Baton Rogue 

Crane Accident Attorney

Understanding Crane Accidents in Baton Rouge

In construction, cranes are essential, but they also pose significant risks to workers and others if they are not properly managed. Crane accidents are relatively common, often resulting from various factors, such as equipment malfunctions, operator errors, and inadequate safety measures. Despite Louisiana's strict regulations, as well as federal safety standards set forth by OSHA and other agencies, crane accidents continue to happen—and the results are often tragic. 

If you've been affected by a crane accident in Baton Rouge, we encourage you to reach out to our firm right away. You could be entitled to financial compensation, and our team of experienced attorneys can help. We offer free initial consultations and are prepared to help you seek justice. 

Call (225) 209-9943 or contact us online to get started.

Types of Crane Accidents & Their Causes 

Cranes are essential on construction sites and in industrial settings, but when something goes wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic. Crane accidents are often preventable, and understanding the types and causes of these incidents is a critical step toward improving safety and accountability.

Some of the most common types of crane accidents include: 

• Crane Collapses: A crane collapse occurs when the entire structure fails, often due to overloading, improper assembly, or poor maintenance. These incidents can result in multiple injuries or fatalities, especially in densely populated work areas. Manufacturer defects or failure to follow manufacturer specifications may also contribute to structural failure.
• Contact with Power Lines: One of the most common—and deadliest—types of crane accidents involves contact with overhead power lines. When a crane boom or load touches live wires, it can lead to electrocution of the operator or ground workers. These incidents often occur due to inadequate planning or failure to maintain a safe working distance from energized lines.
• Dropped Loads: Loads can fall from a crane due to improper rigging, mechanical failure, or operator error. When a load is not properly secured or the crane's lifting capacity is exceeded, it can break free, endangering everyone nearby. These accidents highlight the importance of rigorous inspection, training, and adherence to load limits.
• Boom or Jib Failures: The boom or jib of a crane can fail if subjected to stress beyond its limits, such as lifting a load at too great an angle or extending the boom without adequate counterweight. Lack of routine maintenance or unnoticed fatigue in the metal can also lead to sudden and unexpected failure.
• Crane Tipping: Cranes can tip over when operated on unstable ground or when loads are lifted too far from the center of gravity. Failing to level the crane properly or ignoring wind conditions are common contributing factors. These accidents are especially dangerous for both the operator and nearby workers.
• Operator Error: Crane operations require specialized training and experience. Inadequate training, fatigue, distraction, or miscommunication can lead to devastating mistakes. Employers have a legal obligation to ensure only qualified personnel operate heavy equipment like cranes.

Who Is Liable for a Crane Accident? 

Determining liability after a crane accident is complicated. Often, multiple parties and overlapping responsibilities are involved. Because crane operations are typically carried out by various contractors, subcontractors, and equipment providers, identifying who is legally responsible requires a careful examination of the facts, contracts, and safety protocols in place at the time of the incident.

Depending on the circumstances of a given case, the following parties could be partly or entirely responsible: 

• Employers and Site Operators: The primary responsibility for worker safety lies with the employer or general contractor managing the site. If the employer failed to enforce safety standards, provide adequate training, or ensure proper supervision, they could be held liable for resulting injuries. Employers are also responsible for vetting subcontractors and maintaining a safe working environment under OSHA regulations.
• Crane Owners and Rental Companies: Many cranes used on construction sites are leased from third-party companies. If a crane is rented, the rental company may be liable if the equipment was defective, improperly maintained, or if they failed to disclose known hazards. Maintenance logs and service records can play a key role in establishing negligence in these cases.
• Crane Operators: Crane operators can be personally liable if they acted negligently or recklessly, especially if they were not certified or failed to follow safety procedures. However, in many cases, liability extends to the operator’s employer for failing to properly train, supervise, or screen the individual before allowing them to operate heavy machinery.
• Manufacturers: If a crane accident is caused by a defect in the design or manufacturing of the crane, the manufacturer may be held strictly liable under product liability law. This includes defects in structural components, control systems, or safety mechanisms. Proving manufacturer liability often involves detailed forensic investigation and expert testimony.
• Engineers and Safety Inspectors: In some cases, third-party engineers or safety inspectors may bear liability if they approved unsafe conditions or failed to identify hazards. For example, if a crane was erected on unstable ground and a collapse ensued, a civil engineer responsible for the site assessment may share responsibility.
• Property Owners: Although less common, property owners may be held liable if they exercised control over the worksite or contributed to the unsafe conditions—particularly if they failed to address known risks or violated building codes.

