Accidents are Often Difficult to Navigate
Accidents can occur in many different forms and often happen without a moment’s notice. For many, these accidents cause much confusion and stress, often leading to catastrophic injuries and financial instability. The suddenness of these situations does not allow people to develop strategies necessary to properly navigate them. There are few who truly know what to do after a catastrophic accident.
These accidents can come in many forms. Texas is the national leader in oil and gas accidents. With nearly 400,000 workers in the oil and gas industry, there are countless lives that are always at risk. Outside of the oil and gas industry, electrocutions in the electrical industry and gas spills are accidents that are far too common that cause damages both financial and physical.
However, catastrophic accidents do not stop there.
Dallas Construction Cranes Accident
On Sunday, June 10, 2019, a construction crane collapsed into an apartment in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas, Texas [1]. It has been reported that at least one woman has been killed, while five others were injured, leaving two in critical condition. The crane came from a construction site across the street and destroyed a parking garage along with several residencies.
As of Tuesday, June 11th, residents of the apartment complex, Elan City Lights Apartments, were forced to evacuate their residencies while the situation is being dealt with [2]. The management of the property deemed that the complex “has become totally unusable for residential purposes.” This has forced many to relocate from their homes, leaving them with little answers to their situation.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of the catastrophic accident has not yet been determined, but it is assumed that weather is the main cause.
Dallas was met with a severe thunderstorm that was accompanied with 71 mph gusts of wind [3], according to the National Weather Service. However, this has raised some suspicion from many as this speed of wind should not have caused the crane to collapse.
Jim Stanley, safety consultant and former Occupational Safety and Health Administration [4] deputy assistant secretary of labor, stated that these types of construction cranes are built to withstand winds as high as 120 mph.
“There are precautions [construction companies] can take to make sure that boom doesn’t go flipping around [in a storm],” Stanley said. “The company [crane operator] has the obligation to prepare for the storm.”
Whether the construction company failed to prepare their equipment for the storm or not, countless lives have been affected.
The suppliers of the crane and operator for the job, Bigge Crane and Rigging, has stated that an independent investigation has been launched regarding this catastrophic accident in Dallas. OSHA has also begun its own investigation.
What to Do Following these Accidents
Catastrophic accidents like this one in Dallas can be devastating not only for you but for countless others. Often, you are hardly the only one affected in these situations. You are not alone in your confusion and frustration. Unfortunately, these accidents are far less common than traditional car wrecks or workplace accidents. Many people are lost and do not know the correct first step when recovering from these accidents.
This is why it is incredibly important to have a trusted and experienced attorney on your side that understands how to efficiently navigate these situations. In an accident like the one in Dallas where the cause is still uncertain, having a skilled catastrophic accident attorney fighting for you can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
The team at Shamieh Law possesses the knowledge and skill to efficiently help you through this tumultuous period in your life. They understand how devastating an accident of this caliber can be. They are here to relieve you of any unnecessary stress. Shamieh Law will make it their priority to expertly handle your case to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact Shamieh Law if you or a loved one has been involved in a catastrophic accident to seek justice.