Cranes are huge and complex construction machinery requiring skilled operation, careful maintenance and responsible safety measures. When failures occur in any of these areas, death and serious injuries can result, not only to construction workers, but to bystanders as well. Unfortunately, with its volume of high-rise construction, the New York City and Long Island areas see a too frequent occurrence of crane accidents.
For example, a wrongful death trial in New York concerning a Manhattan crane collapse that cost the lives of the crane operator and a sewer company worker, allegedly resulting from faulty critical crane repairs, was the subject of a recent news article. As reported, this incident occurred only 2 months after an earlier crane accident that killed 7 people in Manhattan.
An experienced Long Island construction accident lawyer with Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can help injured crane accident victims, whether they are construction workers or bystanders. Our attorneys have been successfully representing clients in construction accident claims for more than a dozen years and have more than 100 years of collective experience. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients on Long Island and throughout the New York metro area.
We know your rights and fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation and advice about your legal right to compensation.
How Crane Accidents Happen
Construction companies and equipment operators have a responsibility to maintain and operate these huge and potentially dangerous machines safely. OSHA regulations are in place governing the operation of cranes and derricks in construction.
If power lines are not de-energized, crane operators must maintain a safe distance and insulated barriers must be used to prevent contact. An additional worker is required to watch and communicate when the crane operator cannot see clearly. Operators must be certified, and equipment inspections are required by OSHA.
Most companies follow these rules. However, when they fail to do so, any number of things can go wrong. Some common causes of crane accidents and injuries include the following:
- Dropped loads.
- Falls from the crane.
- Collapse of the crane due to faulty construction or loads that are too heavy.
- High-voltage power line contact by the boom or crane.
- Overturning of the crane.
- Collapse of the boom.
- Crushing injury caused by the counterweight.
- Rigging failures.
- Hook lifting device injuries.
Common Injuries in Crane Accidents
Injuries suffered in crane accidents can be serious or even fatal. In a “Crane and Hoist Safety” publication, OSHA estimated that an average of 71 people die from crane accidents every year. Types of injuries suffered as a result of crane accidents may include:
- Crush injuries.
- Fractured bones.
- Electric shock.
- Burns from electrocution.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis.
- Injuries to the lower extremities.
- Back injuries.
- Death.
Who may be Liable for Crane Accidents
When construction accidents happen, New York construction workers can file workers’ compensation claims, but they are prohibited by state law from suing their employers in most situations. However, another company or entity may be at fault for the accident, in which case the worker may file a third-party Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer in addition to claiming workers’ compensation benefits.
Manufacturers, prime contractors, subcontractors, developers, vendors and other parties may be liable for crane accident injuries. In some cases involving falls from heights, property owners may be held accountable in premises liability claims. Our dedicated legal team will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who is at fault for your injuries.
Injured in a Crane Accident? Our Lawyers can Help
If you have suffered serious injuries in a crane accident or lost a loved one in a crane accident wrongful death, the experienced Long Island accident attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can help. Since 2003, we have represented many injured construction workers, site visitors and bystanders. We are well-versed in workers compensation, personal injury and New York labor law.
Our knowledgeable Long Island construction accident legal team is prepared to carefully investigate and review the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident and build the best possible case for your claim. We are here to assist you with every aspect of your case.
Our goals are the same as yours – we want to help you get your back on track after a serious injury or loss. We give you personal attention when you need it most and work hard to recover the benefits and compensation you are entitled to receive. Our Long Island lawyers have the experience, skills and dedication to aggressively pursue the full value of your claim.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case. If you are unable to come to us, we can come to you.
Sources:
- Fox News: Wrongful death trial opens in New York crane collapse; owner was acquitted of criminal charges
- OSHA: Cranes & Derricks in Construction
- OSHA Archive: Crane and Hoist Safety
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Long Island, call 516-358-6900
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and may not be applicable in your jurisdiction.
