Yet another crane accident in New Jersey sent a tree trimmer to the hospital with injuries recently. According to a news report, the accident occurred in Haddonfield when the crane toppled as it lowered chunks of a tree that was being removed from beside a home. A tree trimmer who was more than two stories up at the time was thrown onto the roof below. In addition, the operator of the crane was trapped inside the vehicle for more than an hour because a nearby power line was torn down and exposed. The operator of the crane was not injured; however, the tree trimmer suffered a fractured leg in the fall. The accident was being investigated by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to determine whether any workplace safety regulations were violated.
New Jersey Construction Accidents
This episode includes two of the most common elements of New Jersey construction accidents – cranes and falls. In recent years, the number and severity of crane accidents in the New Jersey/New York area has had everyone concerned. New York implemented new regulations for crane operators in response to the increase in crane accidents. Falls have always been at the top of the list of reasons for construction injuries and fatalities, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each year, hundreds of construction workers lose their lives across the country as a result of workplace falls—many of them from heights of less than 15 feet.
If you have been injured in a construction accident, you could be entitled to third-party compensation in lieu of, or in addition to, workers’ compensation. All too often, workers’ compensation benefits fail to adequately compensate the victim of a construction accident. Furthermore, there is a chance that someone other than your own employer may have contributed to your injuries. Contact the New York/New Jersey construction accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd to find out what legal options you may have.
With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area including a new office in Queens, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 for your free consultation or fill out our online contact form.