Crane Accident Investigation: A Step-by-Step Guide for Attorneys

When a crane accident occurs, the quality of the initial investigation often determines the outcome of the litigation that follows. Evidence degrades quickly. Equipment gets moved, repaired, or scrapped. Witnesses forget details. Weather data becomes harder to obtain. The window for preserving critical evidence is narrow.

After 27 years in crane operations and years of investigating crane accidents for attorneys, I have developed a systematic approach to crane accident investigation that ensures nothing gets missed. This guide walks attorneys through the process and explains what to expect when retaining a crane expert to investigate an incident.

Phase 1: Evidence Preservation

The first priority after any crane accident is preserving evidence before it disappears. This needs to happen immediately, often before the expert is even retained.

Physical Evidence

Attorneys should advise their clients to take the following steps as soon as possible after an incident:

• Do not move the crane -- the position of the crane, boom, outriggers, and load at the time of the accident is critical evidence. Moving the crane before it is documented destroys this evidence.
• Photograph everything -- the accident scene, the crane, ground conditions, outrigger placement, rigging hardware, load, and any visible damage. Wide shots and close-ups.
• Secure the load chart -- every crane has a load chart in the cab. This document shows the crane's rated capacity at every boom length and radius. It is essential for determining whether the crane was overloaded.
• Preserve electronic data -- many modern cranes have load moment indicators (LMIs) or black box-type recorders that log operational data. This data can be overwritten or lost if not preserved.
• Identify and preserve rigging hardware -- slings, shackles, chains, and other rigging components involved in the lift. Do not discard damaged rigging.

Documentary Evidence

• Pre-shift inspection reports (daily crane inspection logs)
• Annual and periodic inspection records
• Maintenance and repair records
• Lift plan (if one existed for the lift being performed)
• Operator certification and training records
• Rigger and signalperson qualification records
• Site safety plan and job hazard analysis
• OSHA 300 logs and any prior incident reports
• Weather data from the National Weather Service for the date and time of the incident

For a detailed guide on evidence preservation, see our article on evidence preservation in crane accidents.

Phase 2: Site Inspection

Once retained, the crane expert should conduct a thorough site inspection as soon as possible. The purpose is to document conditions that may change and to gather data that cannot be obtained from photographs alone.

During the site inspection, the expert evaluates:

• Ground conditions -- soil type, compaction, drainage, slope, and any evidence of ground failure under outriggers or tracks
• Crane position and configuration -- boom length, boom angle, outrigger deployment, counterweight configuration
• Surrounding obstructions -- power lines, buildings, other equipment, or terrain features that may have affected the operation
• Load path -- where the load was picked, where it was going, and where it was at the time of the incident
• Rigging setup -- type and condition of slings, shackles, and attachment points

Phase 3: Technical Analysis

The technical analysis is where the expert applies their operational knowledge to the evidence. This phase typically involves several types of analysis:

Load Chart Analysis

The expert determines the crane's rated capacity for the specific configuration at the time of the incident (boom length, boom angle, radius, outrigger configuration) and compares it to the actual load being lifted. This analysis accounts for the weight of rigging hardware, dynamic loading from swing or wind, and any other factors that affect the actual load on the crane.

Ground Bearing Pressure Analysis

The expert calculates the outrigger loads for the specific lift configuration and compares them to the ground's bearing capacity. This analysis determines whether the ground conditions were adequate to support the crane.

Operational Procedure Review

The expert reviews whether the operator and crew followed proper procedures for the type of lift being performed. This includes evaluating whether a lift plan was required, whether the proper signals were used, and whether the operator was working within the crane's operational limitations.

Regulatory Compliance Analysis

The expert evaluates compliance with applicable OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC), ASME B30 standards, and any applicable state or local regulations.

Phase 4: Report Writing

The expert's written report documents the investigation, analysis, and opinions. A well-structured crane expert report typically includes:

1. Qualifications -- the expert's background, certifications, and relevant experience
2. Materials reviewed -- a complete list of documents, photographs, and other evidence examined
3. Facts and observations -- a factual narrative of the incident based on the evidence
4. Technical analysis -- load chart analysis, ground bearing calculations, and other technical evaluations
5. Standards and regulations -- applicable OSHA, ASME, and industry standards
6. Opinions -- the expert's conclusions on causation and, if applicable, who deviated from the standard of care
7. Basis for opinions -- the evidence and analysis supporting each opinion

What to Look for When Retaining a Crane Expert

Not all crane experts are equal. Attorneys should look for:

• Hands-on operational experience -- an expert who has actually operated the type of crane involved in the accident. Academic knowledge alone is not sufficient.
• Current certifications -- NCCCO certification demonstrates the expert meets industry competency standards
• Investigation experience -- prior experience investigating crane accidents and providing testimony
• Clear communication -- the ability to explain complex technical concepts to a jury in plain language
• Independence -- the expert should follow the evidence regardless of which side retained them

For more on selecting the right expert, see our guide on how to choose a crane expert witness.

Get Expert Investigation for Your Crane Case

Time is critical in crane accident cases. Evidence needs to be preserved and documented before it is lost. With over 27 years of crane operations experience and NCCCO certifications, Matthew J. Stull provides thorough accident investigation and expert analysis for attorneys nationwide.

Call (570) 903-7119 or send a message to discuss your case.