Crane Accident Workers’ Compensation in Woodland Hills

Gary Rodich Worked for Insurance Carriers. Now He Fights Them for You.

Crane accidents produce some of the most severe injuries on any construction site. Workers who survive them face long recoveries, permanent disabilities, and insurance carriers motivated to pay as little as possible. At Rodich Law, we represent crane accident victims throughout Woodland Hills and Southern California, and we bring something most firms can’t: Gary Rodich worked for insurance companies before becoming a Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. He knows how carriers build defenses, and he uses that knowledge to counter them. His time as a Pro Tem Judge and the firm’s 50-plus years of combined experience shape how we handle every claim.

We’ve recovered over $500 million for injured workers, including an $11 million settlement for a catastrophically injured worker. Consultations are free, and we charge no fee unless we achieve a favorable outcome.

If you were injured in a crane accident in Woodland Hills or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, call us today at (818) 403-3737 to speak with our team at no cost.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to Crane Accident Victims

California’s workers’ compensation system is no-fault. You don’t need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. If you were injured on the job, coverage applies regardless of how the accident occurred.

For crane accident workers, that coverage can include:

• Medical care: All reasonable and necessary treatment related to the injury
• Temporary disability benefits: Partial wage replacement while you’re unable to work during recovery
• Permanent disability benefits: Compensation if the injury limits your future work capacity
• Supplemental job displacement benefits: Vouchers for retraining or skill development if you can’t return to your previous role
• Death benefits: Support for surviving family members when a crane accident is fatal

These claims are frequently contested. Because crane injuries are severe and recovery timelines are long, the dollar value is high, and insurers take notice. Carriers may challenge the extent of your disability, dispute your medical evidence, or argue that a pre-existing condition caused the harm rather than the accident. Having an attorney who understands those tactics from the inside can change how that fight goes.

How Crane Accidents Happen & What Workers Suffer

Crane accidents don’t happen in isolation. Operators, riggers, ironworkers, signal persons, and nearby workers can all be injured when something goes wrong. The causes vary, but several patterns appear consistently on California construction sites.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Cal/OSHA Title 8 crane safety regulations require operator certification, pre-shift inspections, and load limit compliance. When employers or contractors violate those standards, that record can strengthen a workers’ compensation claim and inform any third-party action. Common causes include:

• Structural failures and overloading beyond rated capacity
• Falling or shifting loads from improper rigging or hardware failure
• Electrocution from contact with overhead power lines
• Tip-overs from unstable ground or improperly deployed outriggers
• Mechanical failure from poor maintenance or defective components
• Inadequate operator training or fatigue
• Environmental conditions such as high winds

Injuries Crane Workers Sustain

The injuries these accidents produce are often permanent. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or complete paralysis, crush injuries, amputations, severe electrical burns, and fractures are all documented outcomes. Many survivors face restricted work capacity for the rest of their lives, which makes the long-term value of the claim significant from day one.

Third-Party Claims: Compensation Beyond Workers’ Comp

Workers’ compensation covers medical costs and a portion of lost wages, but it doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering or full income loss. When a party other than your direct employer contributed to the accident, a separate civil claim may be available alongside your workers’ comp benefits.

In crane accident cases, potentially liable third parties include:

• Crane rental companies responsible for equipment condition
• Equipment manufacturers when a defective component caused the failure
• General contractors with site safety oversight responsibilities
• Subcontractors who performed unsafe rigging or crane assembly
• Property owners who knew of hazardous site conditions

If a pre-existing condition was aggravated by the accident, you may also qualify for Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) benefits, which apply when a current workplace injury combines with a prior impairment to produce a greater overall disability than either would alone. Identifying every avenue of recovery requires reviewing inspection records, maintenance logs, and operator certification documents early. Evidence on construction sites disappears quickly. We help clients evaluate whether a third-party claim is viable and act before that window closes.

What to Do After a Crane Accident in Woodland Hills

The steps you take immediately after an accident affect the strength of your claim. Under California law, you must report the injury to your employer within 30 days. Missing that deadline can put your benefits at risk. California Labor Code Section 5405 generally requires a formal workers’ compensation claim to be filed within one year of the injury date, though the clock can reset based on the last indemnity payment or medical treatment. A third-party personal injury claim carries a separate deadline, generally two years from the date of injury under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Because these deadlines interact and exceptions apply, consult an attorney about the specific timeframes for your situation.

In the immediate aftermath, priorities include:

• Seek medical attention, even if you feel the injury is minor
• Report the accident to your employer in writing and keep a copy
• Document everything: photos, witness names, equipment involved
• Follow all recommended treatment and attend every appointment
• Avoid giving recorded or written statements to insurance representatives before speaking with an attorney

We guide clients through the entire process, from completing initial claim forms and gathering medical records to representing them at hearings and in litigation when a claim is denied.

Why Woodland Hills Crane Accident Workers Choose Rodich Law

Board certification in workers’ compensation law is granted by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and requires demonstrated experience, peer review, and a written examination. Gary Rodich holds that credential. He also spent time working for insurance companies before representing injured workers, which means he understands the internal logic carriers use when they dispute or minimize a claim. His service as a Pro Tem Judge adds a third perspective: how a claim looks when it reaches the judicial level.

Barry Rodich was named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for 2023, a recognition extended to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in California.

Together, we’ve handled crane and construction injury claims from initial filing through litigation, including cases where the initial claim was denied. The $11 million settlement we secured for a catastrophically injured worker reflects the commitment we bring to high-stakes cases. Clients receive direct communication and regular updates throughout the process. No one is left wondering where their case stands.

Get a Free Consultation for Your Crane Accident Claim

If you or someone in your family was injured in a crane accident in Woodland Hills or the San Fernando Valley, the time to act is now. Evidence fades, deadlines approach, and insurers begin building their case from day one. We offer free consultations for injured workers throughout Southern California, and we don’t charge a fee unless we achieve a favorable outcome for you.

We can handle the paperwork, the carrier disputes, and the litigation if it comes to that. You focus on recovery. Call Rodich Law today at (818) 403-3737 or reach us through our online contact form to get started.