Crane operators face many injury risks.
Crane Falls Onto I-35 Access Road, Traps and Injures Operator
According to a KSAT News report, a crane operator was injured after the crane he was operating fell onto the I-35 access road.
Police reported the incident happened at around 4:35 a.m. Wednesday, June 10th, along the I-35 access road between Space Center Drive and Goldfield Drive. It was unclear what caused it to fall. The crane took down several power lines and trapped the operator inside. He was extracted and taken to the hospital with minor injuries as a precaution while CPS crews worked on the downed power lines. There were minor traffic delays, but police reported the crane was cleared from the roadway. No other injuries were reported. The police, SAFD, and CPS energy crews all responded to the scene.
Did You Know?
Disregarding warning signs in construction zones caused 334 car accidents in Texas last year.
Fatal Crane Accidents in Texas: What Injured Workers Should Know
Construction is dangerous work.
Texas ranks as the second-largest state for construction employment—but it’s also one of the deadliest. According to a recent analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas averages nearly 12,000 construction injuries per year.
Among the most dangerous equipment on a job site? Cranes.
These massive machines are essential to many construction projects, but they also pose significant hazards when not properly maintained, operated, or supervised.
Between 2011 and 2017, Texas experienced 50 crane-related fatalities—more than triple the number of crane deaths in Florida, the second-highest-ranking state.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crane accident in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation.
Why Do Crane Accidents Happen?
Crane accidents typically occur due to a combination of negligence, poor training, equipment failure, or unsafe working conditions.
Here’s what the data shows:
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43% of fatal crane accidents occurred in the private sector
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Especially among specialty trade contractors and heavy civil engineering construction workers.
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Crane-related fatalities occurred in various job locations:
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Construction Sites (non-road): 27%
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Factories or Industrial Plants: 24%
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Road Construction Projects: 8%
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Shipyards/Dockyards: 6%
Key factors contributing to crane deaths include:
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Struck-by incidents: Over half of fatalities involved a worker being struck by equipment or falling objects.
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Cranes dropping objects: 79 workers were killed by objects falling from or being lifted by a crane.
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Falls from heights: 14% of fatal incidents involved workers falling from a crane or elevated platform.
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Transportation accidents involving cranes: Accounted for 13% of cases.
In many of these tragedies, human error, lack of training, inadequate safety protocols, or poor equipment maintenance played a direct role.
What Challenges Do Crane Accident Victims and Families Face?
Crane accident injuries often result in catastrophic physical harm—spinal injuries, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, or even death. Survivors may face:
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Prolonged hospitalization and rehab
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Loss of income and ability to work
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Emotional trauma and PTSD
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Overwhelming medical bills
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Family financial instability
Workers’ compensation may not always cover the full cost of recovery—and in many cases, a third party, such as a contractor, manufacturer, or site manager, may also be liable. Navigating liability in construction accidents can be extremely complex.
That’s why it’s critical to speak with an attorney who understands Texas construction laws, OSHA regulations, and third-party liability claims.
Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Texas Crane Accident? Call Shaw.
At Carabin Shaw, we fight for injured workers and grieving families across Texas. If your injury was caused by negligence, safety violations, or equipment failure, we can help you pursue full compensation for:
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Emergency Medical Care
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Surgeries and Rehabilitation
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Lost Wages and Future Earnings
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Pain and Suffering
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PTSD or Emotional Distress
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Disability and Loss of Quality of Life
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Wrongful Death (if applicable)
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And More
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with a construction accident attorney. There are no fees and no obligations to hire the firm for calling—just the experienced legal advice you need.
For over 32 years, Carabin Shaw has proudly served workers and families throughout San Antonio and across Texas. We put our clients first because we care. We look forward to serving you.
²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors (2024)