Crane Accidents

Crane Accident Attorney Anderson

Get Reliable Legal Support After a Crane Accident in Anderson, SC

Heavy lifts, tight schedules, and crowded jobsites make crane work some of the most hazardous tasks in Anderson and across the Upstate. When a boom collapses, a load swings into a crew member, or a crane contacts a power line, the consequences are life-changing. If you or a loved one was hurt on a construction site, plant, or utility project, you deserve a local advocate who understands how these cases are built and how compensation is won.

Smith & Griffith, LLP represents injured workers and families in Anderson County. Our crane accident lawyer team knows how to secure workers’ compensation benefits and pursue additional claims against responsible third parties when the facts support it. We move quickly to preserve evidence, deal with the insurance claims adjuster, and protect your rights from the start.

Call (864) 477-7395 or request a free case evaluation online. There are no legal fees unless we recover for you.

How Crane Accident Claims Work In South Carolina

Most injured workers begin with a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is designed to cover authorized medical treatment, a portion of lost wages if you cannot work, mileage to and from treatment, and benefits for permanent injury. You do not have to prove your employer was at fault to qualify, but you must report the incident promptly and follow medical directions.

In many crane cases, there is also a separate claim against a party other than your employer. Examples include a negligent subcontractor that handled rigging, an equipment rental company responsible for maintenance, or a manufacturer whose defective component failed under load. These third-party claims can seek compensation for losses that workers’ compensation does not cover, such as pain and suffering and full lost earnings. Building both claims correctly is critical to maximizing your recovery.

Why Third-Party Claims Matter

A crane accident often involves multiple companies on the same site. When a mistake by a different contractor or a faulty part contributes to the incident, South Carolina law allows an injured worker to pursue that party for damages in addition to workers’ compensation. Our firm analyzes contracts, site safety plans, lift plans, and maintenance logs to identify all responsible entities and hold them accountable.

Common Causes Of Crane Accidents On Anderson Job Sites

• Cranes operate in dynamic environments. We frequently see patterns in the evidence that point to preventable causes:
• Improper setup or ground conditions. Outriggers placed on soft soil, mats that were inadequate for the load, or grade miscalculations can lead to tip-overs. Photographs of pad placement and ground compaction records can be decisive.
• Boom or jib collapse. Overloading, improper boom angle, or failure to follow load charts can cause structural failure. We obtain the crane’s load chart, data from any onboard systems, and lift documentation to reconstruct what happened.
• Dropped loads and rigging failures. Worn slings, incorrect hitch configurations, missing tag lines, or unqualified rigging can cause a load to slip. We send preservation notices to secure rigging hardware, inspection tags, and training records.
• Electrical contact. Working near energized lines without adequate clearance, spotters, or de-energization plans can result in catastrophic injuries. Site communications and job hazard analyses are critical evidence.
• Struck-by and caught-in events. Poor communication between the operator, signal person, and ground crew can put workers in the line of fire. Radio logs, hand signal protocols, and crew qualifications matter.

Who May Be Liable Beyond Your Employer

Every crane accident is unique, but the following parties are commonly investigated:

• Crane rental or service company. If maintenance was deficient or the wrong configuration was provided for the job, liability may follow.
• General contractor or controlling subcontractor. Site control includes coordination of lifts, traffic, and exclusion zones. When supervision falls short, others on the site can be responsible.
• Rigging subcontractor. Separate companies often handle rigging. Their training, hardware selection, and inspection practices are central to the fault.
• Manufacturer or distributor. Design or manufacturing defects in cranes, blocks, sheaves, hooks, or safety devices can create product liability exposure.
• Utility owner. In some electrocution cases, the entity controlling the lines may bear responsibility depending on notice and clearance measures.

Our Anderson crane accident attorneys examine contracts, insurance policies, and indemnity provisions to determine who should be in the case and how coverage applies.

What To Do After A Crane Accident In Anderson

Your first priority is medical care. Once emergency needs are addressed, take the following steps to protect your claim:

• Report the incident immediately to a supervisor or safety officer. A timely report initiates workers’ compensation and helps document the facts.
• Ask a trusted coworker to take photos and video of the scene if you are unable. Capture the crane setup, ground conditions, weather, load path, and any damaged components.
• Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance claims adjuster before you speak with an attorney. Adjusters work for the insurance company and may use your words against you.
• Follow the authorized medical provider’s instructions and keep every appointment. Keep copies of work restrictions, prescriptions, and mileage.
• Contact a crane accident lawyer in Anderson as soon as possible. We send preservation letters to all companies to prevent spoliation of critical evidence.

Benefits And Damages You Can Pursue

Workers’ compensation benefits can include medical treatment with an authorized provider, wage replacement while you are out of work under a doctor’s orders, benefits for permanent partial disability, and vocational rehabilitation when appropriate. If a third party is liable, you may pursue additional damages such as full lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and loss of consortium. In tragic cases involving fatalities, a wrongful death and survival action may be appropriate to seek funeral expenses and other legally recognized losses.

