Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
If a crane or hoist failure caused your injury, you may have the right to seek damages. This can include workers’ compensation and, in some cases, a separate injury claim against other parties.
We handle serious construction injury cases across New York, including crane and hoist failures that can leave workers hurt for a long time. These cases often involve more than one company, large insurance policies, and strict safety rules.
Our Manhattan construction accident lawyer will review your situation and explain how we can help you move forward as you or your loved one recovers from the accident. Reaching out to us early can help us protect your claim and work to save evidence that can support it.
How Crane or Hoist Failures Cause Injuries
Workers use cranes and hoists every day to move heavy materials on job sites. When a part fails or something goes wrong during a lift, workers nearby can have little time to react.
Many of these accidents come down to a few common problems:
- Cables can snap, hooks can weaken, and brakes can fail if the equipment is not in good shape.
- Pushing a crane or hoist past its limit puts strain on every part of the system.
- Parts wear down over time, and small issues missed during inspections can lead to bigger problems later.
- A sudden move or poor timing during a lift can cause the load to swing or drop.
- Uneven ground or an unsecured load can cause the equipment to shift or tip.
Looking at what caused the failure can help show who may be responsible for what happened.
Your Legal Options After a Crane or Hoist Injury
Your legal path may include more than one type of claim.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers medical care and part of your lost pay. You can receive these benefits even if no one meant to cause harm.
You may qualify if:
- You were doing your job when you were injured.
- You reported the injury on time, usually within 30 days.
- You sought medical care right away after you got hurt.
You can still receive benefits if you keep working in some cases.
Third-Party Injury Claims
If someone outside your employer caused or contributed to the accident and your injury, you may be able to file a separate claim. Someone in this position may be able to recover damages if:
- A contractor who set up the crane incorrectly.
- A property owner who knew the site was unsafe but did not fix the problem.
- A company that produced a poorly made part or one that failed to work properly.
A third-party claim can cover damages that workers’ compensation does not, such as pain and suffering and future care expenses.
You may also be able to claim:
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term disability.
Each case depends on the facts, the injuries, and the insurance coverage available.
New York Labor Laws That May Apply to Your Case
The state has strong laws that protect construction workers, especially in cases involving height and lifting equipment. Among them are:
New York Labor Law § 240 (Scaffold Law)
This law applies to gravity-related risks, such as falling objects or workers falling from heights. It places strict responsibility on property owners and general contractors. If a crane or hoist failure involves a falling load or elevation risk, New York Labor Law § 240 may apply.
You do not have to prove fault in the same way as other cases.
New York Labor Law § 241(6)
New York Labor Law § 241(6) requires safe construction practices based on rules found in the state’s Industrial Code. If we find that a safety rule was violated, you may have a claim.
New York Labor Law § 200
NY Labor Law § 200, which covers general workplace safety, requires owners and contractors to keep sites reasonably safe. In cases like this, it may involve unsafe equipment, poor setup, or basic safety steps that someone skipped.
Common Injuries From Crane or Hoist Accidents
People file injury claims for various serious injuries, such as
- Head and brain trauma
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Internal injuries
- Severe cuts or burns
- Vision or hearing loss
Many workers need ongoing care, therapy, or help at home after a major injury from this type of accident. Our Manhattan catastrophic injury lawyer will work with you to show how your injury affects your daily life and future care needs.
Who May Be Responsible for the Failure?
On many job sites, several groups involved in the same work may be liable for damages from a crane or hoist failure that causes injuries. After a full review of what happened, responsibility may fall on:
- Property owners
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Companies that made the equipment
- Teams that serviced or repaired the equipment
Each party may carry its own insurance, which means more than one policy may come into play. We will seek damages from each one if it is determined that they had a role in the accident that harmed you or your loved one.
Evidence That Can Support Your Injury Claim
Strong evidence from the accident can show what caused the failure and who should be held accountable.
Helpful proof for your claim could include:
- Accident reports
- Photos and videos from the site
- Witness statements
- Equipment inspection records
- Maintenance logs
- Safety violation reports
We will help you gather evidence during our detailed investigation.
How Our Construction Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim
While you recover, we will take the steps to protect and build your case early on. This can include:
- Securing records related to the equipment, such as inspection logs and maintenance history
- Looking at how the lift was planned and carried out
- Identifying every company that had a role on the site, even subcontractors
- Reviewing safety rules that apply to cranes and hoists in New York
- Handling all calls and paperwork from the insurance company
Our Manhattan personal injury lawyers will also connect your medical care to the accident so your claim reflects how your injury affects your work and daily life.
Talk to Shulman & Hill About Your Crane or Hoist Injury Case
If a crane or hoist failure caused your injury, your recovery may involve a workers’ compensation claim. If someone other than the employer was involved, you may be able to file a separate claim against others.
Shulman & Hill handles both types of claims, helping injured New Yorkers seek damages while managing the process. We will review your situation and tell you what your options are. With more than $1 billion recovered and 200–plus years of combined experience, our firm brings strong legal strategy and a deep understanding of New York Labor Laws to our cases.
Our team comes from the same communities we serve across every borough and works to support working people. Call us today for a free consultation. New York, we got you.