The workplace accident victim died soon after she was transported to a Newark hospital, and she leaves behind a daughter. The woman was among the small percentage of female employees at Port Newark, and had been a longshore worker and member of the union for 16 years.

The sudden tragedy underscored the constant catastrophic injury risks that even experienced dock workers face – everything from broken bones, brain injuries and spinal injuries to a wrongful death that claims a family’s primary breadwinner. According to NJ.com, the facility had received four citations and two fines after its latest OSHA inspection in 2010. Her union, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), recently filed notice of more than 200 safety violations against Global Terminal & Container Services.

Crane accidents can have many causes, whether they occur on construction sites or on other worksites. Crane operator error, mistakes in assembly or inadequate maintenance of cables and other crucial parts can cause serious hazards in an instant. In this case, the massive container was supposed to remain waist high while the longshorewoman performed the vulnerable task of removing shoes that hold containers together.

Investigating every possible cause of a worksite accident based on OSHA reports, witness accounts and other evidence is a key service provided by crane accident attorneys. While injured workers are eligible for workers’ compensation, an attorney may also be able to help a client secure significant injury damages from third parties who contributed to the accident.