Chad Crabtree Killed In Roxana Crane Accident At Phillips 66 Refinery

Wrongful Death - December 8, 2022

Chad Crabtree, of Owensboro, Kentucky, Died In Roxana Crane Accident At The Phillips 66 Refinery On South Central Avenue

ROXANA, ILLINOIS (December 7, 2022) –  A project manager identified as Chad Crabtree was killed in a Roxana crane accident while he was working at the Phillips 66 Refinery.

Madison County officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Chad Crabtree was apparently hit by a crane that overturned at the refinery.

A crane operator was also injured in the accident. He was taken to the hospital.

Despite life-saving measures, Chad Crabtree died as a result of his injuries. He worked for a subcontractor at the refinery. A coroner noted that the crane overturned due to some type of mechanical malfunction.

A full investigation into the Roxana crane accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Roxana Crane Accidents

Crane accidents may seem like freak occurrences, but they are far more common than many people realize. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 44 crane-related fatal accidents every year. Around 70% of crane accidents occur in civil engineering, construction or a specialty trade. There are a number of common reasons that a crane may inadvertently fall over.

• The load on a crane may exceed its carrying capacity.
• Cranes do not come pre-assembled like cars. They must be assembled and disassembled wherever they are being used. Any error during the assembly process can lead to a crane collapsing or overturning.
• Mechanical failures are another common reason that cranes fall over. It is essential that cranes are periodically inspected.

When a worker is killed on the job, their family will typically have recourse through the worker’s compensation system. Worker’s compensation is a no-fault insurance plan that can help a worker or their family after a serious accident. Depending on  the facts of any case, the family of a deceased worker may also have recourse through a third party liability claim. A third party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident.

There could be numerous sources of third party liability for a crane accident. For example, the company that assembled a crane could be liable if a crane collapses due to some type of mechanical malfunction. In fact, it has been estimated that almost half (42%) of crane accidents were the result of an erection, dismantling or climbing error. OSHA has set forth safety guidelines for assembling and disassembling cranes. But these regulations are not always followed. Among other things, a competent person and a qualified person must oversee the assembly/disassembly of a crane.

The company that created a crane could potentially be liable for a crane accident. Companies have a legal responsibility to build products that are reasonably safe. When a company creates a product that is unreasonably dangerous, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. A product may be dangerous if it has design, marketing or manufacturing defects. For example, the bolts holding up a certain crane may not have been strong enough which could cause the crane to buckle and overturn. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a crane accident.

• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• The crane involved should be examined.
• An independent investigation should be conducted.

It can be difficult to know where to begin after any construction site accident. But it is important for accident victims to know that they do have rights. The family of any person that is killed in a crane accident may be able to pursue a civil claim for damages if that his what they choose. Unfortunately, though, crane manufacturers will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any accident. This is why it is so important that all evidence related to a workplace incident is properly preserved.

Investigating A Roxana Crane Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Chad Crabtree. It is our sincere hope that the crane operator injured will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened so that similar tragedies can be prevented.

Do you need more information about a Roxana crane accident? Our team of construction safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that workers are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Worker safety should always be the number one priority for every company. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any crane accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.