New York & New Jersey Crane Accidents
Cranes are a must in construction, particularly in built-up areas like the NY / NJ metro area. They are also a major cause of worksite injuries and deaths. It’s not just crane operators who are at risk. Everyone who works near a crane could get hurt in a crane accident. To avoid injuries, cranes must be inspected often and operated correctly. All workers must get training on how to work safely when a crane is at the jobsite. If you have been hurt by a crane, talk to the NY / NJ crane injury attorneys at the Ginarte law firm.
Ginarte is one of the biggest firms in the NJ / NY metro area representing victims of crane and other construction accidents. You could be entitled to significant money to help you cover your losses. Our construction accident lawyers are ready to review your case and advise you about your next steps. Call today for a free consultation. We collect fees only if you win your case.
Call 1-888-GINARTE today. You can also fill out our online contact form.
We have 28 lawyers ready to help with your New York and New Jersey construction accidents. Experience matters when choosing a construction injury attorney. You can trust the Ginarte law firm with your crane injury case.
Causes of NY / NJ Crane Injuries
There have been several major crane accidents in New York City in recent years. One involved a crane collapse. Another accident involved a crane hitting a building. Height and weight are major risks with cranes. A crane’s purpose is to lift heavy things up high as a building grows. If strict safety rules are broken, serious injuries or even death can result. Crane operators must receive proper training and qualification. Cranes must be maintained properly and inspected frequently. There must be regular inspections for all wires, hooks, slings, chains and other crane components too.
A common type of crane accident involves dropped loads. Heavy objects can come crashing to the ground if there is a failure in the crane. Sometimes an entire crane will collapse because its load is too heavy or its construction was flawed. Workers must be prevented from working or walking under a suspended load. Barricades or warning signs should be in place. Users must observe the capacity rating for the crane. Heavy objects can fall if a crane tips over. To prevent that, cranes must be placed on solid ground. They must also be level. Outriggers must be properly installed.
Electricity poses another risk with cranes. A crane’s boom could touch a high-voltage line, electrocuting the operator and other workers. All overhead power lines must be identified and there must be safeguards to prevent cranes from getting too close to the lines. Weather is also an issue with cranes. Special safety measures must be in place to deal with high winds, heavy rains, ice, snow and lightning.
Workers also risk falling to the ground when they are climbing on a crane. As with any elevated work area, there must be safeguards on cranes to prevent falls.
Injuries From Crane Accidents
Cranes can cause a number of injuries. Many of them are severe, and some are deadly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), during an average year, about 75 people will die in accidents related to cranes. Many of the deaths involve falling objects.
Here are some of the injuries related to crane accidents:
- Electric shock;
- Burns from electrocution;
- Crushing injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- Broken bones;
- Spine injuries;
- Cuts and bleeding;
- Back injuries;
- Knee, ankle and foot injuries;
- Paralysis; and
- Death.
Workers At Risk For NJ / NY Crane Injuries
Crane accidents can affect anyone on a construction site who is within the crane’s reach. Even people who are not working directly with the crane can get hurt if the crane collapses or drops a load. Here are some of the construction trades whose members are at risk:
- Crane operators;
- General laborers and helpers;
- Heavy equipment operators;
- Crane assembly workers;
- Signalers;
- Demolition workers;
- Heavy equipment operators;
- Roofers;
- Carpenters;
- Ironworkers;
- Site supervisors; and
- Framers and others.
Crane Accidents Are Expensive
Injuries from crane collapses or dropped loads are often very serious. Many of them involve death. This means that the costs related to these accidents are usually very high. If a victim survives an NY / NJ crane accident, he or she could have medical and rehab bills that are seven figures or more. The victim will also have lots of lost wages. He or she might not ever be able to work again. Also a fall from a crane could lead to costly medical bills and lost pay. To protect your financial interests, you need to talk to the experienced lawyers at the Ginarte law firm. Our attorneys know how to prepare a case for maximum compensation.
Recovering For Crane Injuries Under NY Law
People injured in New York crane accidents have very good protection under state labor laws. These laws require a safe jobsite. Property owners, site developers, prime contractors, subcontractors, vendors and others can be held liable under NY law if a crane accident happens. The construction injury lawyers at the Ginarte firm have used NY labor laws to win money for many injured people over the years. You should talk to our attorneys to find out how we might be able to help you.
About NJ Construction Accident Lawsuits
Labor laws are different in New Jersey. They don’t contain the same clear protections for injured people that are found in NY law. That’s why it’s important to talk to the Ginarte law firm if you got hurt in an NJ crane accident. Our lawyers know how to use other legal theories to get you the money you deserve. An OSHA rule violation is often at the center of an NJ construction injury case. We work with experts to prove that a responsible party broke an OSHA rule, resulting in the accident. That is the basis for a negligence lawsuit against whoever broke the rule.
Discuss Your Crane Injury With Our Experienced Lawyers
Don’t wait to talk to the Ginarte firm about your crane injury. Both New York and New Jersey have strict deadlines for when you must bring a lawsuit. Don’t let your claim be barred. Call 1-888-GINARTE now. You can also choose to fill out our online contact form. You have nothing to lose. Call today for a free consultation. We collect fees only if you win your case.