New York City Crane Accident Attorneys

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

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 $2 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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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

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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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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

If you were injured on the job in a crane accident, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation. This system provides coverage for medical expenses and partial wage replacement, but it doesn’t go far enough.

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.

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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.

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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 (212) 986-7353 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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Other Locations We Serve in New York

• Bronx
• Brooklyn
• Manhattan
• Queens
• Staten Island

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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