Manhattan Crane Accidents Lawyer

New York City is known for massive, postcard-worthy skyscrapers that have inspired similar structures around the world. In Manhattan especially, skyscrapers and other large construction projects are a regular occurrence.

Cranes are essential in building these tall structures. Since they are so large themselves, any accidents that occur while they are in use can be devastating. If you or a loved one were injured in a crane accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Manhattan crane accidents lawyer at Shulman & Hill to learn more.

Crane Accidents in Manhattan

While safety regulations and best practices for using cranes have improved in recent years, accidents can still occur. In fact, crane-related injuries and deaths are still significantly high. Some recent examples illustrate this reality:

• In 2016, a crane collapsed resulting in one death and three injuries in lower Manhattan.
• In 2008, another crane collapse on Manhattan’s East Side resulted in four deaths and many injuries.
• A Manhattan crane malfunctioned in April 2019 killing a worker on the construction site.
• Another near-disaster occurred in July of 2019 when a crane boom broke loose in the East Village and was left precariously dangling high above a crowded street.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2011 to 2017, there were 297 total crane-related deaths and an average of 42 per year. As one might expect, injury numbers were much higher. Whether you are a crane operator, related worker, or an unfortunate pedestrian or bystander that was injured in a Manhattan crane accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

It is important to obtain qualified legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney in Manhattan to ensure every detail of your case is properly handled. At Shulman & Hill, we proudly represent clients who have been injured or lost a loved one in New York City crane accidents.

Causes of Crane Accidents

No amount of safety precautions can ensure a crane accident will never occur. Human error, negligence, and other uncontrollable factors present dangerous risks. The following are a few examples of crane accidents:

• Contact with power lines
• Lifting device failures
• Toppled cranes
• Prematurely dropped loads
• Boom collapses
• Rigging failures
• Operator falls from cranes

When cranes are being used in dense, heavily populated areas like Manhattan, accidents can result in even more injuries. No matter the cause, injuries from a crane accident can be devastating, both physically and financially. Long-lasting and even permanent disabilities can arise as a result.

Injuries Caused By a Crane Accident

Injuries from a crane accident are not limited to workers and are wide-ranging in both type and severity. Anyone around a construction site utilizing a crane can be at risk of being hurt.

Operators of a crane that collapses may face severe injuries or death. Nearby workers can also be injured by swinging or dropped loads that come as a result of an accident. Falling debris can also injure pedestrians below or even in adjacent buildings.

Many crane accidents cause injuries that require long-term care and sometimes result in permanent disability. The unexpected financial costs of medical treatment can be a significant financial burden, particularly if it prevents you from working.

Who May Be Liable for a Manhattan Crane Accident?

Sometimes it may not be clear how an accident was caused or who was at fault. Often, an investigation is required to determine if negligence caused the accident. Examples of parties that may be held liable in the event of a Manhattan crane accident include:

• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Crane manufacturers
• Property owners

If one of the parties listed above contributed to your accident, you may be able to hold them financially responsible for your injuries by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Investigating a Crane Accident in the Manhattan Area

Investigating and identifying who may be liable for a crane accident can be a very complex but critical task. It is important to work with a law firm like Shulman & Hill that has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation.

Your crane accident injury lawyer may look at the following to help determine who may have caused your accident:

• Surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Worksite policies and procedures
• Official accident reports

The team at Shulman & Hill will work hard to maximize compensation for you after your crane accident and will pursue every avenue for justice.

What to Do After a Crane Accident?

In the aftermath of your injury, it is important to go to the doctor even if your injuries are not immediately apparent. Seeing a medical professional can be beneficial because it not only prevents your injuries from getting worse over time but it can also create a paper trail that can be helpful in your case in the future.

In addition to seeking immediate medical attention, you should always ensure that your employer creates written documentation of your accident. This can help you pursue workers’ compensation and prevent insurance adjusters from dismissing or undervaluing aspects of your accident and injury.

Unlike with a personal injury lawsuit, if you were injured in a crane accident while working, you will likely qualify for workers’ compensation regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Why Shulman & Hill?

Shulman & Hill is a premier Manhattan-based law firm that specializes in representing those seeking compensation for workers’ compensation and personal injury accidents. Your crane accident lawyer can compile all of the necessary evidence to build a strong case for you, and will strongly represent you during negotiations. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys can go to trial on your behalf.

Contact us today to set up a free legal consultation or give us a call at 212.221.1000.