A crane crashing onto a job site or dropping tons of steel from above is not a routine construction mishap, it is one of the most violent failures that can happen on a Georgia worksite. In Atlanta and Macon, cranes tower over streets, workers, and nearby buildings, and when one tips, collapses, or loses a load, the consequences are often permanent or fatal. Construction companies and insurers move quickly to control the story after these incidents, often before victims understand what went wrong or who caused it.
Georgia Crane Accident Lawyer
Victims need a lawyer who knows how crane accidents happen, how safety rules are broken, and how to hold powerful companies accountable. With decades of experience handling catastrophic injury cases across Georgia, McArthur Law Firm brings the toughness and focus these cases demand. In this piece, McArthur Law Firm explains how crane accidents occur, who may be at fault, the legal options available, the types of financial recovery that may be pursued, and how a Georgia crane accident lawyer can fight on a victim’s behalf for compensation and justice.
McArthur Law Firm serves the entire state of Georgia, including: Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and surrounding communities. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your loved one’s crane accident case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of UPS Truck Accidents in Georgia
- Common Types of Cranes Used on Georgia Job Sites
- Major Types of Crane Accidents in Georgia
- Unique Injuries Caused by Crane Accidents in Georgia
- Where Crane Accidents Commonly Occur in Georgia
- Who May Be Sued for a Crane Accident in Georgia
- Role of a Georgia Crane Accident Lawyer
- Common Questions After a Crane Accident in Georgia
- Resources
Common Types of Cranes Used on Georgia Job Sites
Tower Cranes — Tall, fixed cranes used on high-rise projects throughout Atlanta and other major Georgia cities. Their extreme height and long booms increase the risk of collapse, falling materials, and severe damage to nearby buildings and streets if failures occur.
Mobile Cranes — Vehicle-mounted cranes frequently used on roadwork and commercial construction sites. Because they rely on proper setup and outriggers, these cranes are prone to tip-over accidents when positioned on unstable or uneven ground.
Crawler Cranes — Heavy cranes that move on tracks and are often used for bridge and industrial construction. Their massive weight can cause ground failure, and mechanical problems may lead to uncontrolled movements or dropped loads.
Rough Terrain Cranes — Designed for uneven surfaces, these cranes are commonly used on undeveloped or industrial sites around Macon. Despite their design, poor soil conditions and operator error can still cause rollovers and load instability.
All-Terrain Cranes — Versatile cranes capable of traveling on highways and operating off-road. Their complex controls and multiple configurations increase the risk of operator mistakes, especially on fast-moving Georgia job sites.
Overhead and Gantry Cranes — Found in warehouses and factories, these cranes move loads across fixed paths. Mechanical failures, worn components, or improper load handling can result in sudden drops and serious worker injuries.
Major Types of Crane Accidents in Georgia
Crane Collapse Accidents — These accidents occur when a crane’s structure fails and the machine collapses entirely, often without warning. Such failures may be linked to improper assembly or disassembly, overloaded lifts, unstable ground conditions, or missing or damaged structural components. In Georgia, crane collapses are particularly devastating in crowded construction areas, where the falling crane can strike workers, nearby buildings, vehicles, or pedestrians, frequently resulting in catastrophic injuries or loss of life.
Crane Tip-Over Accidents — Unlike a full collapse, a tip-over happens when a crane loses balance and falls onto its side. This type of accident is commonly associated with uneven terrain, soft soil, improper use of counterweights, or sudden wind gusts. On active construction sites throughout Georgia, tip-over accidents may occur when site conditions change quickly and crews fail to reassess stability before continuing crane operations.
Falling Load and Dropped Object Accidents — Many crane accidents involve materials falling from height rather than the crane itself failing. Loads can detach due to rigging mistakes, worn or defective cables, malfunctioning hooks, or improperly secured materials. In Georgia, falling load accidents place ground workers, nearby motorists, and pedestrians at serious risk, as even a small dropped object can cause severe or fatal injuries when falling from above.
Crane Contact With Power Line Accidents — Electrocution-related accidents happen when a crane’s boom, cable, or suspended load comes into contact with overhead electrical lines. These incidents can cause instant, life-threatening injuries to operators and ground workers. In Georgia, power line contact accidents often arise from poor job site planning, inadequate training, or failure to maintain required clearance distances from live electrical lines.
Mechanical Failure Crane Accidents — Internal malfunctions can also lead to serious crane accidents. Brake failures, hydraulic leaks, boom malfunctions, or control system issues may cause sudden, uncontrolled movements during lifting operations. When cranes are not properly maintained or inspected, mechanical failures can turn routine work into dangerous situations on construction sites across Georgia.
