The Legal Chronicle
Kiersten Symone Smith Fatally Injured, 5 other injured victims in Dallas Crane Collapse. (KIRO7.com)
Was safety negligence or an equipment malfunction a factor in this tragic loss of life and could it have been prevented? Read ‘Our Legal Take’ below to find out if Ms. Smith’s family may have legal avenues for justice and claims for substantial compensation.
Dallas News
A construction crane collapsed on a Dallas, Texas apartment building during a violent wind storm Sunday, June 9, 2019, killing one woman and injuring 5 other people. According to DallasNews.com, “[i]nvestigators with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration were working with Bigge Crane and Rigging to figure out how to remove its fallen apparatus and determine what caused the accident.” Latimes.com is reporting, “[t]he crane fell around 2 p.m. as storms ripped across parts of Oklahoma and Texas, bringing high winds, heavy rain and hail that flooded streets and caused power outages.” 5 people were injured, “[t]he 29-year-old woman who died has been identified as Kiersten Symone Smith,” DallasNews.com is reporting.
Per news reports, the owner of the crane has allegedly been cited for violations in the past. According to DFW.CBSlocal.com, “[i]n the past decade, OSHA has cited the…owner of the crane that collapsed killing a woman in Dallas Sunday, with 17 safety violations.”
Read Our Legal Take below to learn whether Kiersten Smith’s family, as well as any other injured victims, may have an avenue to justice.
Our Legal Take
Moving large, heavy loads is crucial to today’s manufacturing and construction industries. Much technology has been developed for these operations, including careful training and extensive safety precautions and procedures. When operated with a focus on safety, cranes are vital pieces of equipment. When they’re used or maintained carelessly, they can be a serious hazard to people and property. The Murray Law Firm questions the safety measures provided by the owner of the crane, and whether this tragic incident may have been prevented. Relevant factual and legal inquires include, but are not limited to:
- Was the crane installed properly?
- Was the crane properly prepared for a severe weather system?
- Was the crane up to date on certifications?
- Were operating functions checked daily to ensure that everything is working properly and that there are no defects or cracks in the support members?
- Were any attempts made to service, repair, or replace the crane prior to the incident?
Generally, crane owners are required to protect all from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the crane owner failed to provide adequate safety measures to protect individuals from foreseeable harm, the family of the Kiersten Symone Smith may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims for her wrongful death. In addition, any other injured victims may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims for their injuries and suffering.
Based upon its prior successful experience in handling safety negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed. Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent safety case, it is imperative that Kiersten Symone Smith’s family and any other injured victims retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.
OUR RESULTS: OVER $100 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS
The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of safety negligence. We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
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