Cranes appear on Knoxville job sites of every kind, from high-rise construction projects downtown to manufacturing facilities and industrial yards. These machines move loads weighing tens of thousands of pounds, often at significant heights and in proximity to workers below. When something goes wrong, victims can suffer catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, and fatal outcomes.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crane-related incident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses with the aid of a Knoxville workers’ compensation lawyer.
Call our firm at (865) 691-2777 to get the compensation you deserve today.
How Common Are Crane Accidents in the United States?
Crane incidents occur more frequently than many people realize. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 42 workers lose their lives in crane-related events nationwide each year. Manufacturing accounts for about 24% of these fatal incidents. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) enforces strict standards designed to prevent these tragedies, but not every employer follows the rules.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents on Knoxville Job Sites
Crane accidents occur on construction sites, manufacturing plants, shipyards, warehouses, and industrial facilities throughout the Knoxville area. Most of these incidents trace back to a handful of recurring problems:
- Operator and Human Error: Exceeding load limits, using the wrong rigging techniques, skipping safety protocols, and operating while impaired can all contribute to a crane accident. Insufficient training and breakdowns in communication between team members compound these risks.
- Mechanical and Equipment Failure: Crane components like booms, jibs, counterweights, outriggers, and mast sections require regular inspection and upkeep. If they are neglected, serious accidents can occur. Brake, hydraulic, gearbox, and sensor malfunctions can also leave operators unable to control the load or detect hazards like overhead power lines.
- Environmental Conditions: High winds, fog, rain, snow, and unstable ground can quickly turn a routine lift into a disaster. Conditions can shift the crane mid-operation, sometimes at the worst possible moment.
- Rigging Problems: Incorrect slings, improper sling angles, frayed or damaged hardware, and skipped pre-lift inspections can cause loads to drop or swing unpredictably.
- Poor Planning: Inadequate site assessments, failure to deploy outriggers, and assigning unqualified personnel to operate complex equipment have caused some of the worst crane disasters on record.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims After a Crane Accident
If you were injured in a crane accident while working in Knoxville, you have several paths to recovering compensation. Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to most employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. These benefits typically cover medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and disability payments.
With the help of a Knoxville workplace injury attorney, you may be able to file a third-party claim when someone other than your employer contributed to the accident. Crane manufacturers can be held responsible for defective equipment, maintenance contractors for shoddy upkeep, and rigging suppliers for faulty components. General contractors, property owners, and other subcontractors may also share liability when they ignore safety standards or known hazards.
Speak with a Knoxville Crane Accident Lawyer Today
The weight you carry after a crane accident can feel heavy. You need an advocate who can take the legal burden off your shoulders. The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto know what it takes to build a strong case against every party responsible for your injuries, and we will pursue the full compensation that Tennessee law allows. Contact us today to discuss your case and begin the filing process.