If you or someone you care about has been injured in a crane accident in Wichita Falls, Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost income, and long-term care. Our experienced Crane Accident Lawyers are here to investigate your case and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Whether the accident occurred at a construction site near Midwestern State University, during a highway expansion on US-287, or at an oilfield support facility near Sheppard Air Force Base, we’re ready to help.
Wichita Falls is a hub for energy, agriculture, and industrial development. With that growth comes the use of cranes in roadwork, commercial construction, and oil and gas operations. Unfortunately, poor crane maintenance, rushed jobs, and unqualified operators can quickly lead to serious, even fatal, injuries. Our legal team is here to stand up for you after a preventable accident.
Leading Causes of Crane Accidents in Wichita Falls
- Operator inexperience or lack of certification, especially on rural or contract-driven projects
- Mechanical failure, such as boom collapses, brake failures, or hydraulic system malfunctions
- Improper rigging or overloading, which can cause tipping, swinging, or dropped loads
- Poor jobsite coordination, often leading to communication breakdowns during lifts
OSHA requires specific safety procedures for crane operation, including regular inspections, operator training, and site-specific planning. When these standards are ignored or improperly followed, accidents happen—and the results can be catastrophic.
Types of Injuries Caused by Crane Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from falling loads or machinery failure
- Spinal cord injuries, potentially causing partial or full paralysis
- Crushed limbs and amputations, especially in tip-over or collapse incidents
- Electrocution, from crane contact with overhead electrical lines
- Multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and organ trauma, requiring extensive medical care
Victims of crane accidents often face permanent disabilities, long-term loss of income, and physical and emotional challenges. We make sure your claim covers every aspect of your damages, not just the immediate hospital bills.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Wichita Falls Crane Injury?
- General contractors and site supervisors, for failure to enforce safety protocols
- Crane rental companies, if defective or uninspected equipment was used
- Rigging subcontractors, if improper load handling led to collapse
- Manufacturers or parts suppliers, in cases of mechanical or design failure
Texas law follows a modified comparative fault system (CPRC § 33.001), meaning you can still recover compensation even if partially at fault—so long as your share of the blame does not exceed 50%.
Steps to Take After a Crane Accident in Wichita Falls
- Seek immediate medical care, even if your injuries seem minor at first
- Report the incident to your supervisor and request a written report
- Document the scene, including the crane setup, site conditions, and visible injuries
- Collect witness names and contact information, including subcontractors and foremen
- Contact a crane accident lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting any offers
Unsafe conditions may also be reported to Texas OSHCON or the OSHA Dallas Regional Office, which oversees North Texas safety enforcement.
High-Risk Crane Zones in and Around Wichita Falls
These environments often involve heavy lift scheduling, overlapping contractors, and time-sensitive deliverables—all contributing to crane hazards if safety measures are bypassed.
Injured While Working in Wichita Falls from Another Location?
Wichita Falls construction projects attract workers from Amarillo, Denton, and Oklahoma. If you were injured while working temporarily in Wichita Falls, you can still pursue compensation under Texas law. We will coordinate with your home state’s workers’ compensation or insurance providers if needed.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuits
- Workers’ compensation provides limited medical and income benefits, but doesn’t cover pain and suffering or long-term disability
- A third-party lawsuit may be filed if an outside party, like a crane vendor or equipment supplier, contributed to your injuries
- Families of deceased workers may file wrongful death claims to recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional distress
Our attorneys will guide you through the best legal route to secure full financial recovery.
At Your Injury Case, our seasoned Crane Accident Lawyers serve clients in Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, Iowa Park, and all surrounding areas. Whether you were injured during a rigging failure, crane collapse, or overhead load drop, we’ll fight to get you the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
Call (346) 258-3945 or schedule your free consultation today. Visit YourInjuryCase.com to learn how we represent crane accident victims across Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Wichita Falls Crane Accident Cases
- What is the most common reason cranes tip over on job sites?
Crane tip-overs often result from overloading or setting the crane on unstable terrain without proper stabilization.
- Who is responsible for certifying crane operators?
Under OSHA regulations, only accredited testing organizations can certify crane operators. Employers are responsible for hiring certified individuals.
- Can crane accidents happen during transportation or setup?
Yes. Many crane accidents occur during mobilization, setup, or disassembly—especially when safety steps are rushed.
- Are electrocutions still common in crane accidents?
Unfortunately, yes. Contact with overhead power lines remains one of the top causes of crane-related fatalities.
- What safety programs help prevent crane injuries on job sites?
Programs like daily safety meetings, site-specific lift plans, operator certification, and regular OSHA inspections significantly reduce crane injury risks.