To start Passion rocks. Every question I had she was on top of it within a few hours or next day i would get a responce. Tom took the time to talk to us and let us know what he could do for us and he did just that and then some…
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Crane Accident Lawyer
Why Hire A Crane Accident Lawyer
Prefer a visual explanation? Watch the crane accident lawyer video video.
Why Choose McCutcheon & Hamner
What Sets McCutcheon & Hamner Apart From Other Personal Injury Attorneys
- Free Consultation
- No Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
- Only Pay If You Win
- Personal Injury Specialist
- Work Directly With Your Attorney
- Millions of Dollars Recovered
- Client-Centered Approach
- Small Firm Feel-Big Firm Results
- Personalized Attention & Care
Crane Accident Lawyer | Expert Legal Help for Construction Injuries
Did a crane accident leave you in need of swift legal help? An experienced attorney specializing in crane accidents stands ready to fight for your rights, making sure you get the money you’re owed. We’ll show you why it’s advantageous to hire a specialized personal injury lawyer, and how they can walk with you through the legal processes.
Key Takeaways
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When you hire an workplace lawyer who knows crane accidents, you stand a better chance to get a fair payout. They guide you through the tough legal steps and protect your rights.
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Crane accidents often come from bad gear, mistakes made by the operator, or risky work conditions. This proves why we need good safety rules and must obey laws to stop accidents from happening.
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Act fast after a crane accident. Get medical help. Write down what happened. This helps save proof and win your legal case.
Why You Need a Crane Accident Lawyer
After a crane mishap, folks tend to carry heavy loads – not just physical, but emotional and financial issues too. Hiring a lawyer who knows crane accidents can help victims get the payback they need. These lawyers know the ins and outs of crane accident cases and can lead clients down the right path, raising the odds of getting justice.
Crane accidents can cost you money and cause you pain. They can take away your ability to work and bring on medical bills. Joel and I will help you to understand your rights and help you through the claims process. With our help, the end result of your case can be so much better.
Lawyers who handle crane accidents know the rules surrounding construction sites. This helps them determine liability and get their clients a better deal.
Expertise in Construction Accidents
As Alabama construction accident lawyers experienced in crane accidents, we understand the safety rules of construction sites. We know how crane operation dangers can affect accident laws. We follow construction site rules to figure out safety and who’s responsible.
Our lawyers know the rules that builders must follow to keep a construction site safe. This knowledge helps us fight for our clients and get them the money they deserve.
Navigating the Legal Process
After a crane mishap, the law can seem like a tough hill to climb without an experienced lawyer by your side. Talking to a legal guide can clear up your rights and how claims work, so you’re ready. Lawyers with special training can shine a light on possible claims and walk you through your case step by step.
Lawyers do more than just offer legal help. They haggle for fair deals and use their know-how of insurance tricks to get you the fair pay you deserve. By handling claims, talks, and court appearances, they help people who’ve been hurt get their fair shake.
Determining Liability
Figuring out who’s at fault in crane accidents is no simple task – it needs careful investigation and proof. As lawyers, we dig deep into these unfortunate events to gather what’s needed. By combing through the details, we can point the finger based on what the proof tells us.
As a lawyer, I find everyone who’s at fault for your harm. I look at all ways to get you paid. This gives you the best shot at fair money for your loss.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents
Crane mishaps usually come from factors like faulty gear, operator errors, and risky worksites. By knowing these usual causes, we can stop accidents from happening again and make our construction building sites safer.
Faulty machines, due to poor maintenance or set-up incorrectly, pose major risks. Cranes might topple or break down if they’re placed on shaky grounds or overloaded.
By tackling these causes, we can make construction sites safer and cut down the risk of crane accidents.
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Crane accidents often happen because the machinery isn’t kept up. Things wear out, don’t get fixed, or the machine itself has problems. If parts that move aren’t checked and fixed on time, they can break down. This can cause bad accidents. So, keeping cranes in good shape is key to staying safe.
Regular check-ups and upkeep stop machines from breaking down and keep crane use safe. Fixing possible problems early can cut down on crane incidents at building sites a good deal.
Operator Error
Employees play a big part in crane accidents. A lot of these happen when workers try to lift too much weight, or when they don’t set up the crane’s supports correctly. This can make the crane unstable and it might even fall over. These mistakes not only risk crew’s safety, but can also end up in court for causing harm due to carelessness.
Proper training can stop mistakes on the job. If workers know their safety rules well, we can keep the work site safe and cut down on the chance of accidents.
Hazardous Materials and Conditions
Unsafe job sites and risky materials can boost crane malfunction chances at work, especially on construction grounds. Ignoring safety rules makes these places more accident-prone.
Taking care of risks means sticking to safety rules and being careful with dangerous equipment. Making things safer cuts down on crane problems and keeps workers safe.
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Steps to Take After a Crane Accident
Quick action after a crane accident can help both your health and legal rights. Start by getting medical help, writing down what happened, and reaching out to an experienced lawyer.
