Crane Accidents

The use of cranes is essential in construction, shipping, and industrial settings, but when safety protocols fail or machinery malfunctions, the results can be tragic. Workers can be struck by falling loads, crushed by the machinery, or suffer serious falls from elevated heights. A single crane accident can lead to traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and spinal cord damage, leaving workers in need of extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Fortunately, Maryland law provides a pathway for injured workers to recover compensation through the workers’ compensation system, ensuring they receive critical medical care, lost wage benefits, and disability compensation. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crane accident, it is critical to understand what benefits you may be owed, and you should talk to an attorney promptly. The assertive Prince George’s County workers’ compensation lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A., understand the devastating consequences of crane accidents, and we can help you take the measures necessary to protect your rights.

Crane accidents are among the most dangerous workplace incidents, often leading to severe or fatal injuries. These accidents can result from a variety of factors, including equipment malfunctions, improper assembly, operator inexperience, and environmental hazards such as strong winds or unstable ground. Workers involved in crane accidents may suffer falls, electrocution, crushing injuries, or be struck by falling objects. The physical toll of a crane accident can be immense, requiring extensive medical treatment, surgical interventions, and long-term rehabilitation.

Under Maryland law, workers injured in crane accidents while they are in the course of employment are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning injured employees can receive benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident. However, independent contractors and certain other categories of workers are not covered.

Workers’ compensation benefits for crane accidents include medical benefits, disability benefits, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent impairments. Medical benefits cover all necessary treatments related to the injury, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any required medical devices such as braces, wheelchairs, or prosthetics. Injured workers are entitled to continued medical treatment until they reach maximum medical improvement, ensuring they receive adequate care to aid in their recovery.

Disability benefits play a crucial role in providing financial assistance to injured employees who cannot work due to their injuries. Temporary total disability benefits are available for workers who are completely unable to perform job duties for a period of time while recovering, typically amounting to two-thirds of their average weekly wage. Temporary partial disability benefits assist employees who can return to work in a limited capacity but earn less than they did before the accident, helping to bridge the income gap. For those who sustain permanent impairments, permanent partial disability or permanent total disability benefits may be awarded. Permanent partial disability benefits compensate workers who have sustained lasting impairments but are still able to perform some work, with compensation amounts based on the severity of the disability. Permanent total disability benefits provide long-term financial support to workers whose injuries prevent them from engaging in any gainful employment. In the tragic event that a crane accident results in a worker’s death, dependents may receive death benefits to cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing financial assistance to surviving family members.

Crane accidents can cause devastating injuries that require extensive medical care and lead to significant financial strain. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crane accident, you should meet with an attorney to learn more about securing workers’ compensation benefits. The trusted Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers and we can aid you in seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Our firm is based in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we proudly serve injured workers in Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, La Plata, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, and throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and across the state of Maryland. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, you can contact us through our online form or call us at (301) 441-2022.