Every day, countless numbers of people can be seen strolling around Manhattan. And all of them — from the most seasoned lifelong New Yorker to the freshest, novice-level tourist — have likely noticed the abundance of construction cranes, positioned at various heights, serving various functions. These construction cranes not only build New York’s innumerable edifices, but they repair them when they’re broken and fill them with the belongings of their inhabitants. These long, gooseneck machines speckle the skyline and streetscape alike, like some metallic avian species, alighting wherever there is work to be done.
What may not be immediately recognizable about cranes, however, is the degree of difficulty inherent in operating them. Skilled technicians on the ground level work the controls from the operator’s cab. Equally well-trained workers are sometimes stationed on top floors, helping to guide cargo through precarious openings or onto windswept roofs. The team works in tandem with overseers and crew chiefs, while wind, gravity and other uncertainties conspire to wreak havoc. While everyone involved works hard to maintain safe work environments, mechanical failures or errors made by the team may contribute to accidents.
Have you experienced a crane accident in New York? If so, the injury team at Tucker Lawyers is ready to meet and pursue the damages you deserve. Call (516) 399-2364 for a free consultation today!
According to OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration), there are many types of crane-related accidents. Here’s a partial list of possible problems associated with the use of cranes:
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In fact, in January 2024, a crane-related accident occurred in Midtown Manhattan. A heating and air-conditioning unit loosened itself from a crane and fell 30 stories. Given how crowded Manhattan is on almost any given day, it is a small miracle that only a handful of people were minimally injured and none were killed. Though reports differ, most seem to indicate that somewhere between 7 and 10 people, including both workers and passing pedestrians, suffered bruises and cuts (plus the scare of a lifetime).
The crane had been trying to lug the temperature control unit to a service room atop a Madison Avenue office building. As the massive air-conditioning unit toppled from the crane, it skimmed the side of the building, causing a spray of glass and particulates to follow it as it descended toward the sidewalk. The impact created a massive cloud of jet-black smoke, which burst skywards and billowed out over the street. But when the dust had settled, surprisingly few were hurt. Two of the passersby that were affected even refused medical treatment.
Safety protocols require that buildings being worked on by cranes must be emptied, as this one was, limiting internal harm to humans.
As of right now, officials still do not know what went wrong, or why the crane suddenly dropped its contents.
Here are the answers to a few common questions. If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office at any time.
Who can be held liable in a crane construction accident?
Depending on the circumstances, various parties may be liable, including the crane operator, other associated workers, and the manager or employer. Crane and crane parts manufacturers may also be liable for faulty products.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a crane accident injury?
For a personal injury claim, you have three years from the date of the accident. For a workers’ comp claim, the time limit is two years.
Do I need a lawyer to pursue compensation?
You are advised to hire a lawyer if you are interested in recovering maximum compensation. Claimants without attorneys typically get much less compensation than they should.
How long does it take to receive compensation for a crane accident injury case?
Depending on various factors, such as the seriousness of your injuries and the experience of your attorney, your case could take a few months or longer than a year. Each case is unique.
Call for more answers today. An experienced personal injury lawyer is ready to talk.
Thankfully, crane accidents are a rare occurrence. So, when you’re visiting this great city, you can look confidently toward the skies and marvel at its fleets of cranes, and admire the capacity for greatness, expansion, and for industry represented by these amazing machines. However, if you or someone you know has been injured, either while operating a crane or by fallen debris dislodged by a crane, you owe it to yourself to contact a law firm experienced in handling cases of this nature.
At Tucker Lawyers PC, we have a skilled and compassionate team of attorneys, with expertise in handling cases concerning construction cranes. We can help you win compensation for expensive medical bills and, in some cases, can also help you recoup money you lost while missing time from work. Our consultations are a free and easy way to begin learning about your rights.
Call (516) 399-2364 to discuss your case at no charge with an experienced
