Construction Injuries and Crane Accidents – Houston, TX
Construction work is known to be one of the most dangerous fields of work. Anyone who is working at an industrial site is at risk of being involved in construction accidents that can cause severe or catastrophic injuries. One of the most dangerous aspects of the construction industry is the heavy equipment and machinery that is used. Construction injuries involving crane accidents are a common concern for Houston, TX industrial workers. Even though the field of construction is known to have its risks, that doesn’t mean that workers are without rights. When accidents such as these occur, it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney, such as Michael E. Shelton, who has an understanding of industrial injuries. Mr. Shelton protects the rights of his clients to ensure they receive the compensation they are due for injuries stemming from construction accidents.
Causes of Crane Accidents
Crane accidents are, unfortunately, more frequent than most people would imagine. According to data collected between the years of 1997 and 2006, crane accidents during this ten-year timeframe resulted in over 800 deaths. Countless more people were seriously injured as a result of such accidents. While there are many different causes of crane accidents, some of the most common include the following:
- Improper use of the crane
- Inadequate training of crane operators
- Poor crane set-up
- Failure to upkeep crane equipment
- Debris or power lines near the crane
- Using the crane in inclement weather conditions
Although the causes of crane accidents are varied, one common thread is that most of them are avoidable through proper training and supervision to ensure that the crane is used in accordance with safety guidelines and manufacturer’s specifications.
Potential Injuries
Crane work involves a number of dangerous factors, including heavy machinery, the potential for falling debris, proximity to electric lines, and working at extreme heights. Because of these risk factors, when an accident does occur, the resulting injuries tend to be catastrophic. Some potential injuries from a crane accident include the following:
- Broken bones
- Head or brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
- Organ damage
- Electric burns
Compensation for Damages
If a crane accident is the result of reckless or negligent actions on behalf of an employer, construction site owner, or equipment manufacturer, the injury victim has a right to financial compensation for damages. Mr. Shelton has successfully represented numerous victims of such accidents. He will collect the evidence that is needed to prove liability so that his clients can receive maximum compensation for their full range of losses. Common areas of compensation for injuries sustained in a construction site accident include lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. With 40 years of experience in the industrial accident field, Mr. Shelton can prove invaluable in getting accident victims the financial compensation they deserve.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a construction site accident, it is important to have an experienced attorney, such as Michael E. Shelton, fighting on your behalf. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your accident and learn more about your legal right to financial compensation. We look forward to hearing from you.