The steps we take help keep you healthy, save proof, and start the legal process right away, ensuring you pursue financial recovery for damages.
Seek Medical Attention
Get to a doctor right after you get hurt. Don’t worry about how bad it seems. Even what seem like insignificant injuries need a look. You never know, there could be underlying issues. Quick care can catch big problems that don’t show up right away. That’s why getting checked out fast matters.
Putting off a doctor’s visit can make severe injuries worse and mess up your legal claim. Your medical records prove how serious your injury is and help your claim, so it’s good to see a doctor right away.
Document the Incident
Keep a good record of the crane accident. This keeps you safe and can help in court. These official records are clear proof.
Get your evidence fast. Sites can change, and you could lose crucial information. This means getting witness information, pictures, and keeping track of evidence. Good paperwork helps your claim and shows which parties are at fault.
Contact a Crane Accident Lawyer
If you call a crane accident lawyer quickly, they can take care of your case properly. They’ll talk to insurance companies, make the legal process clear, and handle all needed paperwork.
If you’ve been hurt in an Alabama building site accident, you might not know who’s at fault. Specialized attorneys can handle these complex cases, determining whether the landowner, contractor, engineer, or site boss is responsible. That’s where we come in. We can help figure out who’s accountable and chase down the money you’re owed. If you’re a victim of a construction accident in Alabama, We’re here to help. With our experience, we can give you the support you need.
Types of Compensation Available
If you’re hurt in a crane accident, you might get help for different costs. These can cover medical bills, missed pay, and your personal hardship.
A good lawyer can get you more money than if you try to fight this alone, ensuring you obtain the financial recovery needed to address the consequences of the accident.
Medical Expenses
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You can get money back for these medical costs:
- Urgent care
- Going under the knife or surgery.
- Getting back on your feet after an injury is what we call rehabilitation.
- Steady help.
You can seek money for your medical bills right away and for future care too. This helps cover all your healthcare costs.
Medical bills for surgeries, hospital care, and rehab can be part of your claim. Getting paid for these costs means you can heal without stressing about money troubles.
Lost Wages
If a crane accident has left you unable to work, you can ask for money for the wages you’re losing now and might lose later. This money can help you stay on your feet while you get better.
As an injured worker, your employer is responsible for compensating you for lost wages, ensuring you receive financial support during your recovery. Money for wages lost can cover what you’d earn in the future if you can’t go back to work. This helps keep your finances stable and provides for your family as you heal.
Pain and Suffering
Crane accidents can cause more than just physical harm. They can also lead to emotional pain and a reduced enjoyment of life, especially when a loved one is affected. These non-economic damages cover the emotional and physical suffering, along with the reduced quality of life that victims face.
Money for pain and suffering helps cover the unseen costs of an accident. This includes heartache, not being able to enjoy life, and the harm done to your daily routines and relationships.
We aim to get you full justice after an accident. This includes recognizing damages that don’t have a dollar sign.
Proving Negligence in Crane Accident Cases
When a crane accident happens, someone didn’t uphold their responsibility to maintain safety. To get money for your injuries, you have to show they didn’t do their job right, and that’s what caused you harm.
Duty of Care
Landowners and builders must keep the workplace safe. They need to follow safety rules and make plans to keep workers out of harm’s way. Many crane accidents happen because the operator wasn’t trained right or didn’t care enough.
Doing the right thing keeps employees safe at work. If you skip that, bad things can happen. That’s key when we talk about crane accidents and who’s to blame.
Breach of Duty
Employers can be negligent if they don’t train their workers properly, skip safety checks, or fail to put up fences around dangerous areas. In crane work, not meeting safety rules can hurt workers. That’s a breach of duty.
Showing someone didn’t do what they should have is key in proving they were careless. Showing they didn’t meet safety rules helps those hurt to make their case and makes those who were careless answer for it.
Causation and Damages
To show that someone’s careless act caused your harm, we need to prove it. We need to show their actions likely led to your injury. This makes a clear connection between their wrong act and your harm.
Filing lawsuits is a crucial step in seeking compensation for crane accident injuries. We use skilled experts who know cranes to show who’s at fault in crane wrecks. We gather what witnesses saw and what we can see at the scene. This helps us show who didn’t do their job right and how that hurt you.
The Cost of Hiring a Crane Accident Lawyer
Getting a lawyer for your crane accident can boost your odds of a fair settlement for your injuries. Knowing what it costs and the choices you have can help you make a smart call about your legal help and the range of services provided.
Free Consultation
Lots of lawyers handling crane accidents don’t charge for the first meeting. You can talk about your case without worrying about the cost. It’s smart to use these free meetings to look at your case.
In a free consultation, our lawyers can explain the law, discuss your case, and sketch out possible results. This first chat helps victims understand their rights and the steps to chase their claims.
Contingency Fee Basis
A pay-if-you-win deal is how we usually work in construction accident cases. You owe us lawyer fees only after we win your case. This way, you don’t have to worry about any legal costs from the get-go. It makes getting a lawyer on your side easier.
