Crane accidents occur much more frequently than they should in New York and across the country. According to a recent report from ABC 7 News, a crane recently broke at a 31-story luxury high-rise building in North Brooklyn. As the report described, “the arm of the crane could be seen dangling off the side of the building instead of being perched above it.” The collapsed portion of the crane was approximately 175 feet in length. Although no injuries were reported and technicians were able to respond to the scene before the crane fell, the crane accident could have resulted in severe and fatal injuries to any workers near the scene as well as to any passersby.
The recent crane collapse serves as a reminder of the serious risks associated with crane accidents on construction sites. We want to provide you with more information about crane accidents and to discuss options for seeking compensation when these construction accidents do result in injuries.
Understanding Crane Accidents and Injuries
Crane accidents can have a number of different causes, and these pieces of heavy machinery can result in struck-by accidents, rollover accidents, and other types of incidents on construction sites. The following are some of the most common causes of crane accidents:
Improper construction site worker training on safe crane operation and behavior around a crane;
Crane collapse due to a problem with weight limits, or counterbalances or counterweights;
Negligent crane assembly, most often involving improper assembling of supports that are designed to stabilize the crane;
Poor crane maintenance or negligent maintenance resulting in mechanical failure;
Improper or rushed inspections; and/or
Cranes coming into contact with overhead power or other electrical lines.
How to Seek Financial Compensation Following a Crane Accident in New York
If you are injured in a crane accident while working on a construction site, you may have two options for seeking financial compensation; you may be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits as well as to file a lawsuit against the negligent construction site employer under New York Labor Law. Unlike other states, New York allows construction workers to seek compensation from negligent employers in addition to seeking financial compensation through the workers’ compensation system.
When a crane accident injures a pedestrian who is passing by the construction site, that pedestrian may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. It is important to speak with a construction accident attorney to determine liability. The at-fault party will depend upon the particular facts of the case.
Learn More From a New York Construction Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love got hurt in a crane accident on or near a New York construction site, one of our experienced New York construction accident attorneys can speak with you about filing a claim for financial compensation. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit against a negligent construction site owner, general contractor, or another party under New York Labor Law. Contact Leitner Varughese Warywoda PLLC to learn more about how our firm can assist you.