Ultimately, liability for a crane accident is determined through a thorough investigation involving witness statements, safety records, contracts, inspection reports, and, sometimes, reconstruction of the incident. Victims and their families should work with experienced legal counsel to ensure all negligent parties are held accountable.

What Types of Compensation Can Victims of Crane Accidents Recover?

Crane accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, long-term disabilities, or even wrongful death. For victims and their families, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the law provides several avenues for compensation to help victims rebuild their lives and hold responsible parties accountable.

Victims of crane accidents may be entitled to compensation for the following: 

• Medical Expenses: Victims are entitled to compensation for all medical costs related to the injury—both current and future. This includes emergency room treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, and any ongoing care needed for permanent injuries.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may recover compensation for lost income. In cases where the injuries permanently limit the victim’s ability to earn a living, they may also be entitled to damages for diminished earning capacity. This takes into account the victim’s profession, skill level, and expected career trajectory before the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Crane accidents often cause severe physical pain and emotional trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering covers the non-economic damages a victim experiences, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and reduced quality of life. While harder to quantify, these damages are often significant in catastrophic injury cases.
• Disfigurement and Permanent Disability: Victims who suffer permanent injuries—such as amputations, spinal cord damage, brain injuries, or disfigurement—may receive additional compensation for the lifelong impact on their physical abilities, appearance, and independence.
• Loss of Consortium: In cases where an injury affects a victim’s relationship with their spouse or family—emotionally, physically, or in terms of companionship—damages may be awarded for loss of consortium. This type of compensation acknowledges the broader human cost of a serious injury.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a crane accident results in death, the victim’s family may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of future income, loss of companionship, and the emotional suffering of surviving loved ones.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for safety, courts may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.

Recovering full and fair compensation often requires a thorough legal investigation, expert analysis, and aggressive advocacy. An experienced personal injury attorney can help victims navigate complex liability issues, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the justice they deserve.

Contact Our Experienced Crane Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we understand the profound impact a crane accident has on your life. As you focus on your recovery, let us handle the legal challenges of your case. Our commitment to achieving successful outcomes is matched by our dedication to providing emotional support at every step. With our extensive experience and proven track record of success, including over $1 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts, we strive to bring justice and secure the best possible results for our clients.

Don't wait to take action. Contact us today at (225) 209-9943 for a free consultation. Let us stand by you and help you reclaim your life with the support and advocacy you deserve.

Baton Rogue Crane Accident FAQ

What Are the Common Causes of Crane Accidents in Baton Rouge?

In Baton Rogue, and throughout Louisiana and the United States, crane accidents occur due to various reasons, ranging from mechanical failure to human error to safety violations, ignored standards, and cut corners. In Baton Rouge, adverse weather—including heavy rain and hurricanes—can also contribute to crane accidents and their severity. 

How Can a Crane Accident Lawyer Help?

An experienced crane accident lawyer, like those at Clayton, Frugé & Ward, can assess your case, provide legal counsel, and pursue compensation on your behalf. Our Baton Rogue crane accident lawyers handle complex legalities and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, offering comprehensive support throughout the legal process.

What Compensation Can Be Pursued After a Crane Accident?

Victims of crane accidents may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our firm works rigorously to help ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation they are owed, even when that means trying cases in court. 

Why Is Timely Legal Action Important After a Crane Accident?

Timeliness is crucial in crane accident cases due to the statute of limitations and the need for preserving evidence. In Louisiana, you have just one to two years to sue for damages after a personal injury, depending on when the incident occurred. The sooner you reach out to our crane accident attorneys in Baton Rogue, the sooner we can begin building your case and fighting for the just compensation you deserve.