tampa Crane Accident Attorney

Legal Help After A Serious Crane Accident

Crane incidents on construction sites and in busy urban areas can change a life in seconds. A collapsing boom, a dropped load, or a tipover can leave workers and bystanders facing severe injuries or the loss of a loved one. In those moments, it is hard to know where to turn or what rights you may have.

If you or someone close to you was hurt in a crane accident in the Tampa Bay area, Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you understand your options. Our firm has represented injured people and grieving families here since 1955, with a practice devoted to personal injury and wrongful death cases. We work to combine careful legal preparation with steady, client-focused support.

On this page, you will find information about how crane accidents happen, who may be responsible, what steps to take next, and how our attorneys can guide you through a complex process. You do not have to sort through conflicting information from employers and insurers alone.

To schedule a free consultation, call (727) 591-3354 or contact us online today.

What is a Crane?

A crane is a large piece of construction equipment designed to lift, lower, and move heavy materials. Cranes are essential on construction sites for building high-rise structures, transporting steel beams, and placing heavy equipment. However, their size, weight, and mechanical complexity also make them potentially dangerous when something goes wrong.

Common types of cranes used on construction sites include:

• Tower cranes
• Mobile cranes
• Crawler cranes
• Overhead cranes
• Rough-terrain cranes

When properly maintained and operated, cranes can be used safely. But when operators lack training, equipment is defective, or safety standards are ignored, serious accidents can occur.

Common Types of Crane Accidents

Crane accidents can happen in many ways, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Some of the most common types of crane accidents in Tampa construction sites include:

Crane Collapses

Structural failures, unstable ground, or improper assembly can cause cranes to collapse. These incidents can damage nearby buildings and seriously injure workers.

Falling Loads

When materials are not secured properly, heavy loads can fall and strike workers below.

Electrocution

Cranes that come into contact with power lines can cause electrocution injuries to operators and nearby workers.

Boom Failures

The crane’s boom may break due to excessive weight, metal fatigue, or improper maintenance.

Tip-Overs

Improper setup, uneven terrain, or exceeding load capacity can cause a crane to tip over.

Struck-By Accidents

Workers and pedestrians can be struck by moving cranes or materials during lifting operations.

Our Tampa crane accident attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and determine who is responsible.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Most crane accidents are preventable and occur due to negligence or safety violations. Some of the leading causes include:

• Inadequate operator training
• Failure to follow OSHA safety guidelines
• Mechanical defects or equipment failure
• Improper crane assembly or maintenance
• Overloading the crane beyond capacity
• Unsafe job site conditions
• Poor communication between workers
• Lack of proper supervision

Construction companies and contractors have a legal responsibility to maintain safe worksites. When they fail to do so, serious accidents can happen.

Liability for Crane Accidents?

Determining liability in a crane accident can be complex because multiple parties may be involved. A Tampa crane accident attorney will examine the details of the incident to identify responsible parties, which may include:

Construction Companies

Employers must follow safety standards and ensure workers are properly trained and protected.

Crane Operators

Operators must follow safety protocols and operate equipment responsibly.

Equipment Manufacturers

Defective parts or design flaws can make manufacturers liable for injuries.

Contractors and Subcontractors

Third-party contractors may share responsibility for unsafe job site conditions.

Property Owners

In some cases, the property owner may be liable for failing to maintain safe premises.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

In many crane accident cases, injured construction workers may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can cover:

• Medical expenses
• Partial lost wages
• Disability benefits

However, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering and may not fully compensate victims.

If a third party—such as a manufacturer, subcontractor, or property owner—was responsible, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. A third-party claim can provide compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Full lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Emotional distress

Our Tampa crane accident lawyer can evaluate your options and determine the best legal path forward.

What to Do After a Crane Accident

Taking the right steps after a crane accident can protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek medical attention immediately
2. Report the accident to your employer or supervisor
3. Document the scene if possible
4. Gather witness information
5. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without legal advice
6. Contact a Tampa crane accident attorney

Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.

Compensation Available in a Crane Accident Case

Depending on the circumstances, victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation will depend on the severity of injuries and liability factors.

Crane Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a crane accident claim in Florida?

Florida law generally sets deadlines for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims. Acting quickly helps preserve your rights and evidence.

Can I sue my employer for a crane accident?

In most cases, workers’ compensation prevents lawsuits against employers. However, third-party claims may still be possible.

What if defective equipment caused the accident?

You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or maintenance company.

Do I need an attorney after a crane accident?

Yes. Crane accident cases often involve multiple parties, insurance companies, and complex liability issues. An attorney can protect your rights and maximize compensation.

What if a loved one died in a crane accident?

Surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral expenses, lost support, and emotional suffering.

Why Injured Workers Turn To Us

Crane accident cases are rarely simple. A single incident may involve a general contractor, a crane rental company, multiple subcontractors, the property owner, and several insurers that all try to shift responsibility. Many people come to us after realizing that this is more complicated than a typical workplace claim and that they need guidance they can trust.

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers has focused on representing injury victims in the Tampa Bay region since 1955. We were the first law firm in Pinellas County to limit its practice exclusively to personal injury, which reflects a long-standing commitment to people hurt by unsafe choices, including on construction sites. That history means we have handled many serious and complex cases, and we bring that perspective to every crane incident we accept.

Our attorneys manage each case directly rather than routing most communications through layers of staff. Clients have direct access to the lawyer responsible for their matter, and we limit delegation so there is continuity and accountability. We provide consistent updates throughout the case and reach out quickly when something changes, so you are not left guessing about what is happening.

Over the years, we have recovered more than $675 million for clients in serious injury and wrongful death cases. These results come from thorough preparation and a willingness to go to trial when fair resolution is not offered. Several of our attorneys are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction held by fewer than 2 percent of Florida lawyers. That level of training supports our ability to build strong cases in high-stakes disputes involving large construction companies and insurers.

We also understand that many crane accident victims cannot easily travel. Our team offers home, hospital, and workplace visits when needed, and we work to make the process as manageable as possible. Many clients tell us that they felt supported, informed, and respected throughout the process, which is the standard we aim for in every case.

Call (727) 591-3354 to speak with our team about your crane accident case.