If your construction accident case doesn’t bring in any money, you don’t owe a dime. Most times, we agree on a set percentage of the money you get for our fee. This way, we work hard to get you the best result.
Filing a Crane Accident Claim in Alabama
If an Alabama construction accident involving a crane occurs, there are specific rules and deadlines you must follow. Knowing these steps helps make sure your claim is filed right and on time.
Statute of Limitations
In Alabama, the time limit to file a claim after an injury, like a crane accident, can change. It’s good to act fast. The sooner you file, the easier it is to find witnesses and evidence. This quick action can keep important details safe and help your claim succeed.
In the context of an ongoing construction project, knowing the time limit to file a claim is crucial. Miss it, and you might lose your chance to seek money for your loss. Talk to a lawyer right away.
Gathering Evidence
Getting the right evidence is imperative if you’ve had a crane accident. It boosts your chances of winning your case. What counts as evidence? Well, things like witness accounts, accident reports, doctor’s notes, and pictures.
Gather evidence right away. Take pictures of the accident and get statements from witnesses, including any negligence by contractors in maintaining safety standards. This way, we have all the details we need to back up your claim and prove who’s at fault.
Negotiating Settlements
You need a good lawyer when talking about settlements. We’re good at dealing with insurance companies and getting you fair pay.
Having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference in getting a good settlement. General contractors, alongside property owners and various stakeholders, have a legal duty to ensure a safe working environment and can be held accountable for accidents and injuries that occur on their projects. We tackle the tough talks with insurance companies, so you don’t have to. Our job is to fight for the money you deserve after an accident or injury.
Summary
Crane accidents stir up their fair share of troubles. You’re dealing with tough legal steps and fighting for fair pay. This is where a crane accident lawyer can definitely help. We’re experienced in this field, ready to help victims get their rightful justice and pay.
Knowing what often leads to crane accidents, acting fast when one happens, and showing someone was careless can bolster your claim and lead to better outcomes. It also helps to know about cost structures and filing needs in Alabama. This knowledge guides you in choosing a lawyer. After a crane accident, skilled legal help protects your rights and helps you reach a fair settlement.
Hurt On A Job Site By A Crane? We’ll Handle Everything
Get Maximum Compensation with an Experienced Workplace Accident Lawyer
We Know Crane Safety Laws
Crane operators and companies must follow strict safety rules. We know how to prove when those rules are ignored.
These cases demand immediate action.
We Act Quickly To Investigate
We gather reports, photos, and expert opinions fast. Acting early protects critical evidence and strengthens your case.
We move fast to help you.
We Handle Serious Injuries
Crane accidents cause devastating injuries. We work with doctors to document harm and fight for full compensation.
Your health comes first.
We Fight Insurance Companies
Insurers delay or deny crane claims. We push hard until they pay what your losses truly deserve.
You won’t face them alone.
We Hold Operators Accountable
Crane operators must work carefully. We hold them responsible when carelessness or poor judgment causes serious harm.
They must answer for it.
We Hold Contractors Responsible
Construction companies must maintain safe job sites. We hold them liable when cranes are poorly maintained or misused.
They won’t avoid blame.
We Push For Full Value
You deserve more than paid bills. We fight for lost wages, pain, and future care—not just quick settlements.
We don’t settle cheap.
We Use Crane Safety Experts
We bring in crane and construction experts. Their reports help us prove fault and make your case stronger.
Facts win these cases.
We Help With Medical Bills
We talk to hospitals to delay or reduce bills. You focus on healing while we handle the rest.
Let us carry that burden.
We Handle Lost Wages
If you missed work, we calculate every dollar. We make sure you’re fully paid for what you’ve lost.
You won’t be left short.
We Prove Long-Term Impact
Crane injuries often last a lifetime. We show how your life changed and fight for future medical care.
We plan beyond today.
We Count Every Loss
Pain, trauma, missed time—we count it all. We push for full compensation, not just partial payments.
Everything matters in your case.
We File Suit If Needed
If they won’t pay fairly, we sue. We’ve taken crane accident cases to court—and we know how to win.
We’re ready for trial.
No Fee Unless We Win
You owe nothing unless we win. We take the risk, so you don’t worry about legal costs.
That’s our promise.
We Always Keep You Informed
You’ll always know your case status. We return calls, explain everything, and guide you through each step.
No surprises—just straight talk.
We Know OSHA Standards
We know federal crane safety rules. We use them to hold contractors and companies accountable for dangerous work sites.
They won’t avoid justice.
Trusted Across North Alabama
For decades, families in Huntsville, Athens, and Florence have trusted us with construction injury cases.
You can trust us too.
We Don’t Quit Until It’s Done
We stay with you until justice is served. We won’t stop until you’re fully paid for every loss.
We finish strong—together.
Common Workplace Accident Injuries
Click On The Body Chart To Find Potential Injuries You May Have Suffered
Head Injuries
- Caused by a sudden jolt or impact to the head.
- Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and memory loss.
- Cause: Brain Contusions (Bruising), Intracranial Hematomas (Blood Clots), Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI), and Coup-Contrecoup Lesions due to the collision force.
- Symptoms: Persistent headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound and seizures or convulsions
- Bruising of the brain tissue due to direct impact.
- Symptoms: Swelling, bleeding, or pressure in the skull.
- Breaks or cracks in the skull caused by blunt force trauma.
- Symptoms: Bleeding, bruising around the eyes (raccoon eyes), or at the ears (Battle’s sign).
- Occurs when the brain’s axons are stretched or torn due to severe shaking or rotational forces.
- Symptoms: Often leads to unconsciousness or coma in severe cases.
- Collection of blood outside the brain’s blood vessels, often caused by a rupture during trauma.
- Types:
- Subdural Hematoma: Blood collects between the brain and its outer covering (dura).
- Epidural Hematoma: Blood pools between the skull and the dura.
- Intracerebral Hematoma: Blood collects within the brain tissue.
- Occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain.
- Symptoms: Severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, and potential long-term neurological damage.
- Includes fractures to the jaw, cheekbones, or orbital bones, which may indirectly affect the head and brain.
- Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, and difficulty in movement or sensation.
- Though primarily a neck injury, severe whiplash can lead to a concussion or other brain injuries from the violent back-and-forth motion of the head.
- Can develop after any head injury due to trauma.
- Symptoms: Persistent headaches, often with sensitivity to light and sound.
It's crucial for anyone involved in a car accident to seek immediate medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor, as some head injuries may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for recovery.
Neck Injuries
- Cause: Sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck during impact.
- Symptoms: Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and limited range of motion.
- Severity: Varies from mild discomfort to long-term chronic pain.
- Cause: Stretching or tearing of neck ligaments, tendons, or muscles due to the collision force.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and reduced flexibility.
- Cause: The force of the accident can cause intervertebral discs in the cervical spine to rupture or bulge.
- Symptoms: Neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that may radiate into the arms.
- Cause: Extreme force leading to a broken neck bone.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, and possible paralysis if the spinal cord is affected.
- Severity: Life-threatening; immediate medical attention is required.
- Cause: Damage to the small joints between vertebrae during impact.
- Symptoms: Pain in the neck, shoulders, and sometimes the back.
- Cause: Direct trauma to the spinal cord within the cervical spine.
- Symptoms: Loss of sensation, paralysis, or reduced motor function.
- Severity: Can range from partial to complete paralysis.
- Cause: Glass shards, debris, or sharp objects during the accident.
- Symptoms: Open wounds, bleeding, and risk of infection.
- Severity: May require surgical intervention.
- Cause: Compression, stretching, or severing of nerves in the neck area.
- Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the neck and arms.
- Cause: Damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Cause: Damage to blood vessels in the neck, such as the carotid or vertebral arteries.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, and risk of stroke or other complications.
If someone is injured in a car accident, they should seek immediate medical evaluation, as some neck injuries may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
Shoulder
- Description: The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Injuries can range from minor strains to complete tears.
- Symptoms: Pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty lifting the arm.
- Description: The ball of the shoulder joint is forcibly removed from its socket, often due to the impact or bracing during a crash.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, visible deformity, swelling, and inability to move the arm.
- Common Areas:
- Clavicle (Collarbone): Often fractured when the seatbelt restrains the body during a high-impact collision.
- Scapula (Shoulder Blade): Less common but can occur in severe accidents.
- Symptoms: Intense pain, swelling, bruising, and visible deformity.
- Description: Occurs when the tendons or bursa in the shoulder are compressed due to trauma, leading to inflammation.
- Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm, weakness, and reduced mobility.
- Description: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that cushions the shoulder joint. Tears can result from the sudden force of an accident.
- Symptoms: Clicking or popping sound, instability, pain during movement, and weakness.
- Description: Damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles around the shoulder.
- Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Description: This condition can develop after a shoulder injury if the joint remains immobile for a prolonged period.
- Symptoms: Stiffness, pain, and limited movement.
- Description: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves near the shoulder that can be stretched or torn during an accident.
- Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the arm.
Seek medical evaluation promptly after an accident, even if symptoms are mild, as some injuries may worsen over time.
Upper Arm
- Cause: A sudden force, such as bracing against the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatbelt, can overstretch or tear the bicep muscle.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the upper arm.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the bicep tendon due to repetitive or acute stress during impact.
- Tendon Rupture: A severe injury where the tendon detaches from the bone, often due to extreme force.
- Symptoms: Sharp pain, a snapping sensation, difficulty bending the elbow, and a visible deformity (e.g., a “Popeye” muscle bulge).
- Cause: Direct impact to the upper arm from the car interior or airbags.
- Symptoms: Swelling, discoloration, tenderness, and pain in the bicep area.
- A fracture of the humerus (upper arm bone) near the bicep can cause associated muscle or tendon damage.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, inability to move the arm, and possible deformity or swelling.
