New York Crane Accident Attorneys
Cranes are a fundamental resource during construction due to their impressive load capacities. However, they present dangerous and even fatal risks to construction workers as well as surrounding pedestrians; approximately 20% of all construction accidents involve the use of a crane, and over 1,000 crane-related injuries are recorded each year.
Those who survive these crane accidents are often left with devastating injuries, steep medical bills, and lifelong disabilities. If you have suffered from an accident involving a crane, contact our crane accident attorneys to learn more about your rights. You may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including damages.
Our personal injury attorneys at Halperin, Halperin & Weiskopf, PLLC. have handled countless cases involving accidents and fatalities from the use of cranes and will guide you through the legal process.
Cranes have become impressively large, heavy, and complex over the years, standing hundreds of feet off the ground in order to build large, multi-story structures. This can be problematic, as crane operators can only control and inspect certain aspects of their machinery. In fact, an overwhelming majority of crane accidents are caused by some form of human error, ranging from unchecked hoist loads to collisions with existing structures.
Crane accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. When large pieces of machinery are in motion, any error or malfunction could result in a crippling injury. To address these problems, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established rules and regulations to prevent crane accidents and other construction accidents from occurring; despite these standards, accidents still happen. Some common causes of crane accidents include:
- Improper or negligent operation
- Electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic failures
- Overweight cranes
- Boom collapses
- Falling Cranes or structures
- Improper crane installations
- Unsafe working conditions
Common Injuries from Crane Accidents
- Electrocutions when metal cranes collide with power lines
- Crush injuries and amputations from falling objects
- Spinal cord and brain injuries from a falling crane
- Lacerations from broken or fatigued cables
What To Do Following A Crane Accident
If you sustained injuries in a construction site accident, you must receive proper medical care. Have a medical professional assess and treat your injuries, even if they seem minor. Then record the details of the accident as soon as you are able. Note the time and place in which the accident occurred and note any potential causes of the incident. Include pictures if you can. Be sure to report the incident to your supervisor, identify witnesses or evidence, and keep track of medical expenses. Such details are essential, as they can be used as evidence in a lawsuit or injury claim.
It is crucial that you notify your employer after an accident, as failure to do so could result in a weakened claim.
Who is Responsible?
Several parties may be liable for a crane accident; however, each accident is unique. Our crane accident attorneys at Halperin, Halperin & Weiskopf, PLLC. will review your accident and determine which parties are responsible for your injuries.
Property and Construction Site Owners: Site owners who do not actively participate in the construction process may still be liable for accidents involving cranes.
General Contractors & Subcontractors: Contractors are responsible for training and hiring competent workers and ensuring the general safety of their employees through safety standards and other precautions. OSHA regulations establish that employers are obligated to provide a hazard-free workplace and ensure that employees have access to proper equipment and safety gear to prevent accidents from occurring. Subcontractors have the same responsibilities within their specific site.
Manufacturers: Crane manufacturers and owners are responsible for providing safe and reliable tools for construction workers. Failure to do so may create liability for injuries sustained while using those tools. It is important to note that cranes and other construction equipment are often leased for specific projects. Companies that fail to inspect their equipment adequately can be liable in the event of an accident.
It is not always easy to identify the responsible parties after an accident occurs. Our crane accident attorneys at Halperin and Halperin, P.C. will identify liable parties to get you the compensation you deserve.
Property owners, contractors, and subcontractors carry insurance policies to protect themselves and their employees in the event of an accident, including:
Workers’ Compensation: Workers’ Compensation Insurance provides assistance and benefits to employees who sustain injuries while on the job.
Employer’s Liability: Employer’s Liability Insurance protects businesses from liability involving lawsuits by employees.
Commercial General Liability: Commercial General Liability Insurance provides coverage for common business risks, including injuries and other damages that occur on-premises or result from business operations.
Products Liability: Products Liability Insurance protects manufacturers and lessors from financial damages in the event of an equipment failure, malfunction, or defect.
Workers’ Compensation pays your medical bills and replaces some of your lost income. However, it is usually temporary and not enough to cover the full extent of your expenses and lost wages. If filing a lawsuit is a possibility, it may provide additional reimbursement for your financial losses, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages during recovery, as well as your pain and suffering. Even after you recover, you may be limited in your mobility or capacity to do the same job. Our team of attorneys can help you seek compensation for these additional damages and ensure that you will be able to provide for yourself and your family henceforth.
Statute of Limitations In New York
The statute of limitations for crane accidents in New York State only extends three years from the accident date; however, this time limit may be extended if the victim of a crane accident is under 18 years of age. Additionally, the statute of limitations for crane accidents involving wrongful death extends two years from the date of the victim’s death. It is crucial that you contact an attorney and file your claim before the statute of limitations expires.
Our attorneys at Halperin, Halperin & Weiskopf, PLLC. can help you gather the appropriate materials to make a strong claim in your case. Our construction accident attorneys have proven results in securing substantial settlements for our clients.
