Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for Crane Operators

Crane operators play a vital role in construction projects, as well as at ports and in warehousing operations. Their job duties include moving construction materials, machinery, and other heavy loads. 

While cranes are essential pieces of equipment, their large size and unwieldy design pose many dangers to those who work with them. In 2019, crane operators were included among the 25 most dangerous occupations in the United States. The fatal injury rate was 13 per 100,000 workers that year. The most common cause of fatal work accidents among crane operators was transportation incidents.

Crane injuries often occur at building renovation sites, industrial sites, construction worksites, at a port or shipping facility, or at warehouses.

When crane operators suffer on-the-job accidents, they are at risk of suffering severe injuries. Injured workers in New Jersey have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim to obtain benefits for their medical bills, a portion of their lost wages, and other injury-related costs.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

There are many types of cranes, ranging from tower cranes and bridge cranes to mobile cranes and truck-mounted cranes. Operating a crane safely requires extensive training to minimize the risk of injuries. However, despite following safety guidelines, crane accidents can and still do occur. Here are some ways in which New Jersey crane operators may suffer a work injury:

• Crane collapse
• Falling loads
• Improper loading
• Crushing incidents
• Falls from cranes
• Trapped between cranes and other objects
• Crane tip-overs or overturns
• Contact with power lines
• Mechanical failures
• Collisions with other vehicles

New Jersey has a no-fault workers’ compensation system. No matter how a work injury occurs, crane operators in the state are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. It does not matter who is at fault for a workplace accident or whether an employer’s negligence caused the injury. Employees have the right to receive benefits even if they are to blame for an on-the-job injury.

Types of Crane Operator Work Injuries 

The massive size and weight of cranes mean workers face catastrophic outcomes if an on-the-job accident occurs. Being crushed by a heavy load, for example, can cause a crane operator to sustain permanent disabilities. Common injuries that crane operators may sustain include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Crush injuries 
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back injuries
• Organ damage
• Neck & Shoulder injuries
• Amputations
• Electrocution
• Paralysis
• Death

Crane-related injuries are likely to require long-term treatment and extensive rehabilitation. Workers’ compensation benefits should cover hospitalization, surgery, and medications, among other medical costs. In 2021, the New Jersey construction industry recorded 3,400 cases of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses. Of those, around 2,100 cases required injured workers to take days off from work.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

New Jersey crane operators who suffer a work injury can file a workers’ compensation claim. If the claim is approved, they can recover benefits that cover their medical costs and lost income from having to take time off work. Workers’ compensation benefits typically last until the injured worker is ready to go back to work, but there are exceptions for disabilities and severe injuries.

While obtaining workers’ compensation benefits should be a straightforward process for injured employees, that is not always the case. Sometimes employers may deny benefits or force workers to return to work even though they are still recovering. Insurance companies are also notorious for creating obstacles, such as challenging the severity of an injury.

By retaining an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney, crane operators can increase their chances of getting the benefits they deserve. They can also fight back against unfair treatment that may arise from filing a workers’ compensation claim. Employers are not allowed to fire or retaliate against injured workers who seek benefits.

Third-Party Claims for Crane Accidents

While workers’ compensation benefits are vital to injured workers, the benefits do not cover other losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of life enjoyment. Additionally, employees are not allowed to sue their employers for an on-the-job injury.

In some cases, however, workers injured in a crane accident may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if someone other than their employer was responsible for it. If a third party is to blame for a work injury, that third party may be liable for damages.

For example, a careless contractor may have failed to follow safety protocols, which created dangerous conditions for crane operators at a worksite. Crane accidents can also arise from defective machinery from a negligent manufacturer.

An experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate the details of a work injury. They can determine whether there are grounds to pursue additional damages due to the negligence of a third-party, and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf, in addition to the workers’ compensation claim. 

Contact the Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Now!

If you were injured while working as a crane operator, this is undoubtedly a difficult time for you and your family. The workers’ compensation lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm understand the challenges you face and want to help protect your rights. We aggressively represent every client we serve, ensuring they recover the benefits they need to move on with their lives after a serious accident while on the job. 

Whether it be through a workers’ comp claim and/or a third-party personal injury case, our worker’s compensation and personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of the process, so you can focus on your recovery. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. We have successfully served thousands of clients throughout New Jersey. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a free and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.