Deep South crane collapse accident in Houston...what are the safety regulations?

The industry has come under increasing fire for these incidents, but the problem is that many statements have little or no regulation of cranes. Indeed, many states expect no more than the minimum federal regulations in place. Some commentators criticize the federal regulations as being outdated.

Yes, there are many, many regulations. But, the truth is that construction sites are notorious for taking life-threatening short-cuts, all to save a bit of money.

Representing clients in crane and construction cases is very gratifying work because, in addition to helping the injured and their family, done right, a case can really force a company to improve their safety compliance.

Unfortunately, laws in Texas are continually diminished over time in ways that it make it harder and harder to fully compensate victims and scare construction companies into behaving responsibly.

Should you be worried about walking under a crane? I'm sure the statistics would show that the chances of your being hurt are astronomically low. But, as I tell my friends and families with regard to 18-wheelers, it is wise to assume that the people you wish were acting safely are either fatigued, greedy, untrained, or on drugs. Harsh? Yes. But my litigating these matters many times has convinced me.

I understand your concerns, and I personally try to avoid walking beneath or near any construction equipment. There are, in fact, many regulations, both state and federal, that govern such matters. The problem is that regulations only work in two ways – either companies voluntarily follow the regulations, or government agencies enforce the regulations.

While most companies may honestly try to follow all rules and regulations, many do not. They try to cut corners in order to increase profits. As politicians try to outdo each other in cutting taxes, there is less and less money available to fund the enforcement agencies. So in a time of economic downturn and conservative government, you end up with construction companies pressed to cut costs, and regulatory agencies underfunded and understaffed.

The good news is that personal injury lawyers can pursue construction companies that cut corners, and in addition to making a recovery for people injured by a construction accident, the lawyers can make it financially untenable for companies to continue to take safety risks.