New York City Crane Accident Attorneys

Are You in Need of a New York Crane Accident Lawyer?

Crane accidents are among the most catastrophic construction incidents that occur in New York City. Cranes are massive pieces of construction equipment that can weigh up to 4,000 tons. One error, whether in operation, assembly, or maintenance, can result in life-altering injuries or fatalities for workers and bystanders alike.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a New York crane accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, has been helping accident victims in NYC for decades.

Why Choose Our NYC Crane Accident Attorneys?

• Over $2 Billion Recovered for injured clients across New York
• More Than 50 Years of Experience handling complex construction accident claims
• Named One of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report
• 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating for client satisfaction and legal performance
• Top 10 Law Firms in NYC for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys™
• Several WRSMH Attorneys Have Been Recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine

Notable Crane Accident Injury Cases

• $8 Million for Brooklyn Crane Operator
• $1.287 Million for Slip and Fall on Crane

Legal Representation for Victims of New York City Crane Accidents

If you were injured in a New York crane-related accident on a job site or while walking near an active construction area, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Crane accidents are often caused by someone’s failure to follow proper safety standards, and those failures can lead to devastating consequences.

You may need a crane accident attorney if:

• You were struck by a falling load from a crane
• You were injured due to a crane collapse or tip-over
• A crane contacted power lines or caused an electrocution
• You were caught in or between crane machinery
• You were working on or near a crane when a mechanical failure occurred
• You lost a loved one due to a crane accident in NYC

Do You Have a Legitimate New York City Crane Accident Case?

Crane accident cases can get pretty complicated. Multiple parties may be involved, including general contractors, crane operators, subcontractors, equipment rental companies, and manufacturers. Proving fault requires a detailed investigation and a legal team that understands NYC construction law inside and out.

Even if you’re already receiving workers’ compensation, you may be eligible to bring a third-party claim for additional compensation. Our legal team can determine exactly who is responsible and pursue every avenue for recovery.

To have a valid personal injury or third-party claim, we must prove:

1. Another party had a duty to ensure your safety
2. That party failed in their duty through negligence or violation of law
3. That failure caused your injuries
4. You suffered measurable damages

Call the Law Firm NYC Workers Trust

A crane accident can turn your life upside down. But you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP is here to protect your rights and pursue the justice.

Call (212) 986-7353 to learn more today.

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.

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.

What’s the Legal Process for a Crane Accident Case?

Every case is different, but the process for a crane accident claim typically involves several key steps.

Free Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case, review any documents or evidence you have, and explain your options.

Investigation

Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing safety protocols, crane inspection records, subcontractor agreements, eyewitness accounts, and video footage where available.

Identifying Liable Parties

We’ll determine exactly who is legally responsible. Liable parties may include the crane operators, site managers, equipment manufacturers, or another third party.

Medical Review

We gather all records related to your injury, consult with medical professionals, and estimate future treatment needs and costs.

Demand and Negotiation

We calculate full damages including pain and suffering and submit a demand for compensation to the liable party’s insurance carrier. Most cases settle during this phase.

Litigation

If the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial. We build every case with the courtroom in mind to strengthen our position from day one.

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.

You Deserve a Trial-Ready Legal Team

After a New York City crane accident, medical bills and lost income can overwhelm families. Let WRSMH fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (212) 986-7353 today for your free consultation with a New York construction accident attorney.

Legal Rights and Compensation for Injured New York City Workers

New York labor laws offer some of the most comprehensive protections for construction workers in the country. If you were injured in a crane accident, several key laws may apply to your case, giving you the right to pursue compensation beyond what is available through workers’ compensation alone.

Labor Law 240

Commonly referred to as the Scaffold Law, this is one of the most powerful tools available to injured construction workers. Although it is often associated with scaffolding and ladder-related accidents, it also covers injuries resulting from gravity-related hazards, making it highly relevant to crane incidents.

How it applies to crane accidents:

• If a load falls from a crane and strikes a worker due to inadequate rigging or a lack of safety devices, §240 may apply.
• If a worker falls from elevation due to a collapsing crane or unsafe work platform, §240 can be triggered.
• The law imposes strict liability on general contractors and property owners (with limited exceptions) when workers are injured because of inadequate elevation-related safety measures.

Unlike traditional negligence claims, strict liability under §240 means that injured workers do not need to prove fault—only that the safety provisions of the law were violated and that the violation caused the injury.

Labor Law 241(6)

Labor Law §241(6) adds another layer of protection for construction workers. This law requires that all areas in which construction, excavation, or demolition work is being performed comply with specific safety rules outlined in the New York State Industrial Code.

In crane accident cases, violations may include:

• Failing to properly barricade or secure the crane’s operating radius
• Overloading the crane beyond capacity limits
• Failing to properly inspect, maintain, or secure equipment
• Allowing unlicensed or untrained personnel to operate the crane
• Inadequate signaling and communication between crane operator and crew

Labor Law 200

Labor Law §200 is the general workplace safety provision under New York law. It requires employers, contractors, and site owners to provide workers with a reasonably safe work environment.

Unlike §240 and §241(6), this law is based on traditional negligence, which means we must prove that the responsible party knew or should have known about the dangerous condition that led to the accident.

In crane accident cases, §200 may apply if:

• The crane was placed on an unstable foundation
• Maintenance personnel failed to correct a known defect in the crane
• A supervisor knowingly permitted unsafe operation conditions
• Proper safety training and protocols were not implemented

WRSMH attorneys are skilled in proving liability under §200 by gathering worksite records, reviewing safety logs, and deposing supervisors and managers who may have failed in their duties.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuits

The Limitations of Workers’ Compensation Claims

• No coverage for pain and suffering
• Only partial reimbursement for lost wages
• No punitive damages, even in cases of extreme negligence

Third-Party Lawsuits

In certain cases, a third-party lawsuit can provide compensation beyond workers comp benefits. If someone other than your employer—such as a property owner, general contractor, crane manufacturer, or subcontractor—contributed to the accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against that party.

