Crane accidents often happen around Baytown’s many industrial or construction sites. They are also used a great deal at chemical plants. When a crane drops a load or malfunctions, the injuries to the operator and others nearby can be substantial. If you or someone you care about was injured or killed in a Texas crane accident, you may have the right to substantial compensation.
At Griffin Law Group, LLC, our dedicated Texas personal injury lawyers are here to help. Let us help determine the best way to proceed in your case.
Why Crane Accidents Happen in Baytown
Baytown’s industrial landscape relies heavily on cranes for lifting heavy equipment, moving materials, and supporting large-scale construction projects. Unfortunately, these operations come with significant risks. Common causes of crane accidents include:
- Improper load calculations or exceeding weight limits
- Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance or defective parts
- Operator error, including inadequate training or fatigue
- Improper rigging or unsecured loads
- Ground instability, especially during refinery turnarounds or construction
- Communication failures between contractors and plant personnel
When any of these factors contribute to an accident, multiple parties may be responsible, including employers, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and site managers.
Your Legal Rights After a Crane Accident
Your rights depend on your role at the time of the accident and the type of employer involved. Crane accident claims in Baytown often fall into one of three categories.
1. Workers’ Compensation Claims
If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you may be entitled to:
- Medical treatment
- Partial wage replacement
- Impairment benefits
Workers’ comp does not require proving fault, but it also limits the types of damages you can recover. You cannot sue your employer directly if they have valid workers’ comp coverage.
2. Claims Against Non-Subscriber Employers
Some Texas employers, including certain contractors and industrial companies, do not subscribe to workers’ compensation. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may file a negligence lawsuit seeking:
- Full lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Damages for permanent disability
Non-subscriber employers lose several legal defenses, making these claims especially important for injured workers.
3. Third-Party Injury Claims
Even if workers’ comp applies, you may still have a claim against:
- Crane manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Rigging contractors
- General contractors or subcontractors
- Property owners
Third-party claims allow you to pursue compensation beyond what workers’ comp provides, including pain and suffering and full wage loss.
Why Hiring an Attorney Is Critical in Crane Accident Cases
Crane accident claims are far more complex than typical workplace injury cases. Multiple companies may be involved, each with its own insurance carrier and legal team. Evidence can disappear quickly, and companies often move fast to protect themselves.
An experienced Baytown injury attorney can help by:
- Investigating the accident to determine exactly what went wrong
- Preserving critical evidence, including maintenance logs, load charts, and operator records
- Identifying all responsible parties, which is essential in multi-contractor environments
- Working with crane experts to analyze mechanical failures or operational errors
- Calculating the full value of your damages, including long-term medical needs
- Handling all communication with insurers and corporate representatives
- Protecting you from blame, especially in cases where companies try to shift responsibility
Without legal representation, injured workers often face delays, denied claims, or settlement offers that fall far short of what they truly need.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to Recover
Depending on the type of claim you file, compensation may include:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement damages
- Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members
Crane accidents often result in life-altering injuries, making it essential to pursue a claim that reflects the full scope of your losses.
Work With a Baytown Crane Injury Attorney to Seek the Compensation You Deserve
The compensation you are owed could be significant following a crane injury. We’re here to assist you through the legal process.
Consult a Texas personal injury attorney at Griffin Law Group, LLC for help. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.