Life in New York would be impossible without construction workers. The men and women employed in the construction trades built this city, and they are constantly working to keep everything up and running.
Cranes are an essential piece of machinery that can be found on construction sites. They are used for lifting and moving heavy or bulk construction materials. Several types of accidents occur on construction sites when cranes are defective, poorly maintained, or improperly used. That’s why construction companies must provide crane operators and other employees with essential safety training and create additional safeguards to prevent crane accidents.
If you were injured in any type of construction accident, you should speak with an experienced New York crane accident attorney who can inform you of your rights and help make sure you have access to all the resources that are available to you.
What Causes Crane Accident Injuries?
A crane is the largest and most sophisticated piece of machinery on a job site. Cranes are equipped with pulleys and cables that allow them to move large objects both vertically and horizontally.
It’s crucial for construction companies to hire crane operators who have the proper training and experience. New York City requires all crane operators to pass a nationally accredited examination and update their licenses every five years.
Construction sites must enforce strict protocols to prevent crane accidents. All workers must be educated on the proper safety precautions to use when there is a crane on the job site, and personal equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.
Cranes must be serviced and inspected regularly, and construction engineers must make sure that the crane’s base is large enough and sufficiently secured to prevent it from tipping over.
Frequent causes of crane accidents include:
- Operator error
- Operator fatigue
- Operator distraction
- Drug and alcohol use
- Mechanical defects
- Overloading
- Unexpected drops
- Poor maintenance
- Lack of a proper foundation
- Negligent supervision
- Unqualified operators
- Making contact with a powerline
- Improper operating procedures
- Negligent hiring
- Poorly secured cargo
- Lack of safety equipment
- Failure to enforce safety protocols
- Failure to follow manufacturer specifications
What To Do After a Construction Site Injury
If you are a civilian who was injured by a crane or harmed in any other type of construction site mishap, it is crucial to get the appropriate medical treatment immediately. After receiving medical care, you’ll want to speak with a NY premises liability injury attorney as soon as possible.
If you suffer any type of injury while working on a construction site, take the following steps to make sure you get the medical and legal assistance you require:
- Seek immediate medical treatment.
- Inform your supervisor about the accident in writing.
- Take photographs of the accident site.
- Collect contact information from all witnesses.
- Contact an experienced construction accident attorney.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?
Construction workers in New York are covered by workers’ compensation, which provides medical treatment and temporary income for injured workers. In addition to your workers’ comp benefits, you may be eligible to seek additional compensation by filing a personal injury claim against third parties whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries. Third parties may include:
- Independent contractors
- Manufacturers of cranes and crane parts
- Property owners
- Architects
- Engineers
- Vendors
- Construction companies
Injuries Caused by Crane Accidents
Constructive work is dangerous and demanding. Strict safety regulations are in place to protect everyone working on a job site. When these rules aren’t followed, people get hurt.
Injuries and other harm caused by crane accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Internal organ damage
- Amputation
- Bone fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Severe burns
- Electrocution
- Crush injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
We’ve Won Over $1 Billion for Our Clients
If you were injured on a construction site, contact the experienced litigators at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. We are dedicated to helping injured construction workers get the compensation they deserve.
Our New York attorneys have been recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Super Lawyers Magazine. With over 50 years of combined experience, you can count on us to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights every step of the way.
Call us today at (212) 986-7353 to learn more about your legal options.