Cranes tower over Paterson as a symbol of growth and progress within the community. Yet, the large and heavy machinery moving construction projects and other operations also pose a danger to unsuspecting victims. Construction workers, drivers, and passersby can be severely injured in crane-related accidents.
At Morelli Law Firm, we help victims access the compensation they need to protect their future and rebuild their lives. With over $1 billion secured for clients, we are prepared to help you
Common Causes of Crane Accidents in New Jersey
Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, with heavy equipment, machinery, and materials all in close proximity. Unfortunately, crane accidents are too common, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities for workers and bystanders.
To minimize risks, theOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a set of standards to ensure safe working conditions at construction sites. Employers must abide by these regulations and nurture a safe work environment. For example, they must offer personal protective equipment and schedule regular maintenance checks.
Failing to implement safety recommendations increases the risk of dangerous construction incidents. Crane accidents occur due to various factors, but some common causes include:
- Inadequate maintenance
- Overloading
- Failing to choose a suitable crane for a specific job
- Improper crane assembly
- Not respecting a crane’s operational limits
- Making contact with live power lines
- Human error
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crane accident, seek guidance from an experienced Paterson crane accident lawyer. We have the professional knowledge and experience to help you navigate the legal framework and seek justice.
Identifying the Liable Party for a Paterson Crane Accident
Crane accidents often result in devastating injuries, property damage, and loss of life. To recover compensation for your losses, you must determine who is liable for damages. Identifying the at-fault party requires a thorough investigation of the incident and technical knowledge. Our crane accident lawyer in Paterson, NJ, will offer guidance.
Several parties can be responsible for the accident, including:
- Employer: If the employer failed to meet the set safety procedures and thus endangered lives, they might be at fault. For example, hiring a crane operator without proper certification and training can be grounds for liability.
- Operator: It is the crane operator’s responsibility to ensure the safe operation of the crane and to adhere to safety guidelines. If they engage in reckless behavior, such as operating the crane under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be held liable for any damages or injuries.
- Manufacturer: The crane manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and properly designed, and failure to do so can result in significant legal consequences.
- Maintenance company: A maintenance company can be held liable for a crane accident if they fail to conduct proper inspections and maintenance, leading to equipment failure or malfunctions that cause accidents.
- Property owner: If a property owner fails to maintain a safe work environment, they may be held liable for a crane accident. This includes ensuring that the site is clear of hazards that may affect the operation of the crane, such as power lines or other obstacles.
Identifying the liable party for a work-related injury can be complex, depending on the type of work involved and the situation in which the injury occurred. Lawyers are crucial in identifying the liable party in a crane accident.
Our legal team will examine the accident’s cause, the crane’s condition, and the employer’s safety practices. We will corroborate our findings with relevant documentation and witnesses. At Morelli Law Firm, we employ all our resources to pursue maximum compensation for you.
Paterson Crane Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
What Damages Can You Recover After a Crane Accident?
If you have been involved in a crane accident in Paterson, New Jersey, you may recover various types of damages. The damages you can access depend on the circumstances of your case and the extent of your injuries.
Usually, you can receive compensatory damages, which are aimed at restoring you to the position you were in prior to the crane accident. However, you might be eligible for further financial assistance.
The damages you get also depend on what recovery path you choose. For example, if you are a worker injured by a crane while on the job, you can accessworkers’ compensation benefits. However, if you were injured while passing by a construction site, you may have to file an accident claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Economic Damages
Tangible losses incurred after the crane accident are also known as economic damages. These serve to compensate victims for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages and future loss of earnings
- Out-of-pocket expenses
These are typically calculated based on your financial losses and any projected future losses you will likely incur. Economic damages can be significant in a crane accident case, so you should work with experienced attorneys to help recover all your losses.
Non-Economic Damages
This category of compensatory damages focuses on intangible losses. Since these address your inner experiences, placing a monetary value on your non-economic damages is difficult. However, you could recover:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
An experienced crane accident attorney in Paterson, NJ, will help you build a strong case for non-economic damages. We will heavily rely on available evidence, such as medical records, expert testimony, witness statements, and psychological evaluations.
Your lawyer will also work with you to document how your injuries have impacted your life, such as your ability to perform daily activities and maintain social relationships. With this evidence, we will make a persuasive argument for the non-economic damages you are entitled to and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Our Paterson Crane Injury Attorneys Will Defend Your Rights
Morelli Law Firm is dedicated to helping victims of crane-related accidents secure the financial compensation they need. Whether you’ve been injured on the job or as a passerby, our crane injury lawyers in Paterson will fight for your best interests.
We know how overwhelming the legal process is when faced with substantial losses and injuries, so allow us to help ease your burden throughout this difficult time.Contact us today to request a free case evaluation.
recover. Schedule a free consultation with our Paterson crane accident attorneys to discuss your legal options.