Texas Crane Accident Lawyer
A Texas crane accident lawyer at Trey Barton Law helps workers and families injured by crane collapses, dropped loads, and rigging failures recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain. We handle crane injury claims across Houston, the Gulf Coast, and the Permian Basin, focusing on construction, oilfield, and other types of industrial accidents.
Our Texas crane accident attorneys handle cases on a contingency-fee basis; you don’t pay unless we win.
Call 832-916-2526 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Crane Accidents in Texas: Why the Risk Is Highest Here
Texas leads the nation in crane fatalities, and the reason is structural. The state packs more construction, refining, petrochemical, port, and oilfield work into daily operation than almost anywhere else, which puts more heavy lifting equipment in motion across more job sites. That density is exactly what drives the danger.
Since 2011, the U.S averages 42-44 crane-related deaths annually, with Texans accounting for 50%, the most of any state. Over half of fatalities involved workers struck by objects or equipment, frequently a dropped or shifting load. Other drivers include power line electrocutions and crane collapses.
For injured workers, this pattern shows that construction and industrial accidents involving crane operation are rarely limited to one person. Personal injury claims often involve contractors, equipment providers, and manufacturers with well-funded insurers and defense firms.
Contact a Texas crane accident attorney to discuss your legal options. Call 832-916-2526.
What Are The Four Major Types of Crane Accidents in Texas?
Crane injuries take many forms across Texas job sites and oilfields, and the mechanism of the accident often decides who is at fault and how the case is built. Our Texas crane accident attorney team handles the full range of these events, from mobile crane collapses on construction sites to pedestal crane failures on offshore platforms. The categories below track how injured workers describe what happened to them.
Crane Collapse and Tip-Over
Boom, tower, and mobile crane collapses occur on construction and refinery sites when the machine loses stability. These failures are usually tied to overloading, ground or outrigger failure, or improper setup. A full collapse can bury or crush workers across a wide area, making them among the most catastrophic crane events and a core part of our Texas construction accident cases.
Dropped Loads and Falling Objects
Rigging and load-securement failures send loads falling onto workers below, the single most common mechanism in fatal crane injuries. A slipped choker, an overloaded sling, or a failed hook can drop tons of material in an instant. Because struck-by events drive so much of the national fatality data, these cases turn on inspection records and rigging practices.
Overhead Power Line Contact and Electrocution
When a boom or load contacts an energized overhead line, the resulting electrocution is a leading cause of crane deaths reported by federal safety agencies. The current can injure the operator, the ground crew, and anyone touching the machine or load. These cases often involve failures in spotting, clearance planning, and de-energization procedures.
Rigging, Cable, and Mechanical Failure
Slings, hooks, hoists, and wire ropes fail when they are worn, defective, or poorly maintained. A single mechanical failure can release a load or drop a boom without warning. These claims frequently combine defective-equipment and maintenance-failure theories, and they overlap with our heavy machinery and equipment accident claims in Texas.
Trey Barton Law also has extensive experience with more niche cases, as well:
Oilfield and Offshore Crane Accidents
Pedestal, crawler, and platform cranes operate on drilling sites, workover rigs, and offshore facilities under harsh, high-pressure conditions. Failures here often injure crews far from immediate medical care, which compounds the harm. Our attorneys handle oilfield accident claims across Texas, including workover rig accident injuries and offshore and platform crane injuries. We build cases under the OSHA cranes and derricks standards that govern safe crane operation.
Overhead and Gantry Crane Accidents
Fixed shop and warehouse cranes in manufacturing and port settings cause caught-in and struck-by injuries during routine lifts. Pinch points, failed controls, and load swing put workers at risk in tight indoor spaces. These systems are governed by OSHA overhead and gantry crane rules that set inspection and operation requirements.
Common Crane Accident Injuries
Cranes produce some of the most severe workplace injuries. Our attorneys document evidence to prove clients’ serious injuries. We represent clients suffering from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and crush injuries in oilfield work and other industries.
