Chicago Crane Accident Lawyers 

Over $1 Billion Won in Workers’ Compensation Settlements

According to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimate, there are 96,000 construction cranes in the United States. While much of the construction industry falls under tight regulation controlled by local, state, or federal oversight, the area of the construction crane industry falls under an anomalous regulatory scheme involving various jurisdictions.

When accidents involving cranes occur, a highly complicated legal process ensues. Determining liability for the accident can be extremely difficult with so many parties involved. At Leonard Law Group, our Chicago crane accident team has tremendous amounts of experience that they are able to devote to each and every case. After more than 30 years since our founding, we have obtained more than $1,000,000,000 in settlements and trial awards for upwards of 50,000 clients.

Want to learn more about your Chicago crane accident case? Call (312) 487-2513 for a free second opinion case review.

Understanding Crane Safety Regulations

The current regulatory regime for crane safety was created by OSHA in 1971.

The regulations provide requirements for the following:

• Crane maintenance
• Record keeping
• Annual crane inspections

However, these same regulations do not outline enforcement procedures to ensure the crane owner's compliance. At this writing, new draft regulations that would update OSHA's crane rules are proposed, but there is no firm timetable for their enactment.

Crane Accident Fatality Statistics You Should Know

Construction cranes can be a towering hazard at construction sites, potentially endangering both operators and construction workers. The absence of coordinated and stringent oversight is all too tangible in the grim construction crane fatality statistics.

Some notable crane accident statistics include:

• 297 crane-related fatalities: Between 2011 and 2017, 297 workers were killed in crane-related incidents, averaging approximately 42 deaths each year.
• Most victims were men: Men accounted for 293 of the 297 fatal crane injuries during this period.
• Crane operators faced significant risk: More than half of the workers killed were crane operators.
• Illinois ranked among the highest: Illinois was one of the five states with the most crane-related fatalities, reporting 14 deaths during the study period.

These statistics highlight the importance of workplace safety, proper training, and compliance with OSHA regulations. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident, understanding your legal options can be an important step toward recovering the benefits and compensation you may be entitled to.

How a Chicago Crane Accident Lawyer Can Help You

After a serious crane accident, many people are unsure what to do first, especially while coping with painful injuries, lost income, and growing medical expenses. A crane accident lawyer in Chicago can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights from the very beginning.

Our team can assist by doing the following and more:

• Explaining your legal options: We help you understand your workers' compensation benefits and whether you may also have a third-party personal injury claim.
• Guiding you through the claims process: We can assist with reporting the accident, seeking appropriate medical treatment, and meeting important filing deadlines.
• Investigating the cause of the accident: We gather evidence, review safety records, and determine whether negligence, equipment defects, or violations contributed to the incident.
• Identifying all responsible parties: Because crane accidents can involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners, we investigate whether a third-party claim may be available.
• Pursuing the full compensation available: We work to maximize your workers' compensation benefits and seek additional damages through third-party claims when appropriate.

An experienced crane accident attorney in Chicago understands the complex safety regulations and legal issues that often arise in these cases. By thoroughly investigating the facts and presenting strong evidence, we work to place our clients in the best possible position to recover the compensation they deserve. Whether your claim is resolved through negotiation or litigation, we are committed to providing trusted guidance and peace of mind throughout the process.

Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicago Today

To pursue compensation and ensure that you and your loved ones are cared for after a crane accident, don’t hesitate to call Leonard Law Group. Our firm is passionate about helping you successfully navigate your circumstances and we take the time to develop a genuine connection with you. 

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a crane accident in Chicago, IL, please contact Leonard Law Group today.

Commonly Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to Report a Crane Accident in Illinois?

If you are injured in a crane accident at work, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Under Illinois workers' compensation law, employees generally have 45 days from the date of the accident to provide notice. Reporting the injury promptly can help prevent delays or disputes with your claim. If you have questions about your rights or believe another party contributed to the accident, an experienced Chicago crane accident lawyer can help you evaluate your legal options.

What Are Common Types of Crane Accident Injuries?

Crane accidents often result in serious injuries because of heavy equipment, falling objects, and dangerous job site conditions. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, crush injuries, burns, amputations, internal organ damage, and severe cuts or lacerations. Depending on the severity of the injury, workers may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Our Chicago crane accident attorney can help you pursue the workers' compensation benefits and any additional compensation you may be entitled to