- The impact of a crash can compress or stretch nerves near the bicep, such as the musculocutaneous nerve.
- Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm.
- Injuries to ligaments, fascia, or other supporting structures in the bicep area may occur due to overstretching or blunt force trauma.
- Symptoms: General pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
- The pressure from a seatbelt during sudden deceleration can compress or bruise the bicep muscle or tendon.
- Symptoms: Pain and bruising along the upper arm.
- Compensatory overuse of the bicep muscle due to other injuries (e.g., shoulder or wrist) can lead to secondary injuries like strain or tendonitis.
If a client has sustained such injuries, it's crucial to recommend seeking medical evaluation immediately. Diagnostic imaging like MRIs or X-rays can confirm the extent of the damage, and appropriate treatment (e.g., physical therapy, rest, or surgery) can be prescribed.
Elbow
- Radial Head Fracture: Often caused by bracing against the steering wheel or dashboard during impact.
- Olecranon Fracture: The bony tip of the elbow can fracture when directly struck or if excessive force is applied.
- Distal Humerus Fracture: The lower part of the upper arm bone may break during severe trauma.
- Elbow Dislocation: The joint can become displaced due to the force of the accident, often resulting in severe pain and limited movement.
- Ligament Sprains or Tears: The ligaments in the elbow may stretch or tear from sudden force or unnatural motion.
- Tendon Tears: Tendons, especially the biceps or triceps tendons, may rupture under extreme stress.
- Elbow Contusion: Bruising caused by a direct impact, leading to swelling and tenderness.
- Ulnar Nerve Compression (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome): Trauma can irritate or compress the ulnar nerve, causing numbness or tingling in the fingers.
- Radial or Median Nerve Injuries: These nerves may also suffer damage from impact or swelling.
- Olecranon Bursitis: Swelling of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) over the elbow joint due to trauma or repetitive pressure.
- Pre-existing conditions like Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) or Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) can worsen due to the stress of the accident.
- Swelling, bruising, or deformity
- Sharp or persistent pain
- Limited range of motion
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers or forearm
- Weakness in the arm or hand
Depending on the severity, treatments may include immobilization, physical therapy, medication, or surgery. If you’re working on content for an injury law firm, you could emphasize the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation and documenting injuries for potential claims.
Forearm
- Radius and Ulna Fractures: These bones make up the forearm, and fractures can occur in one or both bones. High-impact collisions often result in complex fractures.
- Colles’ Fracture: A specific type of fracture of the distal radius, often caused by bracing against the dashboard during a crash.
- Monteggia and Galeazzi Fractures: These involve fractures of the ulna or radius with associated dislocations, common in severe trauma.
- Muscle Strains and Tears: Sudden impact can strain or tear the muscles of the forearm.
- Tendon Injuries: Tendons connecting muscles to bones may be stretched or torn, particularly in high-impact accidents.
- Ligament Sprains: Sudden force can overstretch the ligaments in the wrist and forearm.
- Median Nerve Injuries: Often associated with forearm trauma, particularly fractures or crush injuries, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the hand and forearm.
- Ulnar and Radial Nerve Damage: Damage can result from direct trauma or compression caused by swelling or broken bones.
- This is a medical emergency caused by increased pressure within the muscles of the forearm, leading to reduced blood flow. It can occur after severe trauma, such as a car accident.
- When the forearm is trapped or compressed during the accident, it can result in severe damage to muscles, nerves, and bones.
- Lacerations: Sharp objects or debris from the crash can cause deep cuts, potentially damaging muscles, tendons, or nerves.
- Bruising (Contusions): Blunt force trauma during the collision can result in significant bruising.
- Dislocations of the elbow or wrist can occur when the forearm is subjected to excessive force or hyperextension.
- In severe accidents, the forearm may be partially or completely amputated, either during the collision or as a result of surgical intervention due to extensive trauma.
Treatment for forearm injuries often involves immobilization (casts or splints), surgery (e.g., to set fractures or repair torn tendons), physical therapy, and pain management. Prompt medical attention is critical, especially for injuries like compartment syndrome or nerve damage, which can lead to long-term complications if not treated quickly.
Wrist
- Distal Radius Fracture: The radius, one of the forearm bones, commonly breaks near the wrist during high-impact accidents.
- Scaphoid Fracture: This small bone in the wrist is vulnerable when the hand absorbs force.
- A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are overstretched or torn, often from sudden twisting or impact.
- Tendonitis: Overuse or acute trauma during an accident can inflame wrist tendons.
- Tendon Tears: Sudden force may partially or completely tear tendons in the wrist.
- Swelling or trauma to the wrist during an accident can compress the median nerve, causing pain, numbness, or tingling.
- The wrist’s small bones can dislocate due to the intense forces of a collision.
- Bruising, contusions, or damage to the muscles and tissues around the wrist are common, even without fractures.
- Bruising, contusions, or damage to the muscles and tissues around the wrist are common, even without fractures.
