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October 31, 2024
Two Workers Injured in Industrial Crane Accident
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On the morning of May 1, two workers at an industrial site in Braintree sustained serious injuries when a “wheeled machine with a boom” struck the crane basket they were working in. Emergency personnel from the Braintree Police Department, fire services, and Brewster Ambulance responded promptly to the scene at 575 Quincy Ave.
According to the Braintree Police, both injured workers—a 19-year-old and a 40-year-old, both from New Hampshire—were hospitalized in Boston with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an investigation into the incident.
How common are industrial crane accidents in the United States?
Crane accidents are a significant safety concern in the U.S., with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting 297 fatal occupational injuries involving cranes between 2011 and 2017, averaging 42 deaths annually. Over half of these fatalities resulted from workers being struck by equipment or objects.
One tragic crane accident involved the 1999 “Big Blue” collapse, where three workers lost their lives, and five others were injured. Like the recent Braintree incident, those involved were in a crane basket when the crane failed.
About industrial crane accident injuries in the workplace
Workers in construction and heavy equipment industries face various risks, especially when working with cranes. Some of the most frequent causes of industrial crane accidents include:
- Boom collapse or structural failure
- Overloading beyond capacity
- Falling or tipping accidents
- Improper crane assembly
- Mechanical malfunctions
- Electrocution incidents
- Lack of adequate training and signal coordination
These hazards make crane accidents particularly dangerous and often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Workers’ Rights and Compensation Following Crane Accidents
When a crane accident occurs, the aftermath can bring a range of challenges for injured workers. Physical recovery may be lengthy, and victims often endure emotional and financial burdens due to lost wages and medical expenses. Fortunately, workers injured on the job have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits to cover:
- Medical treatment costs
- Lost income during recovery
- Specific loss benefits for serious injuries
- Compensation for permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Access to physical or vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits for families in fatal cases
However, obtaining fair compensation isn’t always straightforward. Some employers or insurers may attempt to limit the benefits provided. Additionally, if a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, bears responsibility for the accident, a personal injury claim may be warranted. Consulting a construction accident lawyer who can walk you through your case step-by-step can make a world of difference when it comes to securing your benefits and making your road to rehabilitation as smooth as possible.
How a Crane Accident Lawyer Can Help
In the wake of a workplace injury, consulting a crane accident lawyer can be essential. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate workers’ compensation claims, ensuring you receive the benefits you’re entitled to by law. They can also help you identify any third-party liability, allowing you to seek further compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress beyond standard workers’ compensation.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Crane Accident Injuries and Fatalities
At Pond Lehocky Giordano, our experienced team is here to help you through every step of the legal process. With over 250 years of combined courtroom experience, we support our clients from investigation to filing claims so that they don’t face recovery alone.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a construction accident, contact us for a free consultation. Our team is ready to guide you through the legal complexities and secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve experienced a work injury, Pond Lehocky Giordano is here to help. For a free legal consultation, call us at 1-800-568-7500 or contact us online today.
