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How Crane Operations Cause Severe Injuries
A crane incident can harm operators, riggers, signal persons, workers on the ground, nearby tradespeople, and bystanders. The circumstances determine which safety decisions, companies, and equipment records warrant closer examination.
Common scenarios include:
- Dropped or swinging loads: A shifting or falling load can cause crush injuries, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations.
- Tip-overs and collapses: An investigation may examine ground conditions, crane setup, load limits, structural components, and operating decisions.
- Power-line contact: Contact with energized lines can cause electrocution, electrical burns, and fatal injuries.
- Assembly or equipment failures: Unsafe assembly, failed rigging, damaged wire rope, or defective components may contribute to an incident.
OSHA Subpart CC is the federal construction standard for cranes and derricks, and New Mexico has adopted it. The standard addresses inspections, ground conditions, power-line safety, operator qualifications, signals, fall protection, and suspended loads. Whether a requirement applies or was violated depends on the facts of the case.
Third-Party Liability After a Crane Injury in Albuquerque
Workers’ compensation may provide certain benefits after a workplace injury, but it may not be the only source of recovery. A separate third-party claim may be available if someone other than the injured worker’s employer contributed to the accident.
Depending on equipment ownership, contracts, and control of the work, potentially responsible parties may include:
- The crane owner or rental company
- The general or controlling contractor
- The operator’s employer
- A rigging or signal-person company
- A maintenance provider or equipment manufacturer
- A property owner or utility
Workplace benefits and claims against outside companies follow different legal rules. We examine how the companies divided responsibility for equipment, maintenance, lift planning, site safety, and daily operations before advising a client about available options.
Evidence That Can Reveal What Went Wrong
Prompt investigation matters because equipment may be moved, repaired, dismantled, or returned to a rental company. The scene can also change quickly as construction continues.
Relevant evidence may include:
- Photographs, videos, incident reports, and witness accounts
- Inspection, maintenance, and repair records
- Operator qualification and training records
- Load charts, lift plans, rigging details, and equipment data
- Contracts identifying control and safety responsibilities
- Weather information, medical records, and income documentation
We may also evaluate applicable rules concerning inspections, signals, wire rope, power lines, and assembly or disassembly. Safety regulations can provide context, but the evidence must establish responsibility in the individual case.
Compensation in Crane Injury & Wrongful Death Claims
The losses available in a claim depend on the responsible parties, legal theory, evidence, and the injury's long-term impact. They may include:
- Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and future care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Disability, pain, emotional distress, and disfigurement
- Loss of household services or financial support
When an incident is fatal, eligible family members may have a wrongful death claim under the New Mexico Wrongful Death Act. Public-entity involvement, workplace benefit issues, and other circumstances can affect notice or filing requirements, so deadlines should be reviewed promptly rather than treated as one universal period.
The Right Legal Team Matters
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Attorneys
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"Thank God we found him. He really seemed to care about our family."Mr. Buckingham won our case after two other law firms said it would be impossible to win. He knew the medicine better than the experts in the case. I guess the fact that he’s also a doctor was a great help.Former Client
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"He truly was impressive."Mr. Buckingham flew to the East Coast several times & understood how a correct gall bladder surgery is supposed to be done better than the surgeon. He was very knowledgeable & precise.Former Client
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"If you want real-life heroes contact these guys. They cared when no one else did."When I first contacted Mr.Vega, I knew he was different because he listened to me with compassion. Mr. Vega and his team gave me hope and most important they gave my son a better life.Former Client
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"Adrian Vega and his law firm changed my family's life."They fought for my injured baby and made sure we would be taken care of for the rest of our lives. I highly recommend this law firm.Former Client
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"My family is better off having them in our corner."We turned to him when we had nowhere else to go. Turns out it was the best decision we could have ever made. They represented us in a difficult case and made those responsible accountable for their actions.Former Client
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"Nothing but the best of the best."This was an experience I'll never forget and felt like family and not a business associate. Adrian kept me informed and up to date on all matters of the lawsuit. Needless to say, I received more ( much more ) than expected...Former Client
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"Very professional firm and well knowledgeable!"I would highly recommend using Buckingham & Vega if you have been injured in an accident. Very professional firm and well knowledgeable!Former Client
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"Highly Recommend"We had a great experience working with Adrian. He was very professional and guided my family through a difficult situation.Former Client
Our Results Make a Difference
Explore How We Have Helped Our Clients
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Record-Setting $72 Million Birth Injury
The Buckingham & Vega team obtained a $72 million verdict in a birth injury case when an OB/ GYN failed to properly monitor the mom during pregnancy.
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$16 Million Truck Accident
Buckingham & Vega obtained a $16 million settlement in a truck accident case. The truck driver was speeding and inattentive (texting) and crashed into the rear of a pickup truck stopped at a stoplight.
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$14 Million Dram Shop Liability
Our team obtained a $14 million dram shop verdict on behalf of a client who was injured due to negligence.
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$13 Million Truck Accident
Our team secured a $13 million settlement in a truck accident case. An eighteen-wheeler made an unsafe turn in front of a car driven by a grandmother and her family. The grandmother was killed and the family suffered severe injuries.
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$13 Million Work Injury
Buckingham & Vega represented an oilfield worker who was killed when their company failed to properly train its employees on how to safely move waste bins. Our client was killed when he became trapped between two bins.
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$12 Million Birth Injury
The attorneys at Buckingham & Vega obtained a $12 million birth injury settlement.