How Our Crane Accident Lawyer Team Builds Your Case

• Early investigation. We immediately request the lift plan, pre-lift meeting notes, crane inspection and maintenance records, rigging logs, and training files. We identify the operator, rigger, signal person, and site safety roles and interview witnesses while memories are fresh.
• Site and equipment analysis. When necessary, we retain qualified investigators and engineers to evaluate ground conditions, outrigger pad selection, boom angles, load charts, and any onboard event data. We also assess whether the job hazard analysis anticipated the risk and whether control measures were implemented.
• Medical documentation and damage modeling. We coordinate with your physicians to document diagnoses, restrictions, and impairment ratings. For serious injuries, we work with life care planners and economists to model long-term costs and losses.
• Claims strategy and negotiation. We present a comprehensive package that addresses both workers’ compensation benefits and third-party liability. Our goal is to resolve cases efficiently when possible and to be trial-ready when not.

Dealing With The Insurance Claims Adjuster

Adjusters manage risk for their insurers. In crane cases, they often move quickly to take statements, gather site documents, and frame the narrative. We serve as your point of contact so you do not have to navigate those calls. We ensure statements are accurate, prevent overbroad medical authorizations, and demand that all communications honor your rights. When adjusters dispute causation, deny benefits, or push early low settlements, we respond with the facts, the law, and a clear path to court if needed.

Time Limits, Reporting, And Medical Choice Considerations

Strict deadlines apply to reporting workplace injuries and filing claims in South Carolina. Waiting can jeopardize benefits or bar claims altogether. The sooner you contact an attorney after a crane accident in Anderson, the sooner we can preserve evidence and make sure all notices and filings are timely. Your employer or its insurer may direct you to authorized medical providers for workers’ compensation treatment. We help you navigate that process and address any requests for second opinions or independent evaluations when appropriate.

Injuries We See In Anderson Crane Accidents

Crane incidents often cause serious harm: fractures requiring surgery, crush injuries, spinal trauma, traumatic brain injuries, burns from electrical contact, and shoulder and knee damage from being struck by moving loads. These injuries can take you off the job for weeks or months and may permanently limit heavy work. We build claims that reflect the true impact on your life, including the need for rehabilitation, assistive devices, and retraining if you cannot return to your prior trade.

Evidence That Strengthens Your Case

Strong cases are built on documents and details. Useful evidence can include:

• Lift plans, pre-task plans, and job hazard analyses
• Operator and rigger certifications and recent training
• Crane inspection reports, maintenance logs, and rental agreements
• Rigging hardware tags, inspection records, and photographs of slings and connections
• Weather data, soil reports, and outrigger mat specifications
• Photos and videos from the scene showing setup, load path, and adjacent hazards

If you contact us early, we can take steps to secure these materials before they disappear.

Why Anderson Chooses Our Crane Accident Lawyer Team

• Unique background in insurance claims: Our attorney, John Griffith, worked as an insurance claims adjuster before practicing law. This background helps us understand how insurance companies approach crane accident cases and allows our firm to better advocate for fair compensation.
• Personalized, attentive representation: We handle a select number of cases, so every client receives direct attention from a lawyer. You stay informed and engaged throughout your journey—not left in the dark or handed off to assistants.
• Local roots, real engagement: Our deep knowledge of the Anderson area, including local workplaces and court processes, shapes how we approach your case. We invest in building trusted relationships that reflect local values and practical realities.
• Free, no-risk consultations: Before you commit, you can meet with us at no cost. We clarify your options and answer your questions so you can make confident decisions about hiring a crane accident lawyer in Anderson.

Clients value our honesty and the sense of trust we build every step of the way. When someone in Anderson turns to us after a crane-related injury, they receive regular communication and respectful guidance rooted in real experience serving the Upstate. Our understanding of area employers, construction projects, and local insurance practices helps us tailor every step to your needs—whether your case involves a major commercial development or a smaller worksite.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I still have a case if I was partly at fault?

Workers’ compensation is generally available even if a worker contributed to an accident. Fault rules can affect any separate third-party claim. Speak with an attorney before assuming you cannot recover.

What if the crane was rented from another company?

When rental or service companies handle maintenance or configuration, they can be responsible if those failures contributed to the incident. Contracts, inspection records, and communications help determine liability.

Should I talk to the insurance claims adjuster?

You should report the incident, but do not give a recorded statement to any adjuster before speaking with a lawyer. Adjusters work for the insurer, and statements can be used to limit benefits or deny fault.

Do I have to see the company doctor?

Your employer or insurer may require treatment with an authorized provider for workers’ compensation coverage. We can help you navigate requests for second opinions or referrals when needed.

Can I pursue both workers’ compensation and a lawsuit?

Yes, if a party other than your employer contributed to the accident, you may pursue a third-party claim while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Coordinating the two is important to protect your recovery.

How long will my case take?

Timing depends on medical recovery, the number of involved companies, and whether the insurer is willing to resolve the case fairly. We push for prompt benefits and thorough case development so settlement talks are meaningful.

What if my family member died in a crane accident?

Eligible family members may pursue wrongful death and survival claims against responsible parties. Our firm handles these cases with care and moves quickly to preserve evidence and protect the family’s rights.

Your Path Forward In Anderson Starts With A Plan

Early investigation makes a difference. If a crane accident has upended your work and health in Anderson, South Carolina, our team is ready to secure benefits, pursue every responsible party, and guide you through each step with clarity and urgency.

Call Smith & Griffith, LLP at (864) 477-7395 or contact us for a free, no-pressure case review. We will listen, explain your options, and outline the next steps today.