New York Crane Accident Lawyer

Crane accidents are among the most catastrophic events on a construction site, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Given the scale and complexity of crane operations in New York City’s dense urban environment, the potential for accidents is notably high. At the Law Offices of Ira M. Perlman, P.C. & Robert D. Rosen, P.C., our New York crane accident lawyers have experience in representing victims of crane accidents, providing skilled legal counsel to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today for immediate assistance.

What Constitutes a NYC Crane Accident?

In New York City, a crane accident is any incident involving crane equipment resulting in injury, death, or property damage. Given the extensive use of cranes in NYC’s high-rise construction and maintenance sectors, these accidents can have significant implications. Understanding what constitutes a crane accident can help in preventive measures and in seeking timely legal recourse when necessary.

Types of Crane Accidents

• Crane Collapses: This includes a crane’s partial or complete collapse due to structural failures, overloading, or improper assembly. Such collapses can cause widespread damage and severe injuries to workers and bystanders.
• Falling Loads: One of the most common crane accidents, where materials being lifted by the crane fall due to rigging failures, improper securing, or overloading. This can lead to severe injuries or fatalities to those below or near the crane.
• Crane Tip-Overs: Cranes can tip over if not properly balanced or operate beyond capacity. This is particularly dangerous in urban environments where space is limited, and the risk to the surrounding area is high.
• Boom Collapse: The crane boom can collapse due to mechanical failure or incorrect extension relative to its load capacity. This can directly injury crane operators and other nearby workers.
• Contact With Power Lines: Cranes operating near overhead power lines can cause electrocution if the crane or its load comes into contact with the power lines. This is a common risk that requires strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Mechanical Failures: This can include malfunctioning any part of the crane’s operating systems, such as the hoist, crane movement controls, or other critical mechanical parts.
• Operator Error: Mistakes made by crane operators due to inadequate training, lack of experience, or negligence can lead to accidents.

Legal and Regulatory Context

New York City has stringent regulations governing crane operations to prevent such accidents. The city’s Building Department requires specific permits, operator licensing, and regular inspections to ensure crane safety. Determining liability and the sequence of events is crucial for legal action in an accident.

The New York State Labor Laws, including specific provisions like the “Scaffold Law” (Labor Law 240), provide strong protection for workers involved in height-related risks and can impact the liability and compensation in crane accident cases.

How a New York Crane Accident Lawyer Can Help

We are deeply familiar with the complexities and dangers of crane operations in New York City’s construction environments. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crane accident, our construction accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the aftermath and secure the compensation you deserve. Here’s how we can assist:

Experienced Legal Advice

Our crane accident attorneys provide knowledgeable legal advice specific to crane accidents. We understand the nuances of New York’s construction laws, including Labor Law 240 (Scaffold Law), and other regulations that protect workers and the public. We will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.

Thorough Investigation

We conduct comprehensive investigations to determine the cause of the crane accident. This involves examining site safety protocols, crane maintenance records, and operator qualifications. We also collaborated with engineering experts to analyze whether the crane operated within safety standards and manufacturer guidelines.

Identifying Liable Parties

Crane accidents can involve several potentially liable parties, including crane operators, construction companies, crane manufacturers, and sometimes third-party contractors. Our personal injury lawyers meticulously assess the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved to pinpoint sources of negligence or failure to comply with safety regulations.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Our personal injury attorneys aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs if the injuries are severe. We also seek damages for any emotional trauma and loss of quality of life resulting from the accident.

Negotiation and Litigation

Our legal team possesses strong negotiation skills to deal with insurance companies and liable parties. We strive to achieve a fair settlement out of court when possible. However, if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to litigate your case, leveraging our experience to present a strong argument in court.

Personalized Support

We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a crane accident can be incredibly stressful and traumatic. Our firm provides personalized attention to each client, ensuring you feel supported throughout the entire legal process. We handle all legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on recovery and rehabilitation.

Common Injuries from a New York Crane Accident

Crane accidents in New York City are among the most severe in the construction industry, given the height and weight of the equipment involved. These accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries that have long-term or even permanent effects on the health and livelihood of those involved. Here are some of the most common injuries that can occur as a result of a crane accident:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

TBIs occur when the head suffers a sudden impact or jolt, which can happen during falls from the crane or being struck by objects dropped from the crane. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the area of the spine affected. These injuries are often the result of falls or being crushed by machinery or parts of the crane.

Broken Bones

Common in crane accidents due to falls, collapses, and other impacts. Fractures can occur in any part of the body but are particularly debilitating when they involve the spine, pelvis, or limbs.

