Crane Accidents

Crane Accident Attorney in Braintree

South Shore Representation for Complex Construction Injury Claims

Kenney & Conley has been handling serious personal injury cases from our Braintree office since 1985. Crane accidents aren’t ordinary construction injuries. They involve overlapping responsibilities among operators, rental companies, general contractors, site supervisors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers, and identifying every liable party is often what separates a more complete recovery from a partial one. We’ve handled tens of thousands of cases and recovered over ten million dollars for injured clients across Massachusetts.

When the investigation is done thoroughly, crane incident cases frequently support third-party personal injury claims that go far beyond what workers’ compensation provides. We build those cases with trial-level preparation from day one.

If you or a family member was injured in a crane accident, call us at (781) 488-1190 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Virtual appointments and Spanish-language service are available.

Why Crane Accidents Involve Multiple Liable Parties

A single crane operation can involve half a dozen separate parties, each with distinct legal duties. The general contractor manages overall site safety. A subcontractor may operate the crane. A rental company owns the equipment. The property owner controls site access. The equipment manufacturer bears responsibility if a mechanical defect contributed to the incident. When any one of them falls short of the standards imposed by federal OSHA regulations or Massachusetts law, that failure can give rise to a claim.

Workers’ compensation covers medical treatment and partial wage replacement, but it doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering, long-term care costs, or the full extent of lost earning capacity. Third-party personal injury claims, filed against parties other than the direct employer, can recover those damages. Our job is to trace every link in the liability chain and pursue every available avenue.

Our case preparation includes investigating the accident scene, reviewing equipment maintenance logs and safety records, identifying OSHA or regulatory violations, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with industry professionals. Evidence preservation after a crane accident is time-sensitive, and we move quickly to secure what matters.

A Braintree Firm That Prepares Every Case for Trial

Lead attorney J. Michael Conley has been selected to Massachusetts Super Lawyers every year from 2007 through 2025 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review distinction the rating service issues. Our firm focuses on serious, high-impact personal injury matters, including catastrophic construction injuries and wrongful death claims. We don’t treat these as settlement-only matters. Each case is prepared as though it will go to trial, because that preparation can shape the direction of the case, whether it resolves in negotiation or in court.

We’ve been practicing from the South Shore since 1985, which means we know the courts, the local construction landscape, and the parties who regularly operate job sites in this region. That familiarity matters when you’re building a case against a general contractor or a crane rental company with established legal teams.

We’re available around the clock through phone and AI support, so you’re never left waiting for answers when it matters most.

Start with a Free Consultation

Crane accident claims are time-sensitive. The Massachusetts statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a personal injury claim, and that window can close sooner than you expect depending on the parties involved and the type of claim. Reaching out early protects your options.

To speak with a crane accident attorney at Kenney & Conley, call (781) 488-1190 or reach out online. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs, and provide virtual meetings and Spanish-language service. We’re here 24/7.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents on Construction Sites

Crane incidents rarely have a single cause. Understanding what went wrong is the first step toward identifying who is responsible.

Leading causes include:

Power line contact: Electrocution from overhead lines is among the most commonly cited causes of crane-related fatalities on job sites.
Tip-overs: Cranes can collapse when set up on unstable or saturated ground, when loads exceed rated capacity, or when operated in high winds or adverse weather.
Mechanical failure: Faulty rigging, worn cables, and brake failures can cause sudden load drops or structural collapse.
Operator error: Inadequate training, failure to follow site protocols, and poor communication during lifts contribute to preventable incidents.
Assembly and disassembly hazards: OSHA identifies crane setup and breakdown as distinct risk events with their own safety requirements.
Site coordination failures: When a general contractor doesn’t properly manage activity across a busy site, cranes can collide with other equipment or swing loads over unprotected workers.

Crane accidents don’t only injure the operator. Nearby workers, pedestrians, and people in adjacent vehicles can be struck by falling loads or debris from a collapse.

Injuries Sustained in Crane Accidents

The force involved in a crane collapse or dropped load produces some of the most severe injuries seen on any job site. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, crush injuries to the legs or torso, broken bones, severe burns, and permanent nerve damage are all documented outcomes. Many survivors face extended rehabilitation and lasting disability that prevents them from returning to their prior occupation.

When a crane accident is fatal, the victim’s family has the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Massachusetts law. Full loss of earning capacity is a central element of damages in these cases, given how completely a catastrophic injury can alter a person’s ability to work and provide for their family.

OSHA Standards, Evidence Preservation, & the Filing Deadline

Federal OSHA crane safety rules are codified under Subpart CC of 29 CFR Part 1926, covering crane assembly and disassembly, pre-use inspection, operator qualification, and load management. Cranes must be assembled under the supervision of a qualified person, inspected before each shift and at regular intervals, and operated by trained and, in many cases, certified operators. When those requirements aren’t followed, the violation can serve as evidence of negligence in a third-party personal injury claim.

Early investigation is critical. Site conditions change, equipment is returned to vendors, and records can disappear. Securing maintenance logs, inspection reports, operator credentials, and witness accounts shortly after an accident protects the foundation of a claim.

Massachusetts sets a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. The applicable period varies depending on the nature of the claim and the parties involved, and some situations shorten the window significantly. Waiting to consult an attorney risks losing the right to recover entirely.

Contact Us

At Kenney & Conley, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (781) 488-1190 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members. Hablamos español.

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A Firm Focused on Injury Law

A Longstanding Legal Practice in Braintree

Decades of Experience
With more than 30 years of experience working together, our attorneys bring deep knowledge and proven strategies to complex personal injury cases.
Focused Injury Practice
We concentrate on serious personal injury matters, including catastrophic injuries, construction accidents, truck collisions, and wrongful death cases.
Dedicated Client Support
We guide clients through every step of the legal process, providing clear communication and support throughout the life of their case.
Trial-Ready Strategy
Every case is approached with careful preparation and a strategic mindset, ensuring we are ready to advocate effectively whether negotiating or litigating.

Injury Representation in Local Communities Supporting Clients Across the Region

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