Fatal construction site injury caused from a falling crane
On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Construction Workers’ Accidents on Friday, October 25, 2013.
Construction site injury is a reality for many contractors and employers who find themselves in one of the highest ranked professions for accidents. This fact does not change the immense grief that is felt when someone dies or is severely hurt. When an Illinois family loses a loved one due to a fatal construction site injury caused from a falling crane, they may choose to pursue compensation benefits from the employer. Additional legal action may be sought against any third party who may have been a contributing cause to the accident.
A recent fatal construction site injury took the life of one man when his work crane began to lean over and fall to the ground as he moved building materials. Authorities have stated that the crane’s stabilizing hydraulic outriggers may have been compromised in the soft dirt of the construction site, potentially causing it to lose its balance. Reports claim that no other workers or people were injured in the construction accident, though a nearby fence was taken down with the crane fall.
The cab of the crane which contained the operator began to sink into the soft ground once it fell, submerging the man inside. Other workers at the church construction site rushed over and began to dig at the fallen crane. Emergency workers eventually removed the man and transported him to the hospital where he was confirmed to have passed away. Details pertaining to his death have not been released though OSHA continues to investigate factors that may have contributed to the accident.
When an Illinois worker experiences a fatal construction accident, the surviving family receives compensation benefits to assist with funerary costs and other expenses. If the investigation uncovers defects in the crane or irresponsible analysis of surrounding soil prior to beginning the project, then the victim’s family may pursue legal action against a third party contributor. Those who lost their loved one in the fatal construction site injury caused from a falling crane may seek professional guidance in seeking justice against those connected to the tragedy.
Source: twincities.com, Operator killed as crane topples at Maplewood construction site, Sarah Horner, Oct. 21, 2013
