Defective Cranes
Product Liability Lawyers
Crane accidents are one of the most common workplace accidents on a construction site. Many are caused by malfunctioning or missing components in cranes, hoists and rigging devices. Even experienced crane operators can fall victim to serious accidents as a result of defective parts.
The product liability lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP recognize the severe nature of crane accidents. Construction site workers may be injured to such an extent that they are unable to work for an extended period of time or are permanently disabled, requiring lifelong medical care. As such, we are committed to preserving the rights and interests of those injured in accidents caused by defective cranes or other construction equipment. We can review the circumstances surrounding your unique case to determine how to best assist you in moving forward with a lawsuit against the manufacturer or other liable party.
Safety Standards for Cranes
The Crane Manufacturers Association of America sets standards for the designs of cranes and hoists. In addition, crane manufacturers must comply with the design standards of the ASME/ANSI, which specify safety regulations for commercial cranes and hoists.
These regulations include the following standards:
- Safety latches must be provided for all crane and hoist hooks.
- An electrical disconnect switch must be provided for all cranes and hoists and the switch must be located in a labeled box with lock mechanisms in place.
- An electrical disconnect switch must be provided for all crane pendants.
- All hoist and hook blocks must carry labeling that signifies the maximum capacity of the hook.
- Cabs and bridge cranes must have motion alarms installed.
- Cranes and hoist hooks must not be repainted.
- The bridge underside must carry signs indicating NWSE directions. The pendant must also carry a direction label that corresponds to the label on the underside of the bridge.
- Building cranes and hoists must come with a slip clutch or an upper limit switch.
- New cranes and hoists must undergo load testing to a capacity of 125% before they are put into operation.
- If the crane or hoist comes with an overload device, separate load testing must be done to the required setting.
- Any platforms or baskets suspended from the crane must be designed according to specifications.
In addition to meeting the design and manufacturing standards of cranes and hoists, it is also important to ensure that all rigging equipment and components meet quality standards.
- Nylon slings that have damaged stitching or fibers or are worn out or discolored must never be used.
- Wire rope slings should be free of cracks, broken wires and twisted hooks.
- All steel slings must be free of cracks. Shackles, slings and hooks cannot have fractures or signs of welding.
Contact a Product Liability Attorney: Free Consultation
Many accidents linked to cranes, hoists and rigging equipment can be avoided if all equipment is safe and manufactured according to industrial design and production standards. Manufacturers of cranes and hoists are required to make sure their equipment is free of design and manufacturing defects.
Take legal action with a competent lawyer by your side and you can experience much-needed peace of mind in knowing that your case is in good hands. Our legal team has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients in settlements and verdicts, and we believe this track record of success proves how hard we fight for our clients. For a free consultation regarding your defective crane claim or lawsuit, contact a product liability attorney at our firm.