills four and injures two.
In addition to those killed, hundreds of people are injured in these accidents each year. A crane collapse, for instance, can be catastrophic causing multiple fatalities and over a dozen injuries to workers and passersby.
Can Crane Accidents Be Prevented?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) discusses the safety measures necessary to prevent crane accidents. Many of these are related to ensuring that the crane operator is fully licensed and trained, that they have adequate supervision, and that the loads are properly balanced.
Failing to meet OSHA safety guidelines puts workers and people in the community at risk. Many of the deadly construction crane accidents could have been avoided, including the Seattle collapse. A jury awarded survivors of those killed in the collapse $150 million in March of last year.
Injured in a Crane Accident? Contact Our Office.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a crane collapse, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to schedule a free consultation. Let us be your champion in and out of the courtroom. Our lawyers are well-versed in litigating even the most complex cases. Do not wait until it is too late. Call now to get started.
