San Diego Crane Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Crane Accident in SD?

Construction sites in San Diego are filled with heavy equipment, complex machinery, and dangerous conditions. Among the most powerful—and potentially hazardous—machines on site are cranes. When crane accidents occur, the consequences can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and significant financial losses. At The McClellan Law Firm, our legal team has the knowledge and experience to fight for the rights of injured construction workers and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crane accident, you need an advocate who understands both the legal and technical aspects of your case.

Contact The McClellan Law Firm at (619) 215-1488 for a free case evaluation.

Overview of Cranes

Cranes are essential in construction for lifting and moving heavy materials that human labor alone could not manage. They range from mobile truck-mounted cranes to massive tower cranes seen in high-rise construction projects.

In San Diego, cranes are common on projects involving large-scale infrastructure, commercial developments, and residential towers. While they increase efficiency, cranes also carry inherent risks due to their size, weight, and complexity.

Operating a crane requires extensive training, strict adherence to safety protocols, and careful coordination between operators, riggers, and other workers on site. Even a small mistake can lead to a devastating accident.

Common Types of Crane Accidents

Crane accidents can take many forms, and each type presents unique dangers. Some of the most common include:

• Crane Collapses – Structural failure or improper assembly can cause a crane to tip over or collapse entirely, often resulting in multiple casualties.
• Load Drops – If a load is improperly secured or the crane is overloaded, it may fall, striking workers or property below.
• Boom Failures – The crane’s boom can buckle or break due to mechanical failure, poor maintenance, or operator error.
• Contact with Power Lines – Cranes can come into contact with overhead electrical lines, leading to electrocution hazards for operators and nearby workers.
• Swing Accidents – When a crane’s load or boom swings unexpectedly, it can strike workers, vehicles, or structures.
• Crane Collisions – Mobile cranes may collide with other equipment or structures if not properly maneuvered.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Crane accidents rarely happen without a cause. In many cases, these accidents result from preventable errors or negligence, such as:

• Operator Error – Inadequate training or failure to follow safety guidelines can lead to catastrophic mistakes.
• Improper Assembly or Maintenance – Cranes that are not assembled according to manufacturer specifications or are poorly maintained are at higher risk of mechanical failure.
• Overloading – Exceeding a crane’s maximum load capacity can strain structural components, leading to breakage or collapse.
• Unsafe Work Conditions – High winds, unstable ground, or poor visibility can make crane operations dangerous.
• Inadequate Supervision – Lack of proper oversight can allow unsafe practices to go unchecked.
• Defective Equipment – Manufacturing or design defects can compromise a crane’s safety even when operated correctly.

Common Types of Crane Accident Injuries

Due to the size and power of cranes, accidents often cause severe or life-changing injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Crush Injuries
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Severe Burns
• Amputations

Recovering Compensation

If you have been injured in a crane accident in San Diego, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Depending on the circumstances, you could have a claim under California’s workers’ compensation system, a third-party personal injury lawsuit, or both.
Potential compensation may include:

• Medical Expenses – Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages – Recovery for income lost while you are unable to work.
• Loss of Earning Capacity – If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn in the future.
• Pain and Suffering – For physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages – For families who have lost a loved one in a crane accident, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

Our team at The McClellan Law Firm will investigate your accident thoroughly, gather evidence, identify all liable parties, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact a San Diego Crane Accident Attorney Today

Time is critical after a crane accident. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and important legal deadlines can pass. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crane accident in San Diego, reach out to The McClellan Law Firm as soon as possible.
We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Call (619) 215-1488 or contact us online today to speak with an experienced San Diego crane accident attorney who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the justice you deserve.