Crane Operator Error Accidents — Human mistakes continue to play a major role in crane-related injuries. Errors may involve misjudging load limits, poor communication with signalers, operating while fatigued, or ignoring safety procedures. In Georgia, operator error accidents often occur under tight deadlines, where pressure to keep projects moving increases the likelihood of preventable and serious accidents.
Unique Injuries Caused by Crane Accidents in Georgia
Crush Injuries — Enormous pressure from falling loads, collapsing crane structures, or overturned equipment can pin victims against the ground or other objects. These crush injuries often result in shattered bones, internal bleeding, organ damage, and permanent physical impairment requiring extensive medical care.
Traumatic Amputations — Arms, legs, hands, or feet may be torn away or so severely damaged that surgical amputation is required. These injuries commonly occur when a worker becomes caught in rigging, cables, or moving crane components, leading to lifelong disability.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries — The force of a crane accident can cause serious damage to the back, including fractures, disc injuries, and spinal cord trauma. Victims may suffer partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and long-term loss of independence.
Severe Head and Brain Injuries — Being struck by heavy objects or thrown during an accident can cause traumatic brain injuries. Long-term effects may include memory loss, reduced cognitive function, emotional changes, and the inability to return to prior employment.
Burns and Electrocution Injuries — When cranes contact overhead power lines, workers may suffer deep electrical burns, nerve damage, or heart complications. These injuries often require specialized treatment and can worsen over time due to hidden internal damage.
Fatal Injuries — Crane accidents frequently result in death due to the massive size and weight involved. Fatal crane accidents in Georgia leave families facing sudden loss, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial consequences.
Where Crane Accidents Commonly Occur in Georgia
Downtown Atlanta High-Rise Construction — Crane accidents frequently occur in downtown Atlanta where tower cranes are used for high-rise offices, hotels, and residential buildings. Tight workspaces, street-level pedestrian traffic, and nearby occupied buildings increase the danger when crane operations fail.
Midtown and Buckhead Development Projects — Midtown and Buckhead remain major hotspots due to ongoing mixed-use developments, luxury apartments, and commercial renovations. Cranes often operate close to sidewalks and active roadways, leaving little margin for error when lifting heavy materials.
Atlanta Highway and Infrastructure Projects — Crane accidents also happen along major corridors such as I-75, I-85, I-20, and the Downtown Connector. Bridge repairs, road widening, and transit improvements place cranes near moving traffic and exposed workers.
Macon Commercial Growth Areas — In Macon, crane accidents commonly occur near expanding retail centers, medical facilities, and warehouse developments. These projects often involve repeated lifts of heavy steel and concrete in open but busy job sites.
Macon Industrial and Logistics Zones — Industrial parks and distribution hubs around Macon rely heavily on mobile cranes for large-scale construction and equipment placement. Limited space, uneven ground, and utility lines contribute to accident risks.
Urban Job Sites Across Georgia — Crane accidents are most likely in dense urban and mixed-use environments throughout Georgia where multiple contractors, overlapping schedules, and constant activity increase the chances of serious crane-related incidents.
Who May Be Sued for a Crane Accident in Georgia
Construction Companies and General Contractors — Construction companies and general contractors may be liable when unsafe planning, poor supervision, or failure to enforce safety procedures leads to a crane accident. Under Georgia negligence law, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2, parties must use ordinary care to prevent harm. Contractors who control the job site or crane operations may be held responsible when dangerous conditions are allowed to exist.
Crane Owners and Rental Companies — Crane owners and rental companies may be liable when they provide unsafe equipment or fail to properly inspect, maintain, or repair the crane. Georgia law allows negligence claims when a company knew or should have known the equipment was dangerous. Responsibility often depends on how duties are divided in the rental agreement.
Crane Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers — Manufacturers and parts suppliers may be liable under Georgia product liability law, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11, when a crane or component is defectively designed, manufactured, or sold without proper warnings. Georgia law also includes a ten-year statute of repose tied to the product’s first sale for use.
Crane Operators and Supervisors — Operators, lift directors, and supervisors may be responsible when careless operation, improper signaling, or ignored safety limits cause an accident. Employers may also be liable for employee negligence under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2.
Property Owners and Developers — Property owners and developers may be liable under Georgia premises liability law, O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, when unsafe property conditions related to construction contribute to a crane accident.
Multiple Contractors on One Job Site — When multiple contractors are involved, liability may extend beyond a single company. O.C.G.A. § 51-2-5 allows liability in certain situations involving inherently dangerous work or when control over the work is retained.
