Crane accidents can cause serious injuries to construction workers. If you were injured by a crane in the course of your job, you will probably need to file a workers’ compensation claim.
While you can file on your own without hiring an attorney, this can be overwhelming. Working with a Greenville crane injury lawyer could make the process less stressful so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Crane Injuries?
There are many ways a malfunctioning crane can cause injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Electric shocks when the crane accidentally hits a power line
- Being struck by either part of the crane or a load falling from the crane
- The crane collapsing
These accidents can cause serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and loss of a limb. A Greenville crane injury attorney could help injured workers seek comprehensive compensation for their injuries.
A major benefit of filing a workers’ compensation claim rather than a personal injury lawsuit is that the cause of the accident does not matter. Proving that your employer was negligent will not increase the benefits you receive, and any negligence on your part will not prevent you from receiving benefits.
How Can a Crane Injury Lawyer Help With a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
There is a specific process an injured employee needs to follow to receive workers’ compensation. First, they need to report the accident or injury to their employer as soon as possible. Then, they need to see an employer-approved doctor to receive medical care that is covered by workers’ compensation. However, many crane accidents are serious enough that the injured person needs to call an ambulance or go directly to the emergency room for care. While this initial emergency care should be covered regardless of where it was provided, follow-up appointments and referrals are not automatically covered. Workers have 90 days to report their injuries to their employers and two years to file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Keeping up with the requirements, especially while dealing with a serious injury, can be overwhelming. A diligent crane injury lawyer in Greenville could ensure that the injured worker completes all of the necessary paperwork on time. Anyone filing a claim can benefit from hiring a lawyer, but it is especially helpful in certain situations. For example, if an employer denies the claim at any point in the process, a lawyer can help the injured person file an appeal.
Legal advice is also important if there are any complications in the case. Crane accidents generally happen on a job site, so establishing that the injury was caused by work tends to be relatively straightforward. However, there can still be complicating factors. For example, if a worker had a preexisting injury that was worsened by the crane accident, proving how much of the injury was caused by the crane could be difficult.
Discuss Your Crane Injury Case With a Greenville Attorney Today
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is not always straightforward. If you were injured in a crane accident, hiring a lawyer could make the claims process less stressful and help you avoid mistakes.
A Greenville crane injury lawyer could help you get the compensation you deserve while allowing you to focus on your health. Eller Frye Law Firm offers free consultations for our new clients. Contact us to review your crane accident case with one of our seasoned attorneys today.
(864)-686-4827