Injury Type | How It Happens in Crane Incidents | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|
Crush injuries | A worker is caught between a load or the machine during a collapse, tip-over, or swing | Chronic pain, tissue and nerve damage, permanent loss of function, sometimes amputation |
Severe crushing force or entanglement | Permanent disability, prosthetic needs, reduced or lost earning capacity | |
A struck-by impact or fall | Cognitive, memory, and behavioral deficits, and potential need for long-term care | |
Crushing force or a fall | Partial or complete paralysis and lifelong medical and attendant care | |
Fractures and internal injuries | Blunt force from struck-by events, collapses, or falls | Multiple surgeries, extended recovery, and lasting physical impairment |
Fatal injuries | Collapse, electrocution, or a dropped load | Wrongful death and survival claims for surviving family members |
Common Causes of Crane Accidents & Who is Responsible?
Identifying crane safety issues is how fault is assigned. Common causes include:
- operator error
- overloading
- improper setup
- inadequate maintenance
- contact with overhead power lines
- equipment failures from improper maintenance
- poor rigging or signaling
A Texas crane accident lawyer investigates every link in the chain of liability, because workers’ compensation rules often limit what an injured worker can recover from a subscribing employer. Third-party claims against the other companies frequently recover far more, and they are often the only path to full compensation. The parties who may share liability include:
- General contractors and property owners
- Crane rental and operator companies
- Manufacturers, for equipment failure or malfunctions
- Maintenance and inspection contractors
- Rigging and signal-crew subcontractors
Our Texas industrial accident attorneys prove fault by determining all responsible parties. We pursue lawsuits against manufacturers for equipment failure. Safety-rule violations under the OSHA cranes and derricks in construction standard (Subpart CC) can be powerful evidence of negligence.
Crane Safety Laws & Texas Laws For Personal Injury Claims
Injured workers and families usually have the same legal questions. The following covers federal and Texas laws controlling lawsuits. Our Texas crane accident lawyer team applies these rules to the facts of your case.
Laws Governing Crane Operation & Construction Sites
When any of the following requirements are ignored, the violation can support a negligence claim.
- Crane operator certification: Crane operators must be trained and certified to run the equipment they use.
- Power line safety: Setups near energized lines require clearances, spotters, and de-energization procedures to prevent electrocution.
- Texas crane inspections: Cranes require documented pre-use and periodic inspections.
- Rigging and ground condition safety: Loads must be rigged within capacity, and the ground and outriggers must support the crane’s weight during the lift.
- Transportation (DOT): Moving oversized components on public roads requires proper travel permits and safe transport practices.
Statute of Limitations For Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Under Texas law, victims have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death case. Certain circumstances can shorten, extend, or complicate that deadline, so consulting a crane injury attorney quickly is advised.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims
Texas law doesn’t require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may be able to sue directly for negligence. If the company does carry workers’ comp, families can still sue for wrongful death when gross negligence can be proven.
For personal injury lawsuits, recovery often comes from a claim against another responsible party. Maritime workers may instead have Jones Act claims for maritime crane accidents.
Survival Action & Wrongful Death Cases
When a crane accident is fatal, Texas law provides two types of legal action:
- Wrongful death cases: Families seek recovery for their own losses, such as funeral costs, loss of support, and other wrongful death damages
- Survival action: Compensates for the deceased’s personal losses suffered before death
Claim Type | General Texas Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Personal injury | 2 years from the date of injury | |
Wrongful death | 2 years from the date of death | |
Survival action | 2 years | Brought by the estate for the decedent’s own damages |
Claim involving a government entity | Shorter notice deadlines may apply | Notice requirements vary |
Compensation for Workers Injured in Texas Crane Accidents
Verdicts and settlements should compensate for losses. The value isn’t a fixed formula. Our crane injury attorneys calculate damages using current medical bills and lost wages, projecting future medical expenses and future earning capacity losses, all while valuing the emotional suffering of a serious injury. Our law firm builds the case for full compensation and is fully prepared for litigation if insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements.
We work to recover damages for the following:
Economic damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Physical impairment and disability
For cases involving gross negligence, our Texas crane injury attorneys also seek punitive damages.
Trey Barton Law has recovered over $60 million in settlements and verdicts since 2020, including a $1.8 million oilfield injury settlement and a $766,000 work injury settlement.
