The death of a contractor in a recent crane accident in Maine raises questions about equipment safety on construction sites once again. Crane accidents can be life-changing for those involved, resulting in catastrophic injuries or death. If you are injured in a crane-related accident, it is essential to enlist the help of an experienced Maine crane accident lawyer at Hardy, Wolf & Downing who knows how to protect your rights, prove responsibility in your case and collect compensation you may be entitled to.
Victim fell 28 feet
This recent accident occurred at the New Page Paper Mill in Rumford, Maine. According to WCSH6, Brant Munster was working on the crane approximately 28 feet in the air, when he hit a roof support and fell to his death. The accident occurred just before 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 25. Police and other emergency personnel were called, but Munster was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is now investigating the accident. This is the fifth fatality at the paper mill in 35 years. The mill has also received several citations from OSHA, including those suggesting employees were placed at significant risk, according to WCSH6.
Munster’s obituary, which appeared in the Bangor Daily News, stated Munster was just 35 years old when he died. He leaves behind one son, Sebastian Munster, and numerous other family members and friends. He was working as a technician for the Somatex Company at the time of his death.
New OSHA rules to reduce crane accidents
Sadly, Munster’s death is not an isolated case in the construction industry. In 2010, OSHA established a final rule on cranes and derricks in construction in hopes of minimizing accidents involving these machines. All of the provisions in this final rule, which is estimated to prevent 22 fatalities and 175 non-fatal injuries involving crane accidents each year, went into effect by 2014.
OSHA cites the primary reasons for crane accidents as contact with power lines, overturned cranes, falls, and mechanical failures. Even when the accident does not result in a fatality, catastrophic injuries after a crane accident can impact a person’s ability to work and function over a lifetime. Lack of a steady paycheck, coupled with ongoing expenses for medical treatment, can also create a financial hardship for accident victims and their families.
Crane injuries can be catastrophic
The sheer size and power of cranes in operation today can lead to serious and even fatal injuries if an accident occurs. Victims of these accidents often face challenges in putting their lives back together physically, emotionally and financially. A Maine crane accident attorney is an important asset to have on your side when you are trying to pursue compensation for those losses from the responsible party.
Proving liability in a Maine crane accident involves a thorough investigation of the accident scene, which may trace the accident back to crane operator error, insufficient maintenance and repair of machinery, or lack of adherence to basic safety regulations. When fault can be proven, those responsible for the error can be held legally and financially responsible for the victim’s injuries. While this compensation can’t heal a catastrophic injury or change a wrongful death, it can help victims and their families get their lives back in order after an accident.
The Maine construction accident lawyers at Hardy, Wolf & Downing have years of experience helping crane accident victims pursue legal action for their injuries. We have been handling all types of personal injury cases for Maine accident victims since 1976 and work hard to ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Our service is unparalleled in the industry, ensuring you have all the information you need to be an active, productive participant in your case. Contact the staff at Hardy, Wolf & Downing today at 1-800-INJURED for a free evaluation of your case.