Louisiana Crane Accident Lawyers

Helping People Injured in Catastrophic Crane Accidents in Louisiana

Crane accidents happen frequently in Louisiana’s construction and shipping jobs, where heavy equipment plays an important role. The size and weight of cranes make any accident especially dangerous, often leading to devastating injuries or fatalities. Working with an experienced crane accident attorney in Louisiana helps injured workers navigate a complex legal landscape and fight for fair compensation.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we have a long history of helping injured construction workers and others harmed by crane accidents throughout Louisiana. Our team has recovered over $1 billion in compensation, including some of the state's largest settlements and verdicts. We understand what's at stake, and we're here to help you fight for every dollar you are owed.

For a free consultation with one of our crane accident lawyers in Louisiana, call (225) 209-9943 or contact us online today.

How Do Crane Accidents Happen? 

Crane accidents can occur for several reasons, including operator error, equipment failures, lack of proper maintenance, or ignoring important safety regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces strict rules to minimize these risks in Louisiana workplaces. But when companies disregard these standards, the results can change lives forever.

Louisiana’s weather—hurricanes, thunderstorms, and intense rainfall—can increase risks at local job sites. Site managers and operators must pay attention to local weather forecasts to keep cranes stable and crews safe. Responding quickly to weather warnings often prevents collapses and other incidents that could endanger workers and bystanders.

Crane operations support economic growth across the state, from ongoing developments in major cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge to new infrastructure at our state's many major ports. But with this comes the risk of severe, even life-changing crane accidents. If you or someone you love was involved in a crane accident on or near a Louisiana construction site, our firm is ready to help you seek the justice you deserve.

The Claims & Investigation Process for Crane Accidents in Louisiana

After a crane accident, agencies like OSHA and the Louisiana Workforce Commission may investigate. They check evidence such as maintenance records, operator training procedures, and past safety violations. Our team steps in early to help injured clients gather evidence and work with local inspectors, ensuring no detail is lost. Fast action helps preserve site photos, equipment logs, and witness statements, which can become difficult to collect as time passes.

Victims or their families typically start with a workers' compensation claim. But if someone’s negligence or a third party caused harm, a separate civil case might be appropriate. Our firm helps clients understand which option applies, meet each deadline, and gather the proof needed to present a clear and powerful argument. When insurance companies refuse to pay fairly or dispute liability, our attorneys negotiate for our clients and prepare to present their case in court. Our understanding of the various legal processes in each parish gives our clients a distinct advantage when it comes to resolving crane accident claims in Louisiana. 

Louisiana Laws & Regulations That Impact Crane Accident Claims

Crane accident claims in Louisiana involve both state laws and important federal standards. Louisiana lets injured parties pursue insurers directly in some cases (“direct action” rules), which affects how quickly victims can start a claim. State law gives most injured people two years to file, making fast legal action critical to keeping your options open. We consistently monitor safety rules set by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, along with permit requirements that differ between parishes and cities.

Louisiana’s legal system stands apart from other states because it draws on civil law traditions and follows unique procedures. On some projects—especially near the Mississippi River or in transportation zones—additional steps, such as special permits and environmental protections, play a role in how cases move forward. Our approach factors in local safety codes, contractor records, and special project requirements to hold the right parties responsible from the start.

Catastrophic Injuries Commonly Suffered in Louisiana Crane Accidents

Workers involved in crane accidents often suffer from catastrophic injuries, with cranial injuries being particularly common and severe. Such injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and severe facial trauma. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can lead to long-lasting disabilities, significantly impacting the victim's quality of life.

Crane accidents can also cause:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Crush injuries
• Severe burns
• Damage to major organs
• Death

Many injured workers face a long road that might include repeated surgeries, months of therapy, and tailored retraining when they can’t perform heavy-duty tasks anymore. Crashes or collapses in remote areas make getting prompt medical care more challenging, particularly in more isolated parishes, which can add serious complications to an already difficult recovery.

To rebuild, injured victims need full and fair compensation to pay for their recovery, time away from work, and accommodations for long-term hardships. Our firm works through every detail to help every client get proper medical, financial, and emotional support after a crane accident.

Comprehensive Support from Clayton, Frugé & Ward

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we provide more than legal representation—we walk with clients through every step of recovery. Our team offers personalized support rooted in empathy and dedicated attention to give peace of mind during an overwhelming time. Our track record includes more than a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements, including a landmark $117 million recovery, the largest in Louisiana’s history.

As dedicated crane accident lawyers in Louisiana, we prioritize comprehensive client care.

