Mobile cranes are some of the most dangerous pieces of equipment on a construction site. The type and number of injuries related to cranes are difficult to quantify, because reported statistics on work-related injuries usually group cranes in larger categories such as “industrial vehicles and equipment” or “equipment and machinery.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the category “industrial vehicles and equipment” accounts for 17% of fatal injuries in U.S. construction (Bureau of Labor Statistics 1993). But the proportion of injuries actually involving construction vehicles and equipment is probably greater.

Here are some common causes of crane accidents:

* Overloading
* Side pull
* Outrigger failure
* Hoist limitations
* Two-blocking
* Killer hooks [without a throat latch]
* Boom buckling
* Upset/Overturn
* Unintentional turntable turning
* Oversteer/crabbing
* Control confusion
* Access/egress
* Power-line contact

In addition, serious injuries involving cranes can occur as a result of:

* Improper assembly or dismantling
* Rigging failure and fall of load or lifting tackle
* Being struck by a moving load
* Accidents related to manlifts
* Working or standing within the swing radius of a cab or counterweight.

Please contact our experienced construction accident personal injury attorneys by calling (312) 346-4262 or completing this form.