If You've Been Injured in an Offshore Crane Accident, You Need a Maritime Injury Lawyer Who Understands Crane Regulations

Cranes are used in almost every type of maritime or offshore industry work. They are used to load and unload vessels and to load and unload oil platforms at sea. Offshore cranes are heavy pieces of machinery that are used for carrying and lifting heavy objects. In an accident, they can drop those same heavy objects causing severe injury. Other offshore crane accidents include:

• Crane falls
• Crane collapses
• Crane tip overs
• Overloading accidents
• Slip, trips and falls from crane surfaces

Because of the huge size and weight of offshore cranes, crane accidents can be deadly. For this reason, there are laws governing the operation and maintenance of cranes used in maritime work. However, the laws that apply depend on where and how the crane is used. Cranes on ships are subject to different laws than cranes on oil rigs.

Many crane accidents are caused by negligence. Some common causes of crane accidents are:

• Overloading
• Improper loading
• Stress failure
• Metal fatigue
• Poor maintenance
• Rusting or deterioration of parts due to wet environment
• Operator error

If you have been injured in a maritime crane accident, you need an attorney who is familiar with crane regulations. He will be able to determine if negligence caused your accident. For example, a maritime attorney can determine if the crane operator was properly trained and licensed and if he was following all of the regulations that applied at the time of the accident.

Injuries and deaths from crane accidents can be prevented and victims of crane accidents are protected by the Jones Act, DOHSA, and general maritime law. If you have been injured in an offshore crane accident, you need an attorney whose practice focuses on maritime issues and who understands all the benefits you are entitled to. To schedule a free consultation with a maritime injury lawyer, contact The Young Firm at 866-938-6113.

To learn more the rights of injured offshore workers, download our free book: “Employee's Guide to Maritime Injury Law.”