- Repetitive strain or acute trauma may cause inflammation in the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist.
Prompt medical attention is essential to diagnose and treat these injuries properly. Left untreated, they can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, or chronic conditions.
Hand
- Wrist Fractures: The radius and ulna bones in the wrist are frequently broken in car accidents.
- Finger Fractures: Direct impact or crushing injuries can cause fractures in the phalanges (finger bones).
- Metacarpal Fractures: These are fractures in the long bones of the hand connecting the wrist to the fingers.
- Wrist Sprains: Stretching or tearing of the ligaments due to sudden impact or awkward twisting motions.
- Finger Sprains: Caused by jamming the fingers during the accident.
- Damage to the tendons in the hand or wrist can occur due to lacerations, blunt trauma, or overstretching during the crash.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Can develop from swelling or trauma to the wrist, compressing the median nerve.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve injuries caused by direct trauma to the hand.
- Cuts and punctures from broken glass, metal, or other debris can cause severe damage to the skin, tendons, and nerves in the hand.
- The hand may be crushed between the steering wheel, dashboard, or other parts of the vehicle, leading to extensive soft tissue, nerve, and bone damage.
- In severe accidents, fingers or parts of the hand may be amputated due to trauma or require surgical removal.
- Joints in the fingers, wrist, or thumb can be dislocated due to sudden and forceful movements.
- Hands may sustain burns from contact with hot engine parts, spilled fluids, or fires caused by the crash.
- Contusions (bruising) and swelling are common due to impact or airbag deployment.
Seek immediate care to assess the severity of the injury.
Chest & Back
Chest Injuries
- The force from a seatbelt, airbag, or collision can cause ribs to crack or break. These injuries are painful and can sometimes lead to complications like punctured lungs.
- Seatbelts and airbags often protect occupants but can cause significant bruising to the chest area.
- The breastbone can be fractured in high-impact collisions, particularly when a driver hits the steering wheel or is restrained by a seatbelt.
- Trauma to the chest can lead to air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse.
- The heart, lungs, and major blood vessels in the chest are at risk of injury from severe impacts.
- Sprains, strains, or tearing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the chest area can result from sudden force.
Back Injuries
- The force of a collision can cause the soft material between vertebrae to bulge or rupture, compressing nearby nerves and causing pain.
- High-impact accidents can fracture the bones of the spine, leading to severe pain and mobility issues.
- Damage to the spinal cord can range from minor to severe and may result in partial or total paralysis.
- Strains and sprains in the back muscles and ligaments are common due to the rapid and unnatural movement of the body during a crash.
- The vertebrae may be compressed under extreme force, leading to fractures that can cause significant pain and long-term issues.
- Though often associated with the neck, whiplash can also strain the muscles and ligaments in the upper back.
If you or someone you know has suffered a chest or back injury in a car accident, seeking immediate medical attention and consulting with a personal injury attorney can help ensure proper care and compensation for damages.
Abdomen
- Bruising and Contusions: Often caused by seatbelts or airbags.
- Lacerations: From broken glass or debris.
- Liver Damage: The liver is prone to injuries like lacerations or rupture due to its size and position.
- Spleen Injuries: A ruptured spleen can lead to internal bleeding and is considered a medical emergency.
- Kidney Damage: The kidneys are vulnerable to trauma from rear or side impacts.
- Pancreatic Injuries: Less common but severe, often from steering wheel impacts.
- Hematomas: Caused by blunt force trauma to blood vessels or organs.
- Symptoms include pain, swelling, and signs of shock.
- Perforations or Tears: Can result from compression forces or seatbelt injuries, leading to infection or sepsis.
- Ruptures or Tears: Rare but serious, often occurring from blunt force trauma, causing difficulty in breathing.
- While not part of the abdominal cavity, pelvic fractures can cause secondary injuries to abdominal organs or blood vessels.
- A specific type of injury caused by seatbelts, including bruising, abdominal wall tears, and damage to underlying organs or the spine.
Proper medical evaluation after a car accident is crucial, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Many abdominal injuries can worsen over time and may require emergency intervention.
Hip & Pelvis
- Types of fractures:
- Acetabular fractures (fracture of the socket part of the hip joint)
- Femoral head or neck fractures (upper part of the thigh bone)
- Common in high-impact accidents, particularly in older individuals with weaker bones.
- Often requires surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation.
- Occurs when the femoral head is forced out of its socket in the pelvis.
- Typically caused by direct impact during a crash.
- This is a medical emergency as it can lead to nerve damage and loss of blood flow to the femoral head.
- Damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) surrounding the hip joint socket.
- Can result from the twisting or abrupt force during the impact of an accident.
- Symptoms include pain, instability, and a clicking sensation in the hip.
- Muscle Strains: Caused by overstretching or tearing of the hip muscles, such as the hip flexors.
- Ligament Sprains: Damage to the ligaments supporting the hip joint due to sudden trauma.
- These injuries can lead to stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs cushioning the hip joint).
