St. Louis Crane Accident Attorneys

Holding Every Responsible Party Accountable for Crane Injuries in Missouri

Crane accidents are among the most catastrophic events on a construction site. A collapsing boom, a tipped crane, or a falling load can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, crush injuries, amputations, or take a life entirely. The injuries are severe, and the legal fight that follows is rarely simple.

What makes crane accident cases uniquely challenging is the web of parties involved. General contractors, crane owners, rigging companies, equipment manufacturers, property owners — each carries potential liability, and each has their own insurer working to minimize exposure. Without an attorney who investigates thoroughly and moves quickly, responsible parties escape accountability and victims are left with far less than they deserve.

At Meyerkord Law Group, founding attorney Geoff Meyerkord is personally on every case we accept. Our motto — "Your Injury. Our Priority.®" — reflects how we approach every case. We carefully select the matters we take on so we can devote the time, preparation, and attention that complex crane accident claims require. We preserve evidence fast, identify every liable party, and prepare every case as though it will go to trial.

• Over $30 Million Recovered for Our Clients
• 30+ Years Trial Experience
• RN + SLP Medical Professionals on Staff
• 24/7 Free Consultations — Phone, Text, Email, or Video

Call us today at (314) 500-6000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our crane accident lawyers in St. Louis.

Workers' Compensation Is Just the Starting Point

Most injured crane workers know they can file a workers' compensation claim. What many don't realize is that workers' comp — while important — covers only a fraction of what a seriously injured worker has actually lost.

Workers' comp provides basic medical benefits and a portion of lost wages. It does not cover pain and suffering, full lost earning capacity, or the lasting impact of a permanent disability. And it only applies to your direct employer — not the general contractor, the crane owner, the rigging company, or the equipment manufacturer whose negligence may have caused the accident.

When a third party's negligence contributed to your injury, a separate personal injury claim may be available on top of workers' comp. That third-party claim is where full accountability — and full compensation — becomes possible.

We evaluate both avenues from day one and pursue every source of recovery available to you.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Crane Accident

Crane accident liability frequently extends across multiple parties. Depending on how the job site was structured, responsible parties may include:

• General contractors — responsible for overall site safety and OSHA compliance
• Crane owners and operating companies — responsible for equipment condition and operator qualification
• Rigging and signaling companies — whose decisions directly affect load safety
• Property owners — who may have created or known about unsafe ground conditions
• Equipment manufacturers — when a mechanical or structural defect contributed to the failure
• Maintenance contractors — when improper service compromised crane integrity
• Engineers and lift planners — when a flawed lift plan created dangerous conditions

Identifying every liable party — and the insurance coverage behind each one — is one of the most consequential things we do in these cases. We review contracts, safety records, inspection reports, OSHA violation histories, and witness accounts to build a complete picture of responsibility.

Common Crane Accident Injuries

The forces involved in a crane accident leave little room for minor injuries. We handle cases involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Crush injuries and amputations
• Broken bones and internal organ damage
• Severe burns from electrical contact
• Wrongful death

Our in-house Registered Nurse and Speech-Language Pathologist (M.S., CCC-SLP) review medical records immediately upon intake, identify long-term care needs, and prepare lifetime care valuations that capture the true cost of catastrophic injuries — not just the initial treatment.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Beyond workers' compensation, a third-party crane accident claim in Missouri can include compensation for:

Economic damages:

• Full medical expenses, current and future
• Complete lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Rehabilitation, therapy, and assistive equipment
• Home modification costs

Non-economic damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

In wrongful death cases, recoverable damages include loss of financial support, companionship, guidance, and the grief and mental anguish suffered by surviving family members.

What To Do After a Crane Accident

Immediately:

• Get emergency medical care — head and internal injuries may not be immediately apparent
• Report the incident to your supervisor in writing and keep a copy
• Photograph the crane, the scene, ground conditions, and any visible defects before anything is moved
• Get contact information from witnesses, crew members, and supervisors
• Do not sign anything from your employer or their insurer before speaking with an attorney

In the days after:

• Follow up with all recommended medical specialists and document every appointment
• Keep a record of missed workdays, pain levels, and how your injuries affect daily life
• Contact us as early as possible — job site evidence, equipment, and safety records can disappear or be altered quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have a Claim Beyond Workers’ Compensation?

Potentially yes. Workers' comp covers your direct employer's liability, but it doesn't prevent a separate personal injury claim against a negligent third party — a general contractor, crane owner, equipment manufacturer, or rigging company. We evaluate both claims from the start and pursue every available avenue.

What if My Employer Is Pressuring Me After the Accident?

Do not sign anything or give recorded statements before speaking with an attorney. You have the right to independent legal advice. Keep written notes of any conversations that concern you — who was present, what was said, and when. We can review any documents you've received and advise you on how to respond.

What if I Think Evidence Has Been Altered or Destroyed?

We send preservation letters immediately upon being retained, demanding that all parties preserve relevant equipment, records, safety logs, and communications. If evidence has already been altered or destroyed, that itself can be powerful proof of negligence.

What if Multiple Companies Are Blaming Each Other?

This is extremely common in crane accident cases. Our job is to investigate independently — not to rely on what any party claims — and build the evidence that establishes who actually bears responsibility, regardless of how many fingers are pointed elsewhere.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Most cases resolve through settlement — but complex crane accident cases involving serious injuries or multiple defendants can be heavily contested. Our trial readiness is a negotiating advantage: opposing parties know we are prepared to go to court if an offer isn't reasonable. We explain every step and help you weigh your options before any major decision.

How Long Does a Crane Accident Case Take?

It depends on injury severity, the number of parties involved, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Complex cases involving multiple defendants and catastrophic injuries often take longer. We keep you informed throughout and balance moving the case forward with making sure your long-term needs are fully understood before any resolution.

What Does It Cost to Hire You?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Our St. Louis Crane Accident Attorneys Today

A crane accident can leave you facing catastrophic injuries, financial strain, and a legal landscape that feels impossible to navigate alone. At Meyerkord Law Group, we handle the investigation, the insurers, and the preparation — identifying every responsible party and pursuing every available source of recovery.

Call us at (314) 500-6000 for a free consultation with our St. Louis crane accident lawyers. Available 24/7. You pay nothing unless we win your case.