Through a third-party claim, you can seek:

• Full lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Medical expenses not covered by workers’ comp
• Compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement

Our attorneys evaluate every crane accident case to determine whether a third-party lawsuit is viable. In many situations, pursuing both workers’ compensation and a civil claim offers the most complete financial recovery.

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.

How a New York Crane Accident Attorney Can Help

When you're facing serious injuries, lost income, and an uncertain future, the last thing you need is to deal with insurance companies or uncooperative employers. That’s where Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP comes in. Our attorneys can:

• Investigate your accident and preserve evidence
• Determine liability and uncover all responsible parties
• Handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel
• Calculate your damages and account for long-term costs
• Negotiate a strong settlement, or take your case to trial if necessary

We work with crane operation and construction experts who can help demonstrate exactly how and why the accident occurred and who is responsible. If needed, we will bring in medical experts to testify on the long-term impact of your injuries.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in New York?

In most personal injury cases in New York, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. But time limits vary based on the circumstances:

• Wrongful death: Two years from the date of death
• Claims against a city or state agency: Notice of claim must be filed within 90 days, with the lawsuit filed within one year and 90 days

Because evidence can disappear quickly on a construction site, it’s essential to act fast. We can help you meet every deadline and preserve every piece of crucial evidence.

Call for a Free Consultation Today

Crane accidents can change lives in an instant, causing serious injuries, long-term disabilities, or even death.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a crane-related incident on a construction site or elsewhere in New York City, Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, is here to help.

Call (212) 986-7353 to learn more today. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Some of Our Crane Accident Case Results

$2,500,000 Recovery - Laborer Fell from Scaffold After Crane Collapse in New York

Kenneth J. Halperin, an attorney at WRSMH, successfully secured a $2,500,000 settlement for a 40-year-old carpenter injured in a construction site accident. The incident occurred when an overloaded crane collapsed, hitting the scaffold the plaintiff was descending, forcing him to fall approximately fifteen feet to the ground to avoid being crushed. As a result, he sustained significant injuries requiring lumbar spine fusion and arthroscopic knee surgery. Despite limited union work experience over the past five years, an expert witness bolstered his damages claim by projecting future medical costs. Remarkably, at the time of settlement, the plaintiff had made a good recovery and was attending Engineering school.

$2,200,000 and $1,100,000 Recovery - A crane on the 60th floor knocked a 100-pound construction bucket off the building

Kenneth Halperin successfully secured a settlement through mediation totaling $2,200,000 and $1,100,000 for two marble setters, aged 46 and 32, injured in a construction accident at the Bryant Park Tower in New York City. During the incident, a crane on the 60th floor knocked a 100-pound construction bucket off the building, causing debris that injured the plaintiffs who were working nearby. Pursuing the case under Labor Laws §200(1) and §240(1), the firm compelled the defendants to concede liability by highlighting their failures to safeguard workers. As a result of the accident, one plaintiff required cervical spine fusion surgery and was unable to return to work, while the other underwent a microdiscectomy and arthroscopic ankle surgery, later developing a hip stress fracture. The defendants' medical experts claimed the plaintiffs’ injuries were preexisting and unrelated to the accident.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

First -class law firm-Ian Andaya (5-Star Google Review)

First-class law firm, very responsive. I have worked with Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP law firm on multiple occasions, and every interaction with them was very professional. They are always quick to respond to my concerns and questions. I appreciate their client-centric approach, as they always go above and beyond for the benefit of their clients. When gathering information for the cases, they appeared to be laser-focused, making sure no stones remained unturned.

Definitely recommend him to all my friends- Thiago Benacio (5-Star Google Review)

Carmine took really good care of my case and got my case settled quick. Definitely recommend him to all my friends, and if I ever need a lawyer again, I will definitely call him. Thanks to all of you at WRSMH.

Other Locations We Serve in New York

• Bronx
• Brooklyn
• Manhattan
• Queens
• Staten Island

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Crane Accidents

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

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

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

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.

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

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

What Are the New York construction site laws?

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.

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

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.

Meet Our Attorneys

Phil Russotti

New York Attorney Registration Number: 1154855

Phil Russotti is a senior partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, and one of New York’s premier personal injury trial attorneys. With a deep commitment to justice and strategic trial preparation, he has secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in cases involving medical malpractice, construction accidents, police shootings and construction injuries.

Clifford H. Shapiro

New York Attorney Registration Number: 2036911

Clifford H. Shapiro is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. Since joining the firm in 1986, he has handled numerous of cases involving motor vehicle collisions, construction accidents, and premises liability. Cliff is known for his aggressive negotiation strategies and commitment to achieving full compensation for his clients. He plays a key role in settlement coordination and pre-trial litigation.

Bryce Moses

New York Attorney Registration Number: 2673747

Bryce Moses is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, and a skilled trial attorney with a track record of winning high-value verdicts and settlements. Bryce brings sharp litigation instincts to complex personal injury cases, including construction accidents, premises liability, and vehicle collisions. He is known for his courtroom presence, strategic thinking, and client-focused approach.

Ken Halperin

New York Attorney Registration Number: 2549905

Kenneth J. Halperin is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. He focuses on construction accidents, premises liability, and motor vehicle collisions, and has secured numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients. He is a seasoned negotiator and litigator committed to protecting injured New Yorkers.

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