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San Antonio Heavy Equipment Accident Lawyer
Heavy Equipment Accidents
Reviewed by Marco Crawford, Trial Attorney · Updated September 2026
San Antonio's construction boom, oilfield work in the Eagle Ford Shale and busy industrial sites put thousands of workers near heavy equipment every day. Cranes, excavators, bulldozers, loaders, skid steers and aerial lifts can cause devastating injuries in an instant when safety rules are ignored or equipment fails.
Marco Crawford is a San Antonio heavy equipment accident lawyer who represents injured workers and bystanders. He investigates what went wrong, from operator error to defective machinery, and pursues every party that may be responsible.
- Free consultation
- No fee unless we win
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Tell Us What Happened. We'll Take It From Here.
- 1You tell us your storyA few details is all we need to get started.
- 2Our team reviews itFree and confidential, with no pressure and no obligation.
- 3We call you backUsually within the hour, in English or Spanish.
Prefer to talk now? Call 210.756.5400
Heavy Equipment Accidents We Handle
Heavy equipment accidents happen on construction sites, in oilfields, at plants and warehouses, and even on public roads.
Crane accidents
Collapses, dropped loads and boom contact with power lines.
Excavator and backhoe accidents
Struck-by accidents, swing radius injuries and trench collapses.
Bulldozer and loader accidents
Rollovers, run-overs and backing accidents.
Skid steer accidents
Crush injuries and rollovers from these compact but powerful machines.
Aerial lift and scissor lift accidents
Falls, tip-overs and entrapment injuries.
Oilfield equipment accidents
Injuries around rigs, pumps, cranes and haul trucks in the Eagle Ford.
Safety Rules for Heavy Equipment on Texas Job Sites
Federal OSHA regulations cover how cranes, excavators, aerial lifts and other heavy equipment must be operated, inspected and maintained. Operators must be trained, cranes must be inspected, and job sites need safe procedures for work around power lines, trenches and moving equipment.
When those rules are ignored, workers and bystanders can suffer crush injuries, amputations, electrocutions and fatal accidents. OSHA violations don't automatically decide an injury case, but they can be strong evidence that a company failed to keep people safe.
On a busy construction or industrial site, several companies may share control: the general contractor, subcontractors, equipment rental companies and property owners. Figuring out who was responsible for the equipment, the operator and the site is often the key to a successful claim.
Common Causes and Who May Be Responsible
Heavy equipment accidents usually come down to preventable safety failures. More than one company may share the blame.
Untrained operators
Operators who weren't properly trained or certified for the machine.
Missing safety devices
Broken backup alarms, missing guards or disabled safety features.
Poor site safety
No spotters, poor traffic control or ignoring OSHA safety rules.
Defective equipment
Design or manufacturing defects in brakes, hydraulics or controls.
Poor maintenance
Rental companies and owners must keep equipment in safe working order.
General contractors and subcontractors
Companies that control a job site can be responsible for unsafe conditions.
What You May Be Able to Recover
Under Texas law, people injured by someone else's negligence may be able to recover compensation for losses like these. Every case is different, and an attorney can explain what may apply to yours.
Medical bills
Past and future treatment, surgery, therapy and medication.
Lost wages
Income lost while you recover, plus reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
The physical pain an injury causes.
Mental anguish
The emotional toll of the injury and recovery.
Impairment and disfigurement
Lasting physical limitations and scarring.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle and property.
What to Do Next
The steps you take early can make a real difference. Here's what to do.
- 1Get emergency careCrush, fall and amputation injuries need immediate treatment.
- 2Report the injury to your employerReport it in writing as soon as possible and keep a copy.
- 3Preserve evidencePhotograph the equipment, the site and your injuries, and get witness names.
- 4Don't sign releases or statementsSome employers ask injured workers to sign documents quickly. Talk with a lawyer first.
- 5Call Marco Crawford LawWe'll review your case for free. Call 210.756.5400.
Why Clients Choose Marco Crawford
Trial-ready preparation
Every case is prepared as if it's going to trial, because insurers pay more when they know you're ready.
Direct access to Marco
You'll talk with your lawyer, not just a case manager.
No fee unless we win
Injury cases are handled on contingency. Nothing up front.
Hablamos español
Your case explained clearly, in English or Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a lawsuit if I was hurt by heavy equipment at work?
It depends on your employer's coverage and who else was involved. If your employer is a Texas non-subscriber without workers' compensation, you may be able to sue for negligence. Other companies on the site, equipment owners or manufacturers may also be responsible.
What if the equipment was defective?
If a machine had a design or manufacturing defect or inadequate warnings, the manufacturer or seller may be responsible under Texas product liability law.
What if I wasn't a worker, just nearby?
Bystanders, drivers and pedestrians injured by heavy equipment may have claims against the operator, the contractor or the equipment owner.
How long do I have to file a heavy equipment injury claim?
Most Texas personal injury claims must be filed within two years, and product liability claims have additional time limits. Call as soon as possible.
What does it cost to hire Marco Crawford Law?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover money for you.
Does an OSHA violation prove my heavy equipment injury case?
Not by itself, but it can be strong evidence that safety rules were broken. We look at OSHA records alongside training, inspection and site control records.
The equipment was rented. Is the rental company responsible?
Possibly. Rental companies must provide equipment in safe working condition, and they may be responsible if poor maintenance or a known defect contributed to the accident.
Serving San Antonio and Surrounding Communities
San Antonio's growth keeps heavy equipment working across the region, from new subdivisions in Alamo Ranch, Cibolo and Boerne to road projects on Loop 1604 and I-35, commercial construction near The Rim and La Cantera, and oilfield work in the Eagle Ford Shale south and east of the city.
You Show Up for Everyone. We'll Show Up for You.
Talk to Marco directly about what happened. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.