Even an unloaded light crane weighs many tons. One wrong move with a crane can create an accident that can crush workers or spill a load. These accidents can quickly turn fatal or disable someone for life. If there is a crane accident, call our crane accident lawyers in Chesterfield, MO.
You may be owed significant compensation, and you can get it through workers’ compensation or a lawsuit. You may be entitled to both. Learn your legal rights and how you can get compensation for your crane accident. A Chesterfield personal injury lawyer from Morelli Law also helps the families of victims killed in crane accidents through wrongful death claims.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Crane Accidents in Chesterfield?
As long as you are injured on the job or while doing job-related duties, and you weren’t acting irresponsibly, you can get workers’ compensation in Missouri. The kind of injury doesn’t matter so much. Most crane accidents are going to involve workers, so workers’ compensation applies.
Workers’ compensation is a way for workers to get money after an accident quickly without the need to sue. However, it has some downsides. The system does not allow you to sue your employer directly (with rare exceptions), and you can only get certain kinds of damages.
The four things workers’ compensation covers include:
- Medical expenses related to your injury and rehabilitation
- A portion of lost wages
- Disability payments if you cannot return to work
- Vocational rehabilitation if you can work but cannot return to your old position
Workers must notify their employer about their accident as soon as possible after the accident, get examined by a doctor, and then fill out a claim form to Missouri’s Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File Workers’ Compensation Claims?
It is unnecessary to have a lawyer to file a worker’s compensation claim. Your employer and the Division of Workers’ Compensation should have instructions on how to file a claim for approval.
However, the division will use your claim form to decide if you can get compensation and how much to get. Working with a crane accident lawyer in Chesterfield to fill out your application will improve your chances and potentially raise the amount of compensation you can receive.
If your claim is rejected or less than you need and you wish to appeal, then you must have a lawyer on your side. The insurer will also be at the hearing and they will have their own lawyers. If you get notice of a hearing, call a lawyer immediately for advice, as you may have little time before you must appear.
Chesterfield Crane Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Is It Possible to Sue Someone in a Crane Accident?
While you cannot sue your employer directly in almost all cases, it is possible to sue a third party. If another contractor operated a crane and they injured you, then you’d be able to sue that company and the individual for your damages.
If there was a manufacturing defect with the crane, a strap, or with how the load was rigged, this may also be a route to sue someone for additional damages beyond what workers’ compensation will provide.
Finally, if you were not a worker and a crane caused an accident, like if you were a pedestrian and a freak accident happened, you would not have access to workers’ compensation. You will have to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of a crane accident lawyer in Chesterfield.
How Will Morelli Law Help Me With My Case?
Getting the most compensation from your crane accident requires the help of an experienced attorney. Morelli Law has helped victims recover over $1 billion in damages during our existence, yes, with a B. We know how to help victims get the compensation they deserve.
We can help you with your workers’ compensation claim and discover if you may be eligible to receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Our lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, from seeing if you have one all the way to arguing your case in court.
With us on your side, you won’t have to worry about insurance company tactics designed to reduce your settlement. We will do everything we can to get you the most compensation possible for your case.
When Should I Contact a Lawyer for Help After a Crane Accident?
The first thing to do after any accident is to seek medical attention. Then, if you feel your accident wasn’t your fault, call an accident lawyer soon afterward. Starting your case as soon as possible after an accident gives you several advantages:
- You give your crane accident attorney in Chesterfield the time to comply with all legal deadlines.
- Your lawyer can build a strong case because they have time to do a thorough investigation.
- Insurance companies have less leverage to blame you for your accident if you engage with a lawyer early.
- You’ll get compensation faster because you started your case as soon as possible.
There are deadlines that will make you lose the chance of compensation if you pass them without filing a claim. If you are stuck in the hospital and you cannot make a call, have a loved one call us on your behalf. We can come to you to discuss your legal options or do a video conference.
Get Legal Advice After Your Crane Accident in Chesterfield, MO
If you’ve been in a crane accident and suffered injuries then you need to find out how much compensation you can get. The way to find out is to contact Morelli Law and speak with a crane accident lawyer in Chesterfield.
We can help you file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit depending on your circumstances. Get a free case evaluation by calling or emailing our offices. All of our services are free until you win compensation with our help, and there is no obligation to use our services after a consultation.