Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
A serious crane incident can leave you facing pain, lost income, medical treatment, and uncertainty about what comes next. At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, we help injured workers and families dealing with construction and workplace injury claims.
If you were hurt by a falling load, collapse, tipping crane, equipment failure, or unsafe job site conditions, you may have rights under workers’ compensation law and, in some cases, a separate injury claim against another party. Our crane accident lawyers in Long Island can help with both.
We’ve recovered more than $1 billion in accident compensation. If you’ve been hurt on the job, talk to a Long Island workers’ compensation lawyer today by contacting us.
How Crane Accidents Happen
Crane accidents happen on construction sites, demolition projects, roadwork zones, industrial properties, and shipping areas. Many accidents trace back to preventable safety failures.
Common causes our personal injury lawyers in Long Island see include:
- Improper rigging or overloading
- Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
- Contact with power lines
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Unsafe site planning or poor communication
Injuries Often Seen in Crane Accident Cases
Crane incidents frequently cause severe injuries because of the weight of the equipment and the force involved. Even a nonfatal event can lead to months of treatment and time away from work.
You may suffer broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, crush injuries, burns, internal injuries, or damage to muscles and nerves. Some workers also face lasting pain, reduced mobility, or permanent disability that changes their ability to earn a living.
Who May Be Liable for Your Losses
A workplace injury claim and a third-party injury claim are not the same thing. If you were hurt while working, workers’ compensation may provide medical care and partial wage replacement no matter who caused the accident.
A third-party claim may allow you to seek damages that workers’ compensation does not fully cover. That can include the broader financial and personal harm caused by a major injury.
These claims often depend on evidence showing that someone outside your direct employer contributed to the crane accident. That could include a general contractor, subcontractor, crane owner, maintenance company, property owner, or equipment manufacturer.
What to Do After a Crane Accident in Long Island
The steps you take after a crane accident can affect your health and your claim. Getting prompt medical care is often the first priority, even if symptoms seem manageable at first.
You should also report the incident to your employer as soon as possible and document what happened if you can do so safely. Photos of the scene, names of witnesses, and records of your treatment may help support your case later.
Try to avoid giving detailed statements to insurance representatives before you know your rights. Early statements can be used to limit or challenge your claim.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Could Receive
Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to cover the costs of employees injured on the job. In New York, these benefits may cover medical treatment related to the accident and a portion of lost wages while you recover.
Depending on your condition, benefits may apply to temporary disability, permanent disability, or reduced earning capacity. If a crane accident causes a fatal injury, certain surviving family members may also qualify for death benefits.
Compensation Beyond Basic Benefits
If a third party played a role in the crane accident, you may be able to pursue damages beyond workers’ compensation benefits. This may matter when your losses include more than medical care and a portion of your wages.
A separate injury claim may seek payment for the broader harm caused by the accident, including pain, suffering, and the full effect on your future income. The exact recovery available depends on the facts, the parties involved, and the available coverage.
For many injured workers, identifying that added claim is a major part of the case. Our Long Island crane accident attorneys can review whether another person or company created unsafe conditions that led to your injuries.
Challenges That Can Arise During a Claim
Even when a worker clearly suffered an on-the-job injury, the claim process can still become disputed. An employer or insurer may question how the accident happened, whether the injury is work-related, or whether treatment is medically necessary.
Some workers are told to return to work too early or face delays in approval for care and wage benefits. Others learn that workers’ compensation does not cover all of the losses they are dealing with after a serious crane incident.
Our Long Island crane accident lawyers will work to build a clear record of the accident, your injuries, and the effect on your job and daily life. That preparation can make a real difference when insurers push back.
How Shulman & Hill Approaches These Cases
When we handle a crane accident matter, we start by reviewing the incident, your medical condition, and the parties involved. We also examine whether your case should include a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party personal injury claim, or both.
Our role is to present the facts clearly, track deadlines, gather records, and press for the benefits or compensation available under the law. We focus on practical guidance so you know what to expect at each stage.
You do not have to sort through job site records, insurance questions, and legal filings alone while trying to heal. We take on that work so you can focus on your recovery.
Speak With Shulman & Hill About Your Next Steps
After a serious job site injury, you may have questions about medical care, lost income, and whether someone beyond your employer should be held responsible. Shulman & Hill can review your situation and explain the legal paths that may apply.
If you need a crane accident lawyer in Long Island, we are ready to help you take the next step. Contact Shulman & Hill to discuss your accident, your injuries, and your options for seeking benefits and compensation.
