A recent crane accident on a New Jersey construction site demonstrates that while cranes can be indispensable for working on large projects, they also pose serious risks when proper safety precautions are not taken.
The July 15 accident involved a crane that collapsed at a construction site, taking down nearby power lines and blocking traffic on the street below. Luckily, no one was injured – but, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) research shows, many people do not escape harm when a crane accident occurs.
According to the BLS, about 70 fatal crane accident injuries occur each year nationwide. Injured persons may be struck by falling objects, be hit by some part of the crane itself, or may be injured when a crane tips or collapses.
Construction workers are more likely to suffer a crane-related death than any other group, according to the BLS statistics. Electricians, welders, cutters, and others working on construction sites in close proximity to cranes are also at risk. The BLS and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimate that most or all crane-related deaths and serious injuries could be prevented if safety precautions were followed at all times. In some cases, a hidden defect in the manufacture or design of the crane itself is responsible for an injury.
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, our experienced New York crane accident lawyers have the experience you need to pinpoint the cause of a serious injury and to seek compensation from every party whose negligence may have contributed to the harm. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.