How Fault Is Divided in Georgia — Georgia follows a comparative fault system under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, allowing fault to be divided among multiple parties and limiting recovery if the injured person is 50 percent or more at fault.
Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims — Injured workers may receive benefits under O.C.G.A. Title 34, Chapter 9, with notice generally required within 30 days under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80. Workers’ compensation does not prevent claims against non-employer third parties.
Georgia Statute of Limitations for Crane Accident Claims — Most crane accident injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, with wrongful death rights addressed in O.C.G.A. §§ 51-4-2 and 51-4-5.
Role of a Georgia Crane Accident Lawyer
Rapid Local Investigation — Lawyers move quickly to investigate crane accidents on Atlanta high-rise sites and Macon industrial projects, securing crane records, site conditions, and witness statements before evidence is lost.
Working With Local Crane Experts — Crane injury attorneys rely on crane and construction safety experts familiar with Atlanta and Macon job sites to identify equipment failures, unsafe practices, and operator errors.
Handling Insurance Claims and Lawsuits — A Georgia crane accident attorney manages insurance claims involving construction and equipment insurers and files lawsuits in Georgia courts serving Atlanta and Macon when fair settlements are not offered.
Pursuing Full Damages — Lawyers fight for compensation for medical bills, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and wrongful death losses specific to serious crane accident cases.
Why Local Experience Matters — Crane accidents in Atlanta and Macon involve dense job sites, multiple contractors, and strict safety rules, making local knowledge critical to building a strong case.
Common Questions After a Crane Accident in Georgia
What causes a crane accident in Georgia?
Most crane accidents are caused by equipment failure, improper setup, operator error, overloaded lifts, power line contact, or ignored safety rules on Georgia construction sites.
Who is legally responsible for a crane accident in Georgia?
Liability may fall on contractors, crane owners, rental companies, manufacturers, operators, or property owners depending on who controlled the crane and safety conditions.
Is a crane accident covered by workers’ compensation in Georgia?
Workers’ compensation usually applies to injured workers, but it does not prevent separate third party claims against non employer companies involved in the crane accident.
Can someone sue after a crane accident even if workers’ compensation applies?
Yes, injured workers can receive workers’ compensation and still file lawsuits against third parties like crane manufacturers, rental companies, or negligent contractors.
How long does someone have to file a crane accident lawsuit in Georgia?
Most crane accident injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Georgia must be filed within two years, or the right to compensation is permanently lost.
How much is a Georgia crane accident case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, permanent disability, pain and suffering, and whether the crane accident caused death.
What does a Georgia crane accident attorney actually do?
A crane accident lawyer investigates causes, identifies liable parties, handles insurance disputes, files lawsuits, and fights for full compensation under Georgia law.
When should someone contact a Georgia crane accident lawyer?
Victims should contact a crane accident lawyer immediately because evidence disappears quickly and early mistakes can seriously reduce compensation in Georgia crane accident cases.
Resources
Crane-Related Deaths in Construction and Recommendations for Their Prevention (CDC) — This CDC report reviews major crane-related fatalities in the construction industry and summarizes past incidents involving workers and bystanders. It draws on Bureau of Labor Statistics data to examine trends over time and discusses how crane collapses have occurred. The source also outlines general safety concerns and prevention recommendations aimed at reducing future injuries and deaths in construction settings.
Midtown Crane Collapse: Around 1K Homes Evacuated (Fox 5 Atlanta) — This local news article reports on a partial crane collapse in Midtown Atlanta in May 2023. It explains where and when the incident occurred, how many workers were injured, and how many nearby homes were evacuated. The source includes statements from city officials, emergency responders, and residents, and describes road closures, safety concerns, and ongoing efforts to stabilize and dismantle the crane.
Crane, Derrick and Hoist Safety (OSHA) — This OSHA webpage provides an overview of federal safety standards and guidance related to cranes, derricks, and hoists. It links to regulations, compliance directives, certification requirements, and fact sheets for construction and other industries. The source helps readers understand employer responsibilities, worker qualifications, and common hazards, and directs users to additional OSHA resources for crane safety and enforcement information.
Fatal Occupational Injuries Involving Cranes (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) — This fact sheet presents national data on fatal work injuries involving cranes. It explains how many deaths occurred from 2011 to 2017, who was most affected, and what types of incidents were most common. The source breaks down fatalities by event type, industry, occupation, work activity, location, and state, helping readers understand patterns and risks associated with crane-related work.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Crane Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout the surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
