Queens Crane Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Injured Workers Across NYC

Contractors, developers, and others involved in projects that use cranes have duties to protect workers and comply with safety regulations. When they fail to meet these legal obligations, workers harmed as a result may have grounds to pursue compensation.

The Harris Firm, LLC is a nationally recognized trial practice with a reputation for fighting on behalf of injured workers and families across New York City. We’re backed by decades of experience and have the insight to help workers injured in crane accidents explore their options for recovering compensation – whether it’s through workers’ compensation, a claim filed over violations of New York Labor Law, or other civil injury actions.

Our Queens crane accident lawyers proudly serve workers and families throughout all five NYC boroughs. To request a FREE consultation, call (718) 487-8669 or contact us online.

Crane Accident Statistics

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are an average of 42 deaths caused by crane-related accidents each year nationwide. New York, which consistently ranks among the top three states for crane fatalities, averages roughly 16 crane-related deaths per year, in addition to numerous crane-related injuries.

As the data reveal, there are some trends that show how, where, and why crane accidents occur. For example:

• More than half of all crane-related injuries nationwide involve workers being struck by objects or equipment. Roughly 3 out of every 5 of these cases involve falling objects, including falling materials and falling crane components.
• After falling objects, the next leading causes of crane injuries were falls to lower levels (15%) and transportation accidents (13%).
• Fatal crane accidents occur most frequently in specialty trade, heavy and civil engineering, and construction industries. They also occur in the manufacturing and transportation / material moving industries.
• Crane operators are the victims in nearly a quarter of fatal crane accidents. Other victims include various construction workers, laborers, trades workers, and nearby civilians.

Causes of Crane Accidents

The overwhelming majority of crane accidents – as much as 90% according to the Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau (CICB) – result from human error and negligence. Common factors in crane accidents include:

• Unsecured hoisted loads, resulting in falling objects
• Contact with power source / overhead power lines
• Improper maintenance and inspection
• Improper assembly and disassembly of crane
• Rigging failures / failing to extend outriggers
• Exceeding operational capacity
• Unsafe conditions leading to falls from heights or ladder falls
• Overturned cranes and boom collapse
• Crushing by the counterweight
• Damage from the hook-lifting device

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Crane Accidents?

Crane accidents are among the most serious construction site incidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of the equipment involved. Victims of crane accidents can suffer a wide range of injuries, many of which can have life-altering consequences.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a frequent outcome of crane accidents, particularly when individuals are struck by falling objects or debris. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive function, memory, and motor skills. Spinal cord injuries are also common, especially in incidents involving falls from significant heights or being crushed under heavy equipment. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.

Fractures and broken bones are another prevalent injury type in crane accidents. The force of a heavy load or collapsing crane can easily cause multiple fractures, often necessitating surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Additionally, workers may suffer crush injuries, which occur when body parts are caught between heavy machinery or materials, leading to severe tissue damage and the potential for amputation. Finally, soft tissue injuries, including lacerations and puncture wounds, are common when sharp or jagged materials are involved.

Victims of crane accidents may face significant medical bills, lost income, and long-term challenges. Consulting an experienced crane accident attorney can help ensure their rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact our Queens crane accident lawyers by calling (718) 487-8669 today!

Who is Liable for Your Crane Accident?

Determining fault and liability is a key part of any injury case. It also requires careful investigation, collaboration with industry experts, and experienced counsel from attorneys who know the laws. While our firm personally reviews cases to help victims identify potential claims against negligent parties, there are some examples of who may be liable for your crane accident.

• Crane operators or owners responsible for improper training, negligent supervision, operating a crane under the influence, or failure to adequately inspect and store cranes.
• General contractors or premises owners that fail to provide a safe work environment as required by NY Labor Law.
• Developers or subcontractors that negligently contributed to a crane-related accident (causing a transportation accident, creating a hazard, etc.).
• Manufacturers of defective products, including malfunctioning cranes or crane components.

Crane Accidents & Labor Law Violations

New York Labor Laws have robust protections for construction workers, but they are only effective when followed. When contractors, crane operators, property owners, developers, or other parties involved in a construction project fail to comply with important rules, they may be liable for the resulting damages suffered by workers.

Potential regulatory violations in crane accident cases may involve:

• Labor Law 240(1) violations involving elevation-related hazards and failures to provide proper, safe equipment as required by the statue.
• Labor Law 241(6) violations involving failures to provide or ensure reasonable and adequate protection.
• Labor Law 200, which defines general safety requirements on worksites.
• Violations of local codes that restrict use of cranes in high wind conditions.
• OSHA violations involving failure to use a signal person, operating too close to power lines, and improper maintenance or assembly of cranes

Your Options for Compensation After a Crane Accident

If you or someone you love were injured in a crane accident in Queens, you may have options for recovering compensation. These options may include:

• A workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is available to most workers injured on the job, regardless of who caused the accident. Workers’ comp can provide medical benefits, disability benefits based on disability rating, and death benefits, and provide prompt access to needed support.
• A civil personal injury or wrongful death action. While workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for workers injured on the job, there are times when workers or surviving family members can pursue civil legal action against a liable third party. For example, workers and families may have viable claims against property owners, contractors, and other liable parties who violate NY Labor Law 241(6), or against manufacturers that were negligent in the design, manufacturing, or marketing of cranes or related products.

Damages in Crane Accident Cases

Most workers injured on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation, but workers’ compensation may not be the sole legal remedy after a crane accident. Depending on the circumstances, crane accident victims and surviving family members may have grounds to pursue personal injury or wrongful death actions that allow them to recover damages that are otherwise unavailable through workers’ compensation. This includes compensation for:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost income and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional injuries / loss of consortium
• Other economic and non-economic losses

Our attorneys at the Harris Firm, LLC are highly experienced in both workers’ compensation and personal injury law. After reviewing your case, we can discuss your options and whether you might be able to bring a third-party liability claim.

Call For a FREE Consultation: (718) 487-8669

Crane accidents often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries that forever alter the lives of victims and their loved ones. By working with a team of experienced attorneys who have the resources these complex claims require, you can position yourself for a successful outcome.

If you or a loved one were injured in a crane accident, our Queens crane accident attorneys at the Harris Firm, LLC can help. We have decades of experience fighting for workers injured in construction accidents and other types of work accidents and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients – and are available to discuss how we can help you during a free consultation.

Call (718) 487-8669 or contact us online to speak with a Queens crane accident attorney.