New York City Crane Accident Attorneys

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New York City Workers Injured in Crane Accidents Get Legal Help From Skilled Lawyers

Anyone who lives or works in the cities of New York is accustomed to seeing cranes at large construction sites. Cranes are massive pieces of construction equipment that can weigh up to 4,000 tons. When such large machinery is being used with so many construction workers around a site, accidents can and will happen. Unfortunately, because of the size of cranes and the heights at which they are used, the injuries sustained by such an accident can be devastating.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a crane accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages and losses. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, has helped many people injured in accidents. For over 50 years, our firm has won over $1 billion for clients.

Let us help you secure a settlement that helps you and your family heal and move on from this difficult chapter of your lives. We can be reached at (212) 986-7353.

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Common Types of Crane Accidents That Happen in New York

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets federal laws and construction industry regulations meant to keep workers and the public safe around construction sites. Even with these strict rules about crane use, mistakes still get made, accidents happen, and people get hurt. The most common cause of crane accidents is a crane striking a power line. This accounts for about 40% of all crane accidents. Here are the most common causes of crane accidents our clients have reported over the years:

• Cranes Striking Power Lines: This occurs when a crane’s boom or load contacts overhead power lines, potentially causing electrical hazards and power outages.
• Crane Rigging Failure: Failure of the rigging (the equipment used to lift and secure loads) can lead to load instability, causing the load to shift or fall.
• Crane Mechanical Failure: Mechanical issues with the crane’s components, such as the engine, hydraulics, or gears, can lead to breakdowns and accidents.
• Dropped Crane Loads: Due to rigging errors or malfunctioning equipment, loads may be accidentally released or fall, posing significant safety risks.
• Cranes Overturning: Cranes can overturn if they are not correctly stabilized or if the ground conditions are inadequate, leading to tipping and possible injury or property damage.
• Improper Operation of the Crane: Errors in crane operation, such as incorrect load handling or improper use of controls, can lead to accidents and unsafe conditions.
• Crane Boom Collapse: A crane’s boom may collapse due to structural failure, overloading, or improper maintenance, resulting in a significant hazard to workers and nearby structures.
• Counterweight or Hoist Malfunctions: Failures in counterweights or hoists can cause imbalances and operational failures, leading to accidents or loss of load control.

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Common Reasons for Crane Accidents

Crane accidents generally result from situations that negatively impact cranes’ proper function, the operator’s awareness and engagement with equipment, and environmental factors.

Specifically, crane accidents often result from the following:

• Worker Fatigue: Tired or overworked operators may make mistakes or fail to observe hazards, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Inadequate Training: Operators or personnel lacking proper training may not understand how to safely operate the crane or handle loads, leading to errors and accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Issues with the crane’s machinery, such as hydraulic or electrical failures, can result in sudden malfunctions and accidents.
• Improper Setup: Incorrect crane setup, including inadequate stabilization or incorrect load placement, can lead to instability and overturning.
• Poor Communication: Lack of clear communication between crane operators, ground personnel, and other team members can result in misunderstandings and unsafe conditions.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as high winds or heavy rain, can affect crane stability and visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Regulatory Violations: Failure to adhere to safety regulations and standards can lead to unsafe practices and increased accident risk.

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How to Handle Wrongful Death Due to a Crane Accident

Any wrongful death is a tragedy because the accident could have been avoided if people were more careful or mindful of the safety of others. A wrongful death from a crane accident can be devastating since the massive scale of these accidents can impact entire blocks of the city. That means a person might be nowhere near the crane yet still be killed when the crane comes down. That is why it is so important for crane operators and construction companies to follow rules and regulations meant to keep people safe.

Nothing can replace a lost loved one. Damages from a wrongful death case are meant to ease the burden of the loss as much as possible and to hold those at fault responsible for their actions.

In a wrongful death suit, you may seek damages for costs, such as funeral expenses and potential earnings losses. For example, you can be awarded damages to compensate for what your loved one would have earned in the future and contributed to your family. You can also seek damages for emotional trauma and pain and suffering, including the loss of companionship if you have lost a husband or wife. It is important to have a knowledgeable attorney by your side to fight for your rights and handle as much of the case as possible to ease your burdens in such a difficult time.

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Immediate Steps to Take After a Crane Accident

After a crane accident, it is important to take prompt action to mitigate further risks to your safety and protect your legal interests in recovering damages for your injuries.

