If a crane accident left you with catastrophic injuries, holding the responsible party accountable can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Your Laughlin crane accident lawyer with H&P Law is ready to fight for your rights, bringing 60+ years of trial experience to your case.
Whether your accident occurred on a job site, near a construction zone, or on unsafe property, your Laughlin premises liability lawyer from our firm will investigate every detail to build a strong claim, so contact our office today to request a free consultation and find out how much your case could be worth.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents in Laughlin
If you were injured in a crane accident, identifying what went wrong is the first step toward holding the responsible party accountable. Crane failures often occur due to mechanical issues, operator mistakes, or unsafe job site conditions. When safety protocols are ignored, serious accidents and life-changing injuries can occur.
Mechanical Failures and Equipment Malfunctions
If a crane’s brakes fail or a worn-out cable snaps, the results can be devastating. Faulty hydraulics, defective parts, and poor maintenance put workers at risk every time a crane is used. Your Laughlin crane accident attorney with H&P Law can investigate whether a mechanical failure caused your injuries and determine who is responsible.
Operator Error and Lack of Training
Crane operators must be properly trained to handle heavy loads and make precise movements. When an unqualified worker miscalculates a lift, moves too quickly, or ignores load limits, serious accidents happen. If your injuries were caused by an untrained or careless crane operator, you may have grounds for legal action.
Unsafe Working Conditions and Employer Negligence
If a job site is not properly maintained, crane operations become even more dangerous. Overloading cranes, ignoring weather conditions, and failing to follow safety regulations increase the risk of accidents. If your employer or contractor failed to enforce safety rules, your Laughlin personal injury lawyer may be able to hold them responsible for your injuries.
Liability in a Crane Accident Claim
If you were injured in a crane accident, multiple parties may be responsible. Your employer, the crane manufacturer, or a third-party contractor may have contributed to the unsafe conditions that caused your injuries. Investigating the cause of the accident and identifying the liable parties is key to pursuing full compensation.
Employer and Contractor Liability
Your employer is responsible for enforcing safety regulations and ensuring workers are properly trained. If a contractor failed to follow lifting procedures or ignored job site hazards, they may also share liability. When employers cut corners to save time or reduce costs, they put workers at risk of severe injuries or death.
Failure to inspect cranes, enforce safety protocols, or provide adequate protective equipment can all contribute to a serious accident. If your employer or contractor ignored industry safety standards or forced workers into dangerous situations, they may be held accountable. Proving their negligence may require reviewing training records, safety inspection reports, and witness testimony.
Equipment Manufacturer Liability
Defective crane parts and mechanical failures can lead to catastrophic accidents. If a faulty cable, malfunctioning hydraulics, or a design flaw caused your injuries, the manufacturer may be responsible. A product liability claim may allow you to recover compensation from the company that produced or sold the defective equipment.
Manufacturers are required to test their products to ensure they function safely under normal conditions. If a crane or its components fail due to poor design, improper assembly, or defective materials, the manufacturer may be held liable. Investigating product recalls, past safety violations and expert engineering reports can help prove that a defective part caused the accident.
Legal Responsibilities Under Nevada Law
Nevada law requires employers to follow strict workplace safety regulations to prevent crane accidents. Nevada Revised Statutes § 618.375 holds employers responsible for providing safe working conditions and properly maintaining heavy equipment. If your employer failed to comply with these regulations, they may be liable for your injuries.
Failing to maintain a safe work environment may include ignoring weight limits, failing to inspect cranes regularly, or allowing untrained workers to operate heavy machinery. If a violation of Nevada’s workplace safety laws contributed to your accident, it may serve as strong evidence of employer negligence. Reviewing OSHA reports, equipment maintenance logs, and workplace safety audits can help establish liability in your claim.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims
If you suffered an injury in a crane accident, workers’ compensation may provide medical benefits and wage replacement. However, workers’ compensation does not cover all losses, and you may have other legal options. Your Laughlin workers’ compensation lawyer can help determine which legal options are available based on the specific circumstances of your case, such as:
- Workers’ compensation—Employees who suffer work-related injuries can receive medical benefits and partial wage replacement. This system does not require proof of fault but limits compensation to specific expenses. Under most circumstances, injured workers cannot sue their employers directly.
- Third-party liability claims – When a negligent subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or other third party causes an accident, injured workers may file a separate claim. These claims allow for additional compensation, including full wage replacement and pain and suffering damages. Unlike workers’ compensation, third-party lawsuits require proving fault.
- Compensation differences – Workers’ compensation does not cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Third-party claims allow injured workers to pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term suffering. While some third-party claims may be settled outside of court, you should be prepared to go to trial to recover full compensation for your losses.
Determining the best legal path depends on who is responsible for the accident. If employer negligence caused your injuries, workers’ compensation may be the only available option. If a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or site owner played a role, a third-party claim may provide an opportunity for additional compensation.
Speak With a Crane Accident Lawyer in Laughlin Today
A serious crane accident can lead to devastating injuries and unexpected financial strain, but you do not have to face this alone.
Your crane accident attorney in Laughlin from H&P Law can help you pursue compensation for your medical care, loss of income, and long–term recovery. Contact our firm today to learn how we can assist with your case.
