As a crane operator or construction worker in New York City, you face the ever-present risk of life-altering injuries from crane collapses. When you've been harmed by a crane accident, you need the skilled legal guidance of a New York City crane accident lawyer to help you make a fair recovery and protect your future.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, our New York construction accident attorneys have extensive experience investigating complex crane collapse cases and fighting for the maximum compensation injured workers deserve. We encourage you to learn more about your rights and to contact us for a free, personalized review of your potential claim.
Common Causes of Crane Collapses in NYC
Cranes are essential for constructing NYC's iconic skyline, but their immense size and complexity create inherent dangers. The first step in pursuing a successful crane collapse injury claim is identifying what caused it. Our crane accident lawyers work with industry experts to uncover critical evidence of negligence, such as:
Crane Operator Error
Crane operation requires extensive training, experience, and constant vigilance. Even a momentary lapse in judgment can have devastating consequences. If an operator makes errors like overloading the crane, failing to secure the load correctly, or being distracted, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
Poor Maintenance and Mechanical Failure
Cranes are intricate machines with numerous components that must function perfectly. Worn or defective parts can fail catastrophically under the immense stresses of lifting operations. If a crane collapse stems from inadequate maintenance or a manufacturing defect, you may have a claim against the maintenance contractor or equipment manufacturer.
Improper Site Planning and Supervision
Safely operating a crane requires careful coordination and site-specific planning. If project managers or site supervisors fail to ensure proper crane positioning, load capacity calculations, or clearances from power lines and structures, their negligence may have directly contributed to the collapse.
Inadequate Safety Equipment and Fall Protection
NYC construction workers injured in a crane collapse often suffer harm from being struck by debris or falling from heights. The results may be catastrophic if employers fail to provide adequate hard hats, debris netting, or personal fall arrest systems.
Structural Overloading and Foundation Failures
Cranes exert massive force on the structures and foundations supporting them. If engineers or contractors fail to assess structural capacity or properly ensure stable foundations, cranes can topple under immense weight and dynamic loads.
Pursuing Fair Compensation Through Crane Negligence Claims
To receive fair compensation for your crane accident injury, you need to know what caused your injury, who was responsible, and if New York labor laws and OSHA standards were violated.
Our NYC construction crane negligence attorneys meticulously investigate the circumstances of your accident to identify every potentially liable party. Depending on the facts of your case, you may have claims against:
- The crane operator
- The crane owner
- The general contractor
- Subcontractors
- The crane manufacturer
- The property owner
- Safety consultants or inspectors
Many crane accident cases fall under New York Labor Law sections 200, 240(1), and 241(6), which provide special legal protections for construction workers:
- Section 200 codifies the general duty to protect worker health and safety. Property owners and contractors must provide a safe workplace. This section allows injured workers to bring claims when unsafe conditions, like inadequate crane maintenance or operation, cause harm.
- Section 240(1), known as the "Scaffold Law", imposes strict liability on owners and general contractors for elevation-related injuries. This powerful statute covers crane collapses and falling debris accidents, allowing workers to recover compensation without proving negligence.
- Section 241(6) requires owners and contractors to comply with specific safety rules in the Industrial Code. Violations of rules on crane inspections, load capacity, or operator certification can establish liability under this section.
By thoroughly investigating the root causes of your crane collapse and identifying every available legal theory, we can craft a comprehensive strategy to secure the full compensation you need to rebuild after a devastating accident. From negotiating with insurers to litigating in court, we have the knowledge and determination to protect your rights every step of the way.
Investigating Your Crane Collapse to Build a Compelling Case
Proving crane accident claims requires swift action to preserve vital evidence. Our legal team immediately gets to work to:
- Obtain and analyze crane maintenance and inspection records
- Review operator training and certification documents
- Evaluate the crane's load moment indicator data
- Assess rigging and load stability
- Scrutinize employee testimony about the crane
- Consult with experts in crane design, operation, and engineering
Armed with this evidence, our NYC crane accident attorneys craft a compelling case to prove liability and demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and losses.