Amputations

Severe crane accidents might lead to situations where limbs are severely crushed or severed, sometimes necessitating surgical amputation.

Crush Injuries

These injuries occur when part of the body is pressed between two objects or when a person is trapped under a fallen crane or debris. They can affect muscles, bones, and internal organs.

Lacerations and Contusions

Sharp or heavy falling objects, as well as the mechanical components of the crane itself, can cause serious cuts or bruises.

Electrocution

Cranes operating near power lines or during the improper handling of electrical equipment can lead to electrocution accidents, which can cause burns, cardiac arrest, and other bodily injuries.

Burns

Burns can occur if the crane accident involves fires, explosions, or electrical faults. They may vary in severity and require long-term treatment.

Death

Unfortunately, due to the severe nature of crane accidents, fatalities are not uncommon. Families may seek compensation through wrongful death claims in such cases.

Who Is Liable for NYC Crane Accidents?

Determining liability in NYC crane accidents involves examining the roles and responsibilities of multiple parties involved in construction and operation. Because of the complexities involved in crane operation and the potential for serious injury, identifying all liable parties is crucial for ensuring accountability and securing compensation for the injured. Here’s an overview of the parties that can be held liable in crane accidents in New York City:

Crane Operators

• Responsibility: Operators must manage the crane’s controls and adhere to specific training and safety protocols.
• Liability: They can be held liable if their negligence, such as operating the crane under the influence of alcohol or drugs, ignoring safety protocols, or operating it beyond safe limits, leads to an accident.

Construction Companies

• Responsibility: Construction companies are responsible for ensuring the overall safety of the construction site, including crane operations.
• Liability: These entities can be liable for accidents resulting from inadequate training, poor supervision, or failure to adhere to safety regulations.

Crane Owners

• Responsibility: Owners must maintain the crane safely according to industry standards and manufacturer specifications.
• Liability: If an accident is caused by failure to maintain or inspect the crane properly, the owner can be held liable.

General Contractors and Subcontractors

• Responsibility: They are tasked with ensuring that the specific aspects of a construction project they manage, including crane operations, are performed safely.
• Liability: Contractors and subcontractors can be liable if their failure to manage risks or coordinate safety measures results in an accident.

Crane Manufacturers

• Responsibility: Manufacturers are responsible for designing and building cranes that are safe and free from defects.
• Liability: If a crane accident is due to a design or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer might be held liable under product liability laws.

Third-Party Vendors

• Responsibility: This includes companies responsible for assembling or disassembling cranes or those providing parts and equipment used in crane operation.
• Liability: These parties can be liable if errors in assembly, faulty parts, or inadequate service contribute to an accident.

Project Engineers and Architects

• Responsibility: They are responsible for planning and overseeing construction projects, including integrating and safely using cranes.
• Liability: These professionals can be held accountable if improper planning or oversight leads to unsafe crane usage or setup.

Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you have been injured in a crane accident in New York City, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. The specific types of compensation available can depend on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the legal strategy pursued. Here’s an overview of potential compensations you might receive:

Medical Expenses

Covers all medical treatments related to the accident, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, medical equipment, and ongoing rehabilitation.

Lost Wages

Compensates for wages lost when you cannot work due to your injuries. This includes past and future lost wages if you cannot return to work or must take a lesser-paying job due to your injuries.

Loss of Earning Capacity

If the injuries impact your ability to earn money in the future, compensation for loss of earning capacity can be claimed, reflecting the difference between your pre-accident and post-accident earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Compensates for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries. This is non-economic damage and can vary widely in amount, depending on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your life.

Permanent Disability and Disfigurement

If the accident results in permanent disability or disfigurement, compensation can include additional sums to cover the costs of living with such disabilities, including modifications to your home or vehicle, and compensation for the loss of quality of life.

Wrongful Death

In cases where a crane accident leads to a fatality, the surviving family members can file for wrongful death compensation. This includes funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the negligence demonstrated by the responsible parties is particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar negligent behavior in the future.

Pursue Justice and Compensation for Your Crane Accident Injury

If you’ve been injured in a crane accident in New York City, you need a dedicated legal team that understands the complexities of construction accident law. Contact the Law Offices of Ira M. Perlman, P.C. & Robert D. Rosen, P.C. today. Our experienced crane accident lawyers are committed to securing the maximum compensation you deserve and guiding you through every step of the legal process. Schedule your free consultation now, and let us help you on your journey to recovery and justice.