- Can be triggered by the impact and pressure experienced during a crash.
- Causes pain and tenderness, especially when moving the hip.
- Structural damage to the bones in the hip joint due to abnormal impact.
- Can occur after a collision and lead to long-term joint problems.
- The impact from an accident can compress or stretch the sciatic nerve near the hip joint.
- Leads to pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down the leg.
- Fractures or damage to the pelvic bones surrounding the hip joint.
- These injuries often occur in severe accidents and may require surgical repair.
Accidents can cause a wide range of hip injuries due to the force and impact experienced during a collision. Seek medical treatment if you show signs of hip pain, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, numbness, tingling, weakness in the legs, difficulty walking or bearing weight.
Upper Leg
- The femur (thigh bone) is the longest and strongest bone in the body, but it can break under significant force.
- High-speed collisions often cause these fractures, which may require surgery and a long recovery period.
- Muscle Strains or Tears: The impact of a crash can overstretch or tear muscles in the thigh, such as the quadriceps or hamstrings.
- Contusions (Bruises): Blunt force from hitting the dashboard or door can cause painful bruising.
- Thigh Contusions: Hard contact with car interiors can lead to deep tissue bruising.
- Traumatic injuries can damage nerves in the upper leg, such as the femoral or sciatic nerve, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
- A rare but serious condition where swelling in the thigh’s muscle compartments increases pressure, cutting off blood flow and potentially causing permanent damage if not treated promptly.
- High-impact forces can strain or tear ligaments or tendons attached to the femur, particularly around the knee and hip areas.
- If the leg is trapped or compressed during an accident, it may result in severe damage to the muscle, bones, and blood vessels.
Treatment for these injuries often involves a combination of immobilization, physical therapy, medication, and sometimes surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and medical attention are critical for recovery.
Knee
- Cause: When the knee forcefully strikes the dashboard during a collision, it can injure the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
- Symptoms: Swelling, pain, and instability in the knee.
- Cause: Twisting motions or direct impact during the accident can tear the meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint.
- Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty straightening the knee.
- Cause: Sudden twisting or hyperextension of the knee during impact can result in an ACL tear.
- Symptoms: A “popping” sound at the time of injury, pain, swelling, and instability.
- Patella (Kneecap) Fractures: Direct impact can fracture the kneecap.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, inability to straighten the knee, and visible deformities.
- Cause: Extreme force can dislocate the knee joint, moving the bones out of alignment.
- Symptoms: Visible deformity, intense pain, and restricted movement.
- Cause: Sudden stress or direct trauma can damage the tendons that support the knee.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and difficulty extending the leg.
- Cause: Impact forces can compress the bones of the knee, causing deep bruising.
- Symptoms: Swelling, stiffness, and pain, especially during movement.
- Cause: Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs) in the knee due to trauma or pressure during the accident.
- Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion.
- Cause: Overstretching of the knee ligaments during sudden stops or impacts.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Cause: Damage to the cartilage under the kneecap due to impact or repetitive stress.
- Symptoms: Pain when bending the knee, climbing stairs, or sitting for extended periods.
Knee injuries are a common outcome of car accidents, as the knees are often in a vulnerable position during a collision. Seek medical attenction if you belive you have suffered a knee injury.
Lower Leg
- Tibial Shaft Fractures: The tibia (shinbone) is the larger and stronger bone in the lower leg and is commonly fractured during car accidents due to direct impact or crushing forces.
- Fibular Fractures: The fibula, the thinner bone running alongside the tibia, may fracture either independently or in conjunction with a tibial fracture.
- Compound (Open) Fractures: Occur when the bone pierces the skin, often leading to additional complications like infection.
- Bruising and Contusions: Caused by the leg striking the dashboard or other hard surfaces.
- Muscle Tears: Sudden force can cause tears in the calf muscles or surrounding tissues.
- Lacerations: Sharp debris or impact may cause cuts that can lead to scarring or nerve damage.
- Sprains and Strains: Result from sudden twisting or hyperextension of the ankle or knee.
- Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A severe injury often caused by extreme force during a collision.
- A serious condition where swelling or bleeding in the leg creates pressure, reducing blood flow and potentially causing permanent damage to muscles and nerves.
- Occur when the lower leg is pinned or compressed, potentially damaging muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
- Peroneal Nerve Injury: May cause weakness or numbness in the foot.
- Vascular Injuries: Damage to the blood vessels in the lower leg can lead to circulation issues or even amputation in severe cases.
- While more common in sports, the repetitive stress of bracing for impact in an accident can exacerbate shin splints or cause stress fractures.
If someone is injured in a car accident, they should seek immediate medical evaluation, as some neck injuries may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
Ankle
- A break in one or more of the bones forming the ankle joint, including the tibia, fibula, or talus.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, visible deformity in severe cases.
- Stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the ankle, particularly the lateral ligaments.
- Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, pain during movement, instability.
- Partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon due to sudden impact or overextension.
- Symptoms: Sharp pain at the back of the ankle, difficulty walking, or inability to push off the ground.
