It took a week before workers were able to secure the boom of a construction crane that snapped in the winds of Hurricane Sandy and dangled from the top story of a luxury high-rise under construction in midtown Manhattan. Engineers climbed to the top of the 74-story building during the storm to inspect the crane, and nearby buildings, including a hotel, were evacuated. Although city officials think the superstorm was to blame for the accident, they are examining the crane’s original positioning to determine whether it was properly secured prior to the storm.
New York Crane Accidents
Crane accidents are among the most common type of construction accidents in New York. As a result, New York City has recently implemented more stringent testing standards and eligibility criteria for a crane operator license.
Crane accidents can cause serious, even fatal, injuries to workers and bystanders. A number of factors can cause a crane accident, including:
- Improper maintenance
- Improper or infrequent inspection
- Inexperienced operator
- Distracted operator
- Overloading the crane
- Improper blocking of the load
When someone is injured in a crane accident, numerous parties could potentially be held responsible, including:
- Property manager
- General contractor at the site
- Subcontractor
- Crane manufacturer
- Third-party maintenance company
- Inspector
- Company that leased or rented the crane
A Dedicated New York/New Jersey Construction Accident Attorney Can Help
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a New York or New Jersey crane or other workplace accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Sometimes, a third-party is responsible in workplace accidents, meaning that you may be entitled to compensation outside the workers’ compensation system.
Talk to the New York and New Jersey construction accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd to find out what legal options you may have. With more than 150 years of combined experience, the New York and New Jersey personal injury attorneys serve clients throughout the metro area. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation.