Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog
Officials say no one was hurt when a crane collided with a structure in Clearwater on Tuesday morning.
According to officials, the incident took place on Feather Sound Drive just before 10 a.m.
The crane was taken down by Wednesday afternoon.
Reports indicate that the crane was raising new roof sections to the top of the structure when it overreached its safe lifting capacity and toppled over.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The building will be inspected for any damage soon.
It is unknown at this time if the weight of the material was the culprit of the crash, or if the wind contributed to the collapse.
Cranes are an essential piece of equipment on many construction sites. Cranes are a helpful tool for finishing challenging construction projects when they are operated and maintained correctly. They can result in fatalities or severe injuries when used carelessly or when they malfunction.
Cranes are responsible for more significant accidents than any other kind of heavy construction equipment, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Unfortunately, crane-related injuries do not only affect construction workers. Since cranes are frequently found in heavy populated cities, accidents involving them may have an impact not just on the workers but also on pedestrians or other nearby residents.
After a crane accident occurs and you have suffered injuries, there are a few steps you should take, including:
- Get medical care right away. Even if you think you are fine, you could be experiencing an adrenaline high that is masking the severity of your injuries. Get checked out by a doctor so that you have a record of your injuries.
- Report the incident. If you are a construction worker, you need to report this to your supervisor. This is crucial if you are going to file a worker’s compensation claim. If you are a resident of a building being worked on or a pedestrian or passerby, then the injury needs to be reported to the site manager or supervisor. Please take note of who you speak to as well as the date of the conversation as this will prove useful if you need to take legal action later.
- Speak with an attorney who understands personal injury and worker’s compensation claims. Construction sites can be fast-paced and unpredictable environments. It is in your best interest to contact a Clearwater Construction Accident Attorney and find out your legal alternatives before any evidence vanishes or is destroyed and before your employer or the insurance company involved can try and flip the narrative on what happened and potentially blame you.
You have the best chance of protecting evidence and presenting a compelling case in your favor if you consult with an attorney straight away. Our Clearwater Construction Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton help injured workers, pedestrians, building residents, and passersby, and the families of those killed in crane accidents. You can call us anytime at 727-823-0000 or contact us online 24/7 to request a free consultation.