The following steps are vital to protect your safety and interests:

• Seek Medical Attention: Ensure that anyone injured in the accident receives prompt medical care. This is imperative for their health and for documenting the extent of injuries.
• Report the Accident: Notify the relevant authorities, such as OSHA or local safety regulators, and inform your employer or site manager about the incident.
• Gather Evidence: Collect and document evidence from the accident scene, including photographs, witness statements, and equipment logs, to help investigations and insurance claims.
• Secure the Scene: Preserve the accident site to prevent further damage or disturbances that could impact the investigation. Restrict access to unauthorized personnel.
• Notify Your Insurance Provider: Report the incident to your insurance company to start the claims process and ensure coverage for any damages or injuries.

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Legal Rights and Compensation for Injured New York City Workers

Workers injured in crane accidents may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which typically cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Additionally, if a third party, such as a crane manufacturer or subcontractor, is found responsible, victims may pursue claims against them for additional damages. Personal injury lawsuits can be filed for more substantial compensation if negligence beyond the workplace is involved. In the case of fatal crane accidents, families can explore wrongful death claims to seek compensation for loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and funeral expenses. Consulting with a construction accident lawyer can provide guidance on these options.

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How a Construction Accident Attorney Can Help With Your Crane Injury

A construction accident attorney plays a critical role by thoroughly investigating the accident and collecting essential evidence to build a strong case. They negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. With their experience, they can maximize your recovery and handle complex legal matters on your behalf.

Call Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, at (347) 830-7429 for a free consultation if you’ve been involved in a construction accident. We can guide you through the legal process and help you secure the compensation you are legally entitled to.

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Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Crane Accidents

What are the most common New York City crane accident injuries?

What are the OSHA regulations for crane use at construction sites?

Who can be held liable for crane accidents at construction sites?

What are the New York construction site laws?

How much is my New York City crane accident case worth?

Q: What are the most common New York City crane accident injuries?

A: Here are the most common accidents our clients have reported over the years:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Wrongful death

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Q: What are the OSHA regulations for crane use at construction sites?

A: OSHA sets strict regulations about crane use at construction sites. Here are the specific rules about crane use that must be followed:

• If a crane operator cannot visually maintain a safe clearance, another person at the construction site must be designated to visually observe the proper clearance.
• Do not use cage-type boom guards, proximity warning devices, or insulating links as a substitute for grounded and de-energizing lines.
• Electrical and transmission lines must be de-energized.
• If lines are not de-energized, cranes can only be operated if a safe distance can be maintained.
• Insulated barriers that are not part of the crane must be used to prevent contact with power lines.

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Q: Who can be held liable for crane accidents at construction sites?

A: Under general workers’ compensation law, construction workers are usually barred from bringing negligence claims against their employers. However, crane accidents are different situations. Because cranes are operated by contractors who are not actually in charge of the site, they may be held liable for crane accidents. These are the parties most commonly held liable in New York City crane accidents:

• Crane maintenance companies
• Crane and crane parts manufacturers, distributors, and retailers
• Other on-site contractors

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Q: What are New York laws for construction site safety?

A: Due to Manhattan being one of those areas where construction is constantly happening, New York State labor law has set up specific rules for construction site safety:

• New York Labor Law Section 240(1): this law requires contractors and building owners of construction sites to furnish and safely erect scaffolding, hoists, ladders, blocks, pulleys, braces, ropes, and other devices to give proper protections to construction workers.
• New York Labor Law Section 241(6): this law requires that equipment and machinery at construction sites be shored, equipped, arranged, operated, and conducted to provide reasonable and adequate protection for people working the site.

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Q: How much is my New York City crane accident case worth?

A: This completely depends on the severity of the injuries you suffered in a New York City crane accident. Until you’ve begun medical treatment, there’s no way of estimating how much your claim may be worth. An experienced NYC crane accident lawyer will attempt to pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries.

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Contact Our Skilled New York City Attorney About Your Crane Accident Case

The New York City construction site injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, can help you pursue the settlement you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after a crane accident.

Contact our crane accident lawyers in New York today at (212) 986-7353.

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Additional Information

• Causes and Prevention for Construction Site Crane Accidents
• Cranes Present a Looming Danger in New York
• Construction Crane Accidents in New York are Rare, Right?
• Common Causes of New York Crane Accidents
• Crane, Derrick and Hoist Safety - OSHA