Paul Ledwell, 37, of Middleborough and Larriston Lake, 44, of Roslindale Died In Everett Crane Collapse Accident at Docks of Former Exxon Terminal along the Mystic River
EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS (October 25, 2025) – Two young men, identified as Larriston Lake and Paul Ledwell, have tragically died in an Everett crane accident on the Mystic River docks of the former Exxon terminal.
Everett officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Larriston Lake and Paul Ledwell were performing demolition on the equipment when the crane collapsed.
One witness said that a cable on the crane may have snapped. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victims. Tragically, Larriston Lake and Paul Ledwell both died due to the severe nature of their injuries. One was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other died after being taken to the hospital.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is conducting a full investigation into the incident.
How Liability is Determined for Massachusetts Crane Accidents
Workers in Massachusetts have a legal right to work in environments that are reasonably safe. Construction companies must not operate cranes in certain weather conditions. According to OSHA Regulation 1917.45, “When wind velocity reaches the shutdown speed, not exceeding the crane manufacturer’s recommendations, at which work is to be stopped and the crane secured.” Certain other measures should be taken to prevent crane accidents.
- Daily Inspections: Cranes must undergo pre-shift inspections at the beginning of each workday.
- Operator Qualifications: All crane operators must be properly trained and certified according to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427
- Lift Planning: Crane operators must verify weight limits and lifting capacities before each and every operation.
- Oversight: The construction of cranes must be overseen by a “competent person.” Any accidents or safety failures should be properly reported and investigated.
As a general rule, employees in Massachusetts are barred from bringing negligence claims against their employers. There are, however, certain exceptions if injuries are caused by willful misconduct. In most cases, workplace injuries will be adjudicated through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help injured workers and their surviving family members.
What is Third-Party Liability for Massachusetts Crane Accidents?
In addition to workers’ compensation claims, there may also be third-party liability for any crane accident. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer was responsible for an accident. There could be numerous sources of third-party liability for any accident where a worker is injured or killed by a collapsing crane.
- General Contractors: The general contractor responsible for the safety of a worksite and any subsequent subcontractors could bear some responsibility for a crane collapse. In particular, they may have failed to properly enforce safety protocols.
- Crane Subcontractors: Demolition projects are typically made up of a blend of different contractors and subcontractors that must work together towards the same goal. The subcontractor responsible for the disassembly of a crane could be responsible if they didn’t follow OSHA regulations.
- Crane Manufacturer: The company that manufactured a crane that collapsed and injured workers could be responsible through a third-party liability case. Among other things, the geometry of a crane may not have been properly engineered to withstand the real-world stresses it would be put through.
Crane accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where safety regulations are not being properly followed. In particular, the structural stability of a crane can easily become compromised over time, especially during adverse weather conditions. If the crane is not inspected before every shift, key safety problems may be overlooked. The family of any person who died in a crane collapse may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action.
Get Legal Help Investigating Massachusetts Crane Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Larriston Lake and Paul Ledwell. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. When was the last time this crane was inspected? Did the crane show signs of buckling at key joints?
Do you need more information about a Massachusetts crane accident? Our crane accident attorney is here for you. We care deeply that workers are provided with a safe environment and that OSHA regulations are strictly adhered to. We are committed to helping protect the rights and lives of all workers across Massachusetts through fierce advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.