- The bones in the ankle joint are forced out of their normal alignment, often accompanying fractures.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, deformity, swelling, and inability to move the ankle.
- Occurs when the ankle is subjected to significant compressive force, such as being pinned in the car’s footwell.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and potential nerve or blood vessel damage.
- Inflammation of the tendons in the ankle, such as the posterior tibial or peroneal tendons, often due to overstress.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and stiffness around the ankle.
- Damage to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons surrounding the ankle joint without bone involvement.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Rare but serious condition caused by increased pressure within the muscles of the lower leg, leading to reduced blood flow and nerve damage.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, numbness, and tightness in the lower leg or ankle.
- Blunt force trauma causing localized bleeding under the skin or deeper tissues.
- Symptoms: Discoloration, tenderness, and mild swelling.
If someone has injured their ankle in a car accident, they should seek immediate medical evaluation.
Foot
- Calcaneus (heel bone) fractures: These occur due to a high-impact collision, often when the foot is braced against the floorboard.
- Tarsal and metatarsal fractures: These small bones in the midfoot and forefoot can break under extreme force.
- Ankle fractures: These happen when the joint twists or endures direct trauma.
- Ligaments in the foot or ankle can become stretched or torn due to sudden, unnatural movements during the crash.
- These occur when the foot is trapped between parts of the vehicle or under heavy debris, potentially leading to tissue damage or amputation in severe cases.
- The bones in the foot or ankle may shift out of their normal positions, causing extreme pain and mobility issues.
- Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can result in significant pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
- Plantar fascia tears are common and may cause chronic pain if untreated.
- These involve damage to the midfoot joints or ligaments and often occur when the foot is hyperextended or crushed.
- In severe cases, high-impact trauma or crushing can necessitate surgical amputation of part or all of the foot.
- Increased pressure in the foot’s muscles due to swelling or bleeding can cut off circulation, requiring emergency surgery to relieve the pressure.
- Nerves in the foot may be pinched, stretched, or severed, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of function.
These injuries often require immediate medical attention and, in severe cases, long-term rehabilitation or surgery to regain functionality. Addressing foot injuries promptly is critical to preventing complications such as chronic pain or permanent disability.
Prompt medical treatment and proper documentation are crucial for both health and any potential legal claims.
What To Do After An Accident
Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Rights and Ensuring Your Safety
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Ensure Safety First
- Move to a safe location, away from any electrocution hazards.
- Call 911 for emergency help, even if it seems minor seeking medical attention is important.
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Check for Injuries
- Assess yourself and others for injuries.
- Provide first aid if trained, but avoid moving seriously injured individuals unless there is immediate danger.
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Seek Medical Attention
- Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional to identify potential hidden injuries.
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Report the Accident
- If at work notify your company promptly but avoid providing a recorded statement without consulting an attorney.
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Keep Detailed Records
- Save all receipts and records of expenses related to the accident, such as emergency room visits and physical therapy.
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Understand Alabama's Legal System
- Be aware of Alabama’s contributory negligence law, which could impact your ability to recover compensation if you are partially at fault.
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Consult an Attorney
- Seek legal guidance to protect your rights, navigate the claims process, and ensure fair compensation.
Value: Call Us At: (256) 242-5384
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Answers to Common Questions About What to Do, Who’s Liable, and How to Protect Your Rights
You need a crane accident lawyer. They’ll help you get the money you’re owed and handle the complex legal steps.
Crane incidents often come from faulty gear, operator mistakes, and risky situations at building sites. Fixing these problems is key to improving safety.
Right after a crane accident, get medical help. Write down what happened. Call a crane accident lawyer fast. Doing this keeps you safe and guards your rights.
If a crane accident hurts you, you can ask for money. This money can help pay for doctor bills, lost pay from work, and your pain and suffering. You need to ask for this money to get the help you need.
In a crane accident case, you need to show two things. One, someone didn’t do their job to keep things safe. Two, you got hurt because they didn’t do their job. That link between not doing their job and your injury is the key to your case.
Filing a lawsuit is often necessary to ensure you receive proper compensation for your losses. This is not about being confrontational‚Äîit’s about protecting your financial stability and holding the responsible party accountable.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This ensures you have access to quality legal representation without financial barriers.
As far as your case is concerned absolutely nothing. Remember, you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Your initial consultation with McCutcheon & Hamner is completely free. We’ll discuss your case, answer questions, and explain your legal options at no cost.
The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Alabama is typically two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation. It’s best to consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to insure properly documenting the details of your car accident.
Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or fatalities, require comprehensive legal representation. We work to ensure victims and their families receive compensation for medical costs, long-term care, lost income, and emotional distress.
Every case is unique. Settling can provide quicker resolution and certainty, while a trial may yield a higher payout but involves risks and delays. Our attorneys will guide you through your options and recommend the best strategy.
Quick Guide
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Important Facts - Crane Accident Lawyer
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- We have recovered over a billion dollars for our clients
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