Crane accidents are among the most catastrophic incidents on any job site. A collapsing boom, a dropped load, or contact with a power line can cause devastating injuries in seconds. If you suffered harm, you are likely worried about your medical bills, lost income, and whether you can return to work. A workers’ compensation lawyer could help you pursue every source of compensation you have available.
A Gainesville crane injury lawyer at Smith Husley could help you look beyond a basic claim to recover the full value of your losses. Many crane accidents involve more than one company, which means a negligent third party may owe you far more than workers’ compensation alone provides.
Cranes lift enormous loads at great heights, so when something goes wrong, the consequences are often severe. Some crane accidents occur when a crane tips over or its boom collapses due to an unstable or overloaded configuration. Others occur when rigging fails and a load falls onto workers below, or when a crane contacts an overhead power line and electrocutes the operator or nearby workers.
These disasters often trace back to preventable failures, such as:
Each of these failures can indicate a violation of federal safety standards, which serves as strong evidence of negligence. When a company ignores those safety rules and someone suffers harm, a Gainesville crane accident attorney could hold it responsible for the resulting injuries.
After a workplace crane accident, workers’ compensation is usually available through your employer, but it rarely covers everything you have lost. It does not pay for pain and suffering, and it does not allow you to sue your employer directly.
However, state law allows you to pursue a separate claim against any negligent party other than your employer. Under Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 34-9-11, you can hold a responsible third party accountable while still receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Depending on how your accident happened, the liable parties may include:
A crane injury attorney in Gainesville could identify every party whose negligence contributed to your injury and pursue the compensation that workers’ compensation does not cover.
Pursuing a third-party claim after a crane accident is rarely straightforward. These cases often involve several companies, each with its own insurer and legal team working to shift blame and minimize what they pay. Building a strong claim requires a detailed investigation and often the help of engineering and safety experts to prove exactly how the accident happened and who is responsible.
Timing is also critical. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. A crane injury lawyer in Gainesville could protect you from unfair blame, preserve critical evidence, and fight for the recovery you and your family need.
A crane accident can leave you facing a long recovery and an uncertain future, but you should not have to navigate it alone. Workers’ compensation only covers part of what you may deserve, and a full investigation can reveal other parties who owe you additional compensation. The choices you make now can shape your financial recovery for years.
If you sustained injuries in a crane accident, do not wait to protect your rights. Contact a Gainesville crane injury lawyer at Smith Hulsey today for a consultation, and learn how could help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
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