Legal Representation for Crane Accident Injury Victims Across Texas
Our trial lawyers represent injured workers and other injury victims statewide. We serve clients in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Beaumont, Port Arthur, and across every major industry.
Wherever the incident happened, a Texas crane accident lawyer will file a personal injury claim in the court with jurisdiction, built on knowledge of the local industry and medical resources.
- Houston / Harris County: Ship Channel, Port of Houston, Baytown, Texas City
- Permian Basin: Odessa and Midland
- Golden Triangle: Beaumont and Port Arthur
- Coastal Bend: Corpus Christi
- San Antonio and Bexar County
- Across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
- Statewide: Industrial accidents involving cranes across Texas
Houston Crane Accident Attorney Serving Harris County
Our crane accident attorneys in Houston, TX, represent victims injured in Baytown and Texas City refinery accidents, petrochemical plant accidents, and accidents along the Port of Houston. The Houston area brings some of the most catastrophic accidents involving Texas scheduled turnarounds. The 2008 LyondellBasell refinery disaster is one of the deadliest industrial crane accidents in U.S. history. A federal investigation reported that operator error stemmed from insufficient training. Our law firm has experience handling both Houston oilfield injury claims and construction accident claims in Houston resulting from catastrophic crane failures. If you’ve been injured in a crane accident in Houston, personal injury lawyers are crucial for recovering compensation.
Odessa & Midland Crane Accident Lawyer
Having a Texas oilfield crane accident lawyer is crucial in Midland and Odessa. Our law firm can help you seek the financial compensation you deserve when you’re harmed by a pedestal, crawler, or truck-mounted crane-related oilfield accident in Midland, TX. We’re also skilled at navigating the legal process of workover rig accident injuries in Texas, understand the complex regulations governing this industry, and work to ensure clients secure fair compensation for workplace injuries.
Port Arthur & Beaumont Crane Accident Lawyers
The Golden Triangle carries a documented history of fatal crane incidents. The most recent and catastrophic was the Port Arthur, Texas LNG accident. A load dropped during overhead crane operations, causing structural failure. After the scaffolding collapse accident, personal injury lawsuits were filed against Bechtel, Sempra, and ConocoPhillips. Our Port Arthur and Beaumont crane accident lawyers help injured workers secure maximum compensation for incidents in the Golden Triangle area.
Corpus Christi Crane Accident Lawyers Serving the Coastal Bend
There are numerous notable Corpus Christi crane accident cases. The most notable is the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge construction crane failure in 2023. Our Corpus Christi crane accident lawyers help injured workers and families file lawsuits in Nueces County courts.
San Antonio Crane Accident Lawyers Serving Bexar County
The San Antonio crane risk comes from building booms across numerous industries: refineries, high-rise projects, hospital and commercial construction, and work along the Interstate 35 corridor. In one notable example, a crane in San Antonio fell onto an I-35 access road. Our San Antonio crane accident attorneys can help victims file a personal injury lawsuit in Bexar County District Courts.
Fort Worth and Dallas Crane Accident Lawyer Serving the Metroplex
Our injury attorneys provide legal representation for Dallas-Fort Worth crane accident victims. DFW is one of the fastest-growing metros in the U.S. Crane operation occurs over occupied buildings and streets. In a 2019 lawsuit, a construction tower crane killed a resident after falling into an apartment building. The jury awarded an 860 million dollar verdict. A Dallas crane accident lawyer from our law firm can help injured workers and families pursue compensation in Tarrant and Dallas County District Courts.
What to Do After a Crane Accident in Texas
If you’ve suffered an on-the-job injury in a crane accident, the steps you take can protect your health and legal right to recovery. Evidence disappears quickly on job sites, and the filing deadline starts immediately. If you or a loved one suffered injuries caused by a crane accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention and keep all medical treatment records.
- Report the incident to the employer and site supervisor.
- Preserve the names of the crane operator, rigger, and witnesses.
- Take photos of the site if possible.
- Don’t give any recorded statements to insurers before speaking with counsel.
