Death Of Maintenance Worker Results In Closer Look At Crane Safety
The family of a deceased Louisiana maintenance technician has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in connection with a fatal crane accident.
According to the Louisiana Record, Nolan Knoblock, Jr. was changing a lightbulb at the “LOOP” Marine Terminal in New Orleans, on Oct. 30, 2010, when the crane he was standing on pinned him next to a cable tray. Despite coworkers’ best efforts to free him, Knoblock died from the impact. Knoblock had been using an overhead crane.
Overhead crane safety
Overhead cranes are sturdy, box-shaped structures that move heavy objects across a horizontal plane. While not as dangerous as mobile or truck cranes, overhead cranes have a high fatality rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19 people died from overhead crane accidents between 2000-2006. The most dangerous states for crane-related accidents are Texas, Florida, California and Louisiana.
Lawsuit against crane maintenance company
The family of Nolan Knoblock is suing four companies responsible for maintaining Knoblock’s crane: Offshore Process Services, Konecranes, Donovan Meyer Associates, and Oil States Industries. The plaintiffs say that the companies failed to thoroughly inspect faulty wiring systems that caused Knoblock’s accident.
The case will be tried before the Louisiana Supreme Court.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of a crane accident, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your story. Crane injury plaintiffs are often entitled to significant sums related to medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of services.