Have you suffered a serious injury during a crane accident on a local construction site? A construction accident lawyer in New York can represent your interests in these potentially complex legal cases.
Below, Dervishi Law Group, P.C.’s New York crane accident lawyers will explain what injured workers should know about the state’s legal protections.
Growing Concerns Surrounding New York’s Crane Accidents and Injured Workers
New York’s construction industry relies heavily on cranes in its iconic skyline’s development, but these powerful machines present substantial workplace injury risks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national crane-related fatalities at 297 between 2011 and 2017. The equipment’s massive size and weight mean that even minor malfunctions can lead to devastating outcomes.
Construction workers who are involved in crane accidents and survive may face potentially life-altering consequences. On top of this, determining liability can be a challenge since these incidents often involve multiple parties. Your New York crane accident lawyer may need to coordinate testimony or claims from crane operators, on-site construction companies, various manufacturers, and the liable property owners.
In big cases like this, it is helpful to understand the common crane accident causes and rights under the law. According to OSHA safety statistics, incidents like improper assembly and disassembly cause numerous crane accidents every year. However, fatalities may also happen when workers are standing under dropped loads, fall from a height, or are struck by the moving crane itself.
Mechanical failures represent another significant category of crane accidents in New York City. One 2023 report on a New York City crane fire attributed the catastrophe to a failing hydraulic hose. The resulting fire caused the crane to damage a 45-story tower nearby, injuring several workers.
If you are in the construction industry and around cranes, you could encounter:
- Hydraulic system failures that cause sudden malfunctions
- Worn cables or hoists that snap under load
- Structural defects in the crane itself that compromise the structure’s stability
- Electrical problems that create fire hazards or operational breakdowns
Inadequate maintenance schedules and operator errors may also allow dangerous conditions to develop on busy construction sites. When crane operators lack proper training, work while fatigued, or disregard safety protocols, human factors combined with wind, poor visibility, or unstable ground can prove disastrous.
What Injured Workers Should Know About Their Legal Rights in New York Crane Accident Cases
New York law provides protection for construction workers injured in crane accidents. For example, Labor Law Section 240(1), or the “Scaffold Law,” holds local property owners and contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries on site. This law may apply, for example, to crane accidents that involve hoisting and securing materials.
In certain situations, you can file a workers’ compensation claim in New York State for medical benefits and wage replacement. However, if workers’ compensation falls short, additional legal action against third parties may help you prove that their negligence contributed to your injuries. A crane accident attorney in New York can help you identify these potentially liable parties, such as equipment manufacturers who produced defective components or operators who acted negligently.
How a Construction Accident Lawyer in New York Might Protect an Injured Party’s Interests
Your New York crane accident lawyer navigates this legal process with knowledge of construction law and experience in the field. You may face insurance company lawyers working to minimize their client’s financial exposure. Having legal representation could help guide you through these challenges.
You might ask a construction accident attorney in NYC to investigate your case’s merits thoroughly, based on the crane accident report, witness statements, or maintenance records. Your attorney could calculate the damages and gather the right documentation to establish an argument of negligence that led to your injuries.
Prevention and Accountability Through Accident Awareness
Crane accident awareness in New York aims to prevent future tragedies while supporting injured workers. Reporting hazardous conditions plays an important role in workplace safety for others. The law also has channels in place to protect those who raise legitimate concerns from employer retaliation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that just over half of all fatal crane injuries involved an object or a piece of equipment striking someone. Local construction companies should implement comprehensive safety programs to maintain these expected standards. These may include regular crane inspections, operator certification requirements, or training crews in emergency response procedures.
As a construction worker, your own awareness of proper crane operation procedures can help you recognize when safety standards are being compromised or ignored. If you observe operators exceeding load capacities, working in unsafe conditions, or skipping safety protocols, you might consider reporting these preventable situations to the authorities.
Time Limits for Taking Legal Action After Your Injury
Like many states, New York imposes deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Workers have three years from the date of an accident to file a claim, but this is only if it’s not on government property. Prompt legal consultation can help you decide when to make your claim and what to include in this application.
For example, New York’s workers’ compensation claims require that you notify your employer of your injury within 30 days, preferably in writing. You would then need to file your workers’ compensation claim within a maximum of two years. Consulting a New York crane accident lawyer as early as possible provides several advantages, including maintaining fresh evidence and tracking down available witnesses.
Contact Dervishi Law Group, P.C. for Crane Accident Representation in NYC
Crane accidents cause some of the most severe injuries in the construction industry, leaving workers facing uncertain futures. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of incidents like these can be devastating for you and your family. A lawyer can provide an understanding of the common causes of crane accidents and advocate on your behalf as an injured worker, no matter the case’s complexities.
If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury during a crane accident, get in touch with Dervishi Law Group, P.C. at (718) 484-4757 to speak with an experienced New York crane accident lawyer. Our representatives handle cases involving construction accidents and workplace injuries across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about crane accidents or your legal options in New York, read on to see some of the most common ones we receive.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Crane Accident in New York?
Multiple parties may bear a portion of the responsibility for a crane accident, including the property owner, a crane operator, a general contractor, an equipment manufacturer, and even an attending maintenance company.
What Types of Compensation Would a Crane Accident Attorney in New York Aim To Recover?
If your workers’ compensation claim was not adequate and you are building a case to present in court, an attorney may still advise further action. Some cases of negligence may seek coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, or pain and suffering. Other cases may focus on permanent disability or the severity of your injuries when pursuing economic and non-economic damages.
When Should I Contact a Construction Accident Attorney in NYC?
If you have been injured in the line of duty at a construction site, you should contact a New York crane accident lawyer as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment. Early legal intervention could ensure that you meet all the state’s filing deadlines. Having someone in your corner also prevents insurance companies or company lawyers from taking advantage of your vulnerable position during negotiations or investigations.
