Cranes are a familiar sight across the city’s growing skyline, especially on large construction sites. When one malfunctions or is mishandled, the consequences can be catastrophic. If you were injured by a crane on a construction site, contacting an experienced Houston crane accident lawyer can help you determine whether a third party is legally responsible for your injuries.
At Williams Hart & Boundas, our construction accident attorneys have helped individuals hold contractors, suppliers, and other parties accountable for their role in serious construction accidents. Our goal is to uncover the truth, identify who failed in their duty, and pursue justice on your behalf.
What Makes Crane Accidents Dangerous?
Operating a crane involves careful coordination of people, equipment, and procedures. With the city’s fast-paced and constant construction activity, projects often bring in multiple contractors, subcontractors, and vendors, which increases the risk of miscommunication and safety lapses.
Our Houston attorneys can investigate if a crane accident occurred because:
- Subcontractors ignored load limits
- Ground conditions were not evaluated by outside consultants
- Third-party maintenance crews failed to inspect cranes properly
- Manufacturers or leasing companies supplied defective equipment
According to Texas Labor Code § 411.103, all parties involved in a worksite have a legal duty to provide a safe environment. When a non-employer’s oversight leads to an accident, they may be held financially responsible.
How Can Third Parties Be Held Liable for a Crane Accident?
Many people are surprised to learn that construction accident liability can extend beyond their direct employer. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, injured parties have up to two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury. This includes third-party liability claims.
Our Houston lawyers can investigate whether a subcontractor violated safety protocols before the accident, if the crane was leased from a company that failed to maintain it, or if a product manufacturer released defective parts. Identifying these parties is crucial to pursuing full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care needs.
Why a Standard Injury Claim May Not Be Enough
Workers’ compensation may only cover a portion of your losses, and it typically does not allow for pain and suffering damages. Third-party claims, however, can lead to more comprehensive financial recovery. These claims are also essential for holding external companies accountable—especially when they cut corners to meet deadlines or reduce costs.
Because these cases often involve layers of contracts and conflicting reports, building a third-party case takes time, skill, and technical understanding. Our Houston attorneys can work with construction experts, engineers, and investigators to make sure no detail is overlooked in your crane accident case.
What Sets Crane Accident Claims Apart?
Crane accidents are rarely straightforward. They often involve multiple stakeholders, including:
- Operators
- Engineers
- Crane owners
- Subcontractors
- General contractors
Construction projects are frequently under tight timelines, and third parties may rush processes, bypass safety checks, forge documents, or skip training sessions. These decisions put the lives of workers and bystanders at risk.
Unlike some construction accidents, crane incidents in Houston often produce a paper trail—maintenance logs, rental agreements, inspection reports—that our lawyers can use to prove negligence. These documents can become critical in identifying who had control and responsibility at the time of the accident.
Talk to a Houston Crane Accident Attorney About Compensation
If you were injured in a crane accident, a thorough legal investigation may reveal that a third party—not your employer—was responsible for what happened. You may be entitled to recover more than what workers’ compensation offers.
At Williams Hart & Boundas, our team is ready to fight on your behalf. Call our firm today to consult with a Houston crane accident lawyer who can explain your options and begin building a case against those who were negligent and failed to keep you safe.