Newport News Crane Accident Attorney

Serious Crane Accidents Need Local Legal Help

Crane incidents at shipyards, ports, and construction sites in Newport News can cause life changing injuries in a matter of seconds. One moment you are doing your job, the next you may be facing surgery, weeks or months off work, and growing medical bills. In that situation, you should not have to navigate complex claims on your own. If you were hurt in a crane incident in this area, Kalfus & Nachman PC can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

Our firm has represented individuals injured in accidents across Virginia since 1979. We bring decades of experience with serious injury and work-related cases, and we have a physical office in Newport News to serve local workers and families. When you contact us after a crane accident, we listen to your story, answer questions in plain language, and explain the paths that may be available, including workers' compensation, personal injury claims, and possible disability benefits.

You can speak with our legal team in a free consultation, so there is no financial risk to calling. We have handled thousands of cases over the years and recovered millions and millions of dollars for clients. While every case is different, our goal is always the same: to pursue the full compensation that our clients need to move forward after a serious injury.

Call (855) 880-8163 to schedule your free consultation with our legal team.

What Is a Crane Accident?

A crane accident is any incident involving the operation, maintenance, assembly, or disassembly of a crane that results in injury, death, or property damage. Cranes are powerful, heavy machines commonly used on construction sites, shipyards, ports, and industrial projects throughout Newport News. When something goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating.

Crane accidents can injure not only crane operators but also other construction workers, subcontractors, pedestrians, and nearby motorists. Because cranes involve multiple parties—such as owners, operators, contractors, and manufacturers—determining liability often requires an experienced Newport News crane accident lawyer.

Common Types of Crane Accidents

Crane accidents can occur in many ways, including:

• Crane collapses due to structural failure or improper assembly
• Dropped loads when materials fall from a crane
• Tip-overs caused by unstable ground or improper setup
• Electrocution accidents when cranes contact overhead power lines
• Boom or jib failures from mechanical defects or overloading
• Crane collisions with buildings, vehicles, or workers
• Rigging failures involving slings, hooks, or chains

Each of these accidents can result in catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, crushed limbs, severe burns, and wrongful death.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Most crane accidents are preventable and occur because of negligence or safety violations. Common causes include:

• Improper crane operation by untrained or inexperienced operators
• Failure to follow OSHA safety regulations
• Overloading the crane beyond weight limits
• Poor communication between crane operators and ground crews
• Defective crane parts or faulty equipment
• Inadequate inspection, maintenance, or repair
• Unsafe weather conditions, such as high winds
• Improper assembly or disassembly of the crane

Our Newport News crane accident attorney will investigate the accident thoroughly, review safety records, and identify all responsible parties.

Recovering Compensation After a Crane Accident

If you were injured in a crane accident in Newport News, you may be entitled to compensation through one or more legal avenues.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Most construction workers are covered by Virginia workers’ compensation. These benefits may cover:

• Medical treatment related to the injury
• Partial wage replacement
• Temporary or permanent disability benefits

However, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering, and benefits are often limited.

Third-Party Liability Claims

In many crane accident cases, a third party may be responsible, such as:

• A negligent subcontractor
• A crane rental or leasing company
• A crane manufacturer or parts supplier
• A property owner or general contractor

A third-party personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for:

• Full lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Our Newport News crane accident lawyer can determine whether you have grounds for a third-party claim and pursue maximum compensation.

Crane Accident Claim FAQs

Who can be held liable for a crane accident in Newport News?

Liability may fall on crane operators, construction companies, subcontractors, equipment owners, manufacturers, or property owners. Each case depends on the facts.

Can I sue my employer after a crane accident?

In most cases, you cannot sue your employer directly due to workers’ compensation laws. However, you may still file a third-party lawsuit against another negligent party.

What if the crane accident caused a fatality?

If a loved one was killed in a crane accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim under Virginia law. Compensation may include funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.

How long do I have to file a crane accident lawsuit in Virginia?

Virginia has strict statutes of limitations. In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim.

How much is my crane accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, long-term disability, and who is liable. A Newport News crane accident attorney can evaluate your claim.

Why Injured Workers Turn To Us

After a crane collapse, dropped load, or other serious incident, you need a legal team that understands both the job site and the courtroom. At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we have been helping injured workers and families throughout Virginia since 1979. That long history means we are familiar with how crane and construction-related cases tend to unfold, how insurers respond, and how judges and juries in this state view serious industrial injuries.

Over the decades, we have successfully handled thousands of injury and disability cases and obtained millions and millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Our attorneys have been recognized by organizations such as The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and the Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers. Our firm has also received honors like the Best of Coastal Virginia Reader's Choice Award and 2025 Best Of Norfolk – Virginia Media, which reflects the trust that clients and our community place in our work.

Crane accidents often create overlapping legal issues. You may have a workers' compensation claim with your employer, a personal injury claim against a contractor or equipment company, and a potential Social Security Disability claim if you cannot return to work. Our firm handles all of these types of cases, so we can coordinate strategies instead of sending you to multiple offices. We work with outside professionals, including doctors and accident reconstruction professionals, to understand what happened and how your injuries will affect your life.

We also know that every crane accident is different. We take time to learn how your injury occurred, what work you were doing, and who was present on the site. Then we craft a personalized strategy that fits your situation. Our financial resources allow us to litigate when needed, and we prepare serious cases as if they may go to trial so that we are ready to present a strong case if negotiations do not lead to an acceptable resolution.

To discuss your case, contact us today to get started.