As the holidays approach, residents of many cities may be enjoying the spectacle of giant Christmas trees set up for public enjoyment. In New York City, for example, the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree is a yearly tradition that draws tourists and locals alike. 

But putting up a giant tree isn't an easy task, and it's not always safe, either. The job requires large cranes, and sometimes those cranes can collapse, tip over, snap or otherwise malfunction, creating the potential for serious injury not just for workers, but potentially for passersby as well. 

In 2013, for example, a crane snapped in Atlanta while attempting to remove a giant Christmas tree from the Lenox Square mall. The accident left the tree perched precariously from the third floor of a department store, where it had to be removed limb by limb. While the accident caused property damage, it didn't result in any injuries. However, that is not always the case with crane accidents, which can cause catastrophic injuries for crane operators, workers on the ground and bystanders alike. 

Falls and electrocution are two types of accidents commonly associated with crane incidents that result in injury. Cranes may also tip over if the ground underneath becomes soft from rain, or if a crane operator picks up a load that puts the crane off balance, potentially leading to crush injuries, fractures, head injuries, amputations or even death. 

In a season where cranes may be seen installing or taking away Christmas trees from city centers, the potential certainly exists for serious accidental injury. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident, or you have lost a loved one to such an accident, contact an attorney to discuss the details of your case. A lawyer with experience in workers' compensation and personal injury law can help determine your best course of action to help pay your medical bills and other expenses resulting from the accident.