New York City construction sites are some of the most dangerous environments for workers due in large part to equipment and machinery that can be hazardous to operate—even with proper safety training.
One of the most dangerous pieces of machinery used on construction sites is a crane. Because of the sheer size of cranes, the devastation of a crane accidents can stretch beyond the construction site.
In New York City, construction is an everyday part of life, and because of the nature of the city, many construction sites require vertical hoisting of materials. It’s no surprise, then, that NYC has a high rate of crane accidents that cause severe injuries and fatalities to construction workers and pedestrians.
Crane accident victims deserve justice and financial compensation for their losses, and an experienced attorney can help them fight for it. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crane accident, it’s important to understand your legal options. The best way to do that is to review your rights with an experienced crane accident lawyer in your area today.
Common types of crane accidents in NYC
There are different types of crane accidents, but they all can have catastrophic consequences. In NYC, crane accidents continue to contribute to long-term work injuries and fatalities. The different types of crane accidents include:
Cranes collapsing and tipping over
Collapses and tip-overs are some of the most common types of crane-related accidents. Like most other machinery, cranes have a weight limit. Overloading a crane and surpassing the weight limit can lead to a collapse.
Another common reason for a crane collapse is an unbalanced load. If the crane’s load is not properly stabilized, the load could move and cause the crane to tip over or collapse. Most cranes use a counterweight system to balance out the load. If the weight is too heavy and not balanced, the crane can tip over.
The ground underneath the crane can also cause tipping. If the ground is uneven, muddy, or unstable, it may not be able to support the crane and its load. Any of these incidents can be caused by negligence on the part of the crane company or operator.
Even while the crane is not being used, it should be secured to prevent tipping over or collapsing.
Dropped loads
Cranes can carry large loads hundreds of feet in the air. Dropped loads of this size at this height endanger the lives of construction workers and pedestrians within close proximity of the accident.
To make sure the crane can lift what It needs to, it goes through a process called rigging. Crane rigging prepares the crane to lift its heavy load. Improper or incomplete rigging increases the chances of the crane dropping the load.
Crane boom collapse
The boom is a part of the crane that holds the load and moves objects, essentially like a mechanical arm. If the load is over the weight limit, the boom can collapse. It can also collapse if it is not correctly assembled. Finally, if not properly attached, the weight of a load or weather conditions can cause the boom to disconnect and collapse.
Electrical lines
A fatal crane accident can occur when the crane contacts live power lines, putting the crane operator are at risk of electrocution. If there are no marked flags to warn operators about the distance of the power lines, the risk is even greater.
Mechanical failures
The safety of workers depends on proper maintenance of cranes. For instance, certain parts of the crane should be kept oiled. Cranes need to be inspected regularly to prevent mechanical failures, and any damage should be repaired promptly. Consistent and complete maintenance is crucial.
The most common crane-related fatalities
Most fatal crane accidents are caused by coming in contact with crane equipment, usually due to crane collapses or dropped loads. When a crane falls or drops its load, anyone beneath or near the area can be crushed.
Construction workers are usually the victims of these crane accidents since they are directly on site, but pedestrians are also at risk in a heavily populated area like New York City. Bystanders near a construction site could fall victim to a crane accident. They could be people in local traffic, pedestrians on foot, people in nearby buildings, or residents in their own homes.
Talk to an attorney today if you were hurt in a crane accident
If you were injured or a loved one died in a New York City crane accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Unfortunately, claims involving crane accidents are complex.
Without experienced legal representation on your side, you could miss out on critical legal deadlines or accept a settlement offer that falls far short of the compensation you’re actually entitled to recover.
However, a lawyer can calculate the actual cost of your crane accident (in both the short and long term), build a strong case, and advocate for the financial compensation you deserve.
When you or someone you love is injured in a crane accident in New York City, the attorney you choose will make all the difference. Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer in your area right now.
