According to an article published recently by the Schenectady Daily Gazette:

“A 57-year-old Vermont man working for a power line contractor was severely injured in an industrial accident about 10:45 a.m. today, East Greenbush police reported.

East Greenbush Police Chief Christopher Lavin said the incident occurred at the height of a passing thunderstorm, but it was unclear whether there was a connection.

The victim, who was not identified, was working on a utility project on the ground near an elevated crane which apparently became electrified and then charged the ground around it, causing the victim’s clothing to ignite and causing burns to his body.

Other workers rushed to his aid and used fire extinguishers to put out the fire.”

While it’s doubtful that any fault could be found with the crane itself - everyone should understand that large metal objects are at risk when lightning is in the area - the question that should arise involves what the worker was doing near this crane in these conditions.  If he was told to be there by his employer, it could create a situation of liability exposure.  More facts are clearly needed, but luckily, he is expected to recover.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crane accident of any type, you need to contact the attorneys at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.

According to KSAL in Salina:

“The first responders to the scene discovered an adult male down on the ground near a four-wheeled crane. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

He has been identified as 79-year-old James Boston.

Lamer says that a couple of people were jump-starting the crane. The engine started, and the crane started to roll backwards. It ran over Boston, who was standing beside it.”

While the loss of Boston is something that will create immeasurable suffering for his family, there are potentially complicated legal questions involved in this situation as well.  The first is liability.  If the crane was left in a viable condition, those who owned the crane could face legal problems.  If the crane was left on private property, then that could raise a different issue.  Not to mention, the men involved with jump starting the crane were clearly negligent in their own right, which only once again creates technical questions that need to be answered before any decisions can be made regarding liability.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crane accident, however, you need to contact the attorneys at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.