We use our familiarity with state and local safety standards to strengthen every case. Our attorneys collaborate with respected industry consultants across Louisiana. We also have close connections with local doctors, investigators, and safety professionals. This gives us deep insight into the challenges found in oil and gas, port transportation, energy, and industrial work around the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River corridor.

People call us when others turn their cases away. Our diverse team reflects Louisiana’s unique communities, so we serve every client with understanding and respect. We address barriers that others might miss, such as language, tradition, or community customs. Nobody who walks in our door should go without a clear legal pathway or strong voice in negotiations or the courtroom.

Why Choose a Local Crane Accident Lawyer for Your Case?

Hiring a crane accident lawyer in Louisiana means more than local convenience—it means working with someone who understands the unique risks and requirements of Louisiana industries. Familiarity with state rules and local court systems helps us navigate cases quickly and effectively, reducing delays and helping clients focus on healing.

Working with a Louisiana-based injury attorney connects injured parties to lawyers who know local refinery operations, port practices, petrochemical site safety, and roadway construction hazards. We access inspection records, safety citations, and agency files quickly to help our clients present strong claims. This local network helps our attorneys talk to the right witnesses and agencies without unnecessary delays.

Our firm builds cases for clients by gathering crucial evidence, hiring trusted expert witnesses, and using established relationships throughout Louisiana. Knowing the differences in how each parish and city handles investigations, insurance, and court appearances lets us tailor each legal strategy. And, with deep knowledge of industry risks, contractors’ common practices, and legal requirements, we can spot safety lapses and violations that others might overlook. This focus improves our ability to strengthen claims and secure fair resolutions for people in Louisiana who need help after a crane accident.

Steps to Take After a Louisiana Crane Accident

If you've been involved in a crane accident, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your rights and pave the way for fair compensation. 

Here are several key steps to follow:

• Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Move to safety and seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
• Report the Accident: Tell your supervisor or employer as soon as you can and make sure the incident is fully documented under workplace rules.
• Gather Evidence: If safe, take photos of the scene, damaged equipment, and your injuries to keep a clear record.
• Limit Communication: Watch what you say and avoid making statements to insurance adjusters or investigators before you speak with a lawyer.
• Consult a Crane Accident Lawyer: Contact a qualified crane accident attorney in Louisiana to discuss your options and legal rights.

In Louisiana, regulatory agencies often conduct their own investigations after crane accidents that cause injuries or property damage. Reporting your case to the Louisiana Workforce Commission or local OSHA office can impact how quickly claims are reviewed and paid. Acting fast helps keep evidence fresh and witnesses available; this can be especially important where weather or worksite cleanup might erase important details soon after the incident.

Louisiana Crane Accident FAQ

What Are Common Causes of Crane Accidents in Louisiana?

Crane accidents often result from operator mistakes, equipment failures, unstable loads, or ignoring safety rules. Bad weather and poor site planning raise risks at many Louisiana job sites. Following local and federal guidelines is the best way to reduce these hazards.

How Can a Crane Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A crane accident lawyer in Louisiana can walk you through the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With strong legal support, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the work of presenting your claim.

Who Is Liable in a Crane Accident?

Responsibility for a crane accident may fall on multiple parties—including the crane operator, hiring contractor, rental company, or the crane’s manufacturer if defective equipment played a role. Sorting out liability requires a full investigation into safety rules, maintenance records, and equipment condition at the time of the accident.

What Compensation Can I Expect from a Crane Accident Claim?

Damages from a crane accident claim can cover your medical bills, rehab costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, extra damages when someone acted recklessly. Your recovery depends on your injuries, the losses you suffered, and who was at fault. Discussing your claim with a skilled lawyer can help you learn what to expect.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Crane Accident in Louisiana?

Louisiana law gives you two years from the date of the accident (with some exceptions) to file most personal injury claims. Certain situations—like late-discovered injuries, accidents involving a public agency, or if you are a minor—can change this timeline. Acting quickly gives you the best chance to gather all evidence and meet strict legal deadlines.

Take the First Step Toward Justice. Call (225) 209-9943!

If you or someone you care about suffered harm in a crane accident in Louisiana, contact a lawyer for guidance as soon as you can. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we stand with our clients from the first conversation to the final resolution, offering unwavering legal and personal support. Rely on our experience, local knowledge, and results to help you make sense of your options and rebuild your life after a serious accident.

Contact us today at (225) 209-9943 for a free consultation and take the first step toward obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve. Your journey to healing and rebuilding starts with the decision to act.