- Get legal representation from a Texas crane accident lawyer.
If the accident caused a fatality or a severe injury, the employer is generally required to report the injury to OSHA, which can trigger an investigation that becomes useful evidence.
Critical evidence in crane accident cases includes:
- Incident reports and OSHA violation citations
- Inspection and maintenance logs
- Certification records for crane operation
- Rigging records
If you’ve been injured in a crane accident in Texas, our personal injury lawyers will work quickly to gather evidence. Start your free case review as soon as you are able.
Why Workers Injured in Crane Accidents Hire Our Law Firm
Families hire our Texas crane accident lawyers because we prepare all injury cases as if they’re going to trial. Insurance companies are more willing to make fair settlement offers to experienced trial lawyers who aren’t afraid of litigation. Our law firm’s practice is built around construction, oilfield, and other industrial accidents where common injuries are crane-related. We understand the equipment, the defendants, and proper safety protocols involved, all of which are critical for developing successful legal strategies.
Our law firm meets legal needs on a contingency basis. This means no fees unless we win. Our track record includes over 60 million in settlements and verdicts since 2020 across oilfield, industrial, and serious-injury cases. You can meet attorney Trey Barton, learn about our firm, and schedule your free consultation to discuss your accident case with no obligation.
Worst Texas Crane Accidents
- LyondellBasell Refinery Collapse (Houston, 2008)
- Elan City Lights Apartment Collapse (Dallas, 2019)
- Port Arthur LNG Scaffold Crash (Port Arthur, 2025)
- B&G Crane ExxonMobil Refinery Failure (Beaumont, 2016)
- Interstate 10 Highway Crash (Beaumont, 2021)
- Sesco Cement Plant Straight-Line Wind Failure (Houston, 2024)
- Austin Water Project Tipping (Austin, 2025)
- Motiva Refinery Expansion Boom Collapse (Port Arthur, 2010)
- Highway 69 Sign Drop (Beaumont, 2016)
FAQs for Crane Accident Victims
How much does it cost to hire a Texas crane accident lawyer?
Nothing upfront. Our law firm handles crane accident cases on contingency, so clients pay nothing unless we recover money for them. Call 832-916-2526 for a free case evaluation.
Can I sue my employer if I'm injured in a crane accident?
It depends on whether your employer carries workers’ compensation. Texas doesn’t require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is a non-subscriber, you may be able to sue directly; if not, recovery may come from another liable party.
Call 832-916-2526 to discuss your legal options with an experienced personal injury lawyer from our law firm.
Who is responsible for crane accidents?
There are often multiple parties who can be held liable under Texas law. Liability can extend to contractors, property owners, rental and operator companies, faulty equipment manufacturers, maintenance providers, and rigging or signal-crew subcontractors.
Our personal injury attorneys can help determine all at-fault parties. Call 832-916-2526 for a free consultation.
What is the average settlement for a crane accident case?
The value of an injury claim depends on the severity of the injury and resulting losses. Recovery is based on medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in fatal cases, survival and wrongful death damages. It’s important not to accept the insurance company’s initial settlement offer without discussing your case with a skilled trial lawyer.
Call 832-916-2526 to learn more.
Does Trey Barton Law handle oilfield and offshore crane accidents?
Yes. We have experienced oilfield crane accident lawyers at our law firm who regularly handle offshore crane accident claims, including pedestal, crawler, and platform crane failures on drilling sites, workover rigs, and offshore facilities.
Contact a Texas Crane Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation: We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
Our crane accident attorneys fight for injured Texans and their families. If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one, consulting a dedicated legal team is crucial for securing maximum compensation. Our law firm offers free consultations, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. To schedule a free consultation, call 832-916-2526 or use our contact form.Practice Areas
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Our experienced Houston personal injury attorneys want to get to know you and understand your unique situation. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. You don’t pay unless your case is won.
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Trey Barton understands the hardships injured people and their loved ones face as they try to heal from their accident. Every case is prepared as if it is going to trial. This gives you the best opportunity to obtain a fair recovery for your case, and ensures I am positioned to take the case to trial if the insurance company does not give you the money you deserve.