New York City Crane Accident Lawyer

While crane accidents are not as common as some other workplace accidents in New York City, when they do happen they can result in serious injuries and even fatalities. For those who do survive, the injuries can be life-changing and the pain and suffering can be immense.

If you were involved in a crane accident, it is important to hire a New York City crane accident lawyer to help you claim possible compensation. Whether you are only pursuing workers’ compensation benefits or a personal injury lawsuit as well, sometimes insurers can try to deny or undervalue claims. Our lawyers at Shulman & Hill can help ensure you get the compensation you may be entitled to.

To get started, schedule a free legal consultation with one of our crane accident lawyers today.

What Causes Crane Accidents in New York City?

There are several things that can cause a crane accident at your workplace. Sometimes a crane operator was not properly trained on how to handle the large machinery required to do their work. While most crane operators have received some level of training, some may be placed into the driver’s seat before they are ready to operate the crane independently.

Given the large size of a crane, any mishap can be incredibly serious. Just a simple accident can cause devastating injuries for many people. The crane is big enough that many who are hit or injured by it will suffer a debilitating injury or even a fatality.

According to OSHA, some of the most common causes of crane accidents include:

• Manufacturers specifications for using the crane were not followed
• The crane was not set up properly
• Inclement weather made the crane inoperable
• Unsafe conditions near and around the crane
• Choosing the wrong crane for the job or the skill level of the user
• The hook-lifting devices on the crane failed
• The boom collapsed
• The crane overturned
• The crane dropped heavy objects and materials prematurely
• The crane swung unexpectedly, hitting people with heavy objects and materials
• Crane collided with power lines
• Crane collided with nearby buildings
• Rigging failures

Oftentimes these accidents can be avoided if the crane operator receives proper training. Not only should they learn the right way to operate the crane, but also the correct way to set it up. Once the crane operator learns how to do this, they can reduce the risk of some of the accidents listed above.

Any time the crane is in use, all safety guidelines and operating instructions need to be followed. There are too many individuals and workers who have been hurt by a crane because someone was not paying attention or tried to cut corners.

If you have suffered a crane injury, no matter what caused it, you could be facing lifelong medical issues. You may have to miss time from work and may not be able to return to your previous job, resulting in a loss of income and earning potential. When this happens, you should contact our New York City crane accident lawyers for help. We can gather all of the evidence for your claim and help you recover a fair amount of compensation.

Common Injuries from a Crane Accident

If a crane accident does not result in a worker fatality, it is likely to result in a serious injury. Some of the common injuries that can happen include:

• Damage to the lumbar and cervical spine
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Amputations

If the worker is injured, they are likely to have substantial medical bills for initial medical treatment as well as all follow-up care, including physical therapy or surgery. These expenses can add up quickly and may seem overwhelming to the individual.

In addition, the victim may have to miss work due to the injury. If the injury is severe enough, they may not be able to continue working at all, or even if they can work, they have to take on a job that is less physically straining and pays substantially less than before. This is all in addition to the mental suffering and physical pain that the victim may have to cope with after a crane accident.

How a New York City Crane Accident Attorney Can Help You

Workers’ compensation can help cover some of these losses. But it is often not enough to cover all of the damage and money that you may need. In some cases, the workers’ compensation insurance company may refuse your claim and you will not be able to receive any compensation on your own. This is when a crane accident lawyer in New York City can help you.

Our team has the experience necessary to handle your crane accident case. We can take a look at the evidence around the case and decide what steps to take to help you. We can also review your past medical bills and lost wages to help negotiate to receive a settlement offer that covers the full extent of your losses.

In some cases, you may be able to pursue additional compensation against a negligent third party. This may include a property owner, general contractor, or subcontractor who failed to provide the right training or equipment on your construction site which could have prevented your accident.

It is recommended that you not attempt to handle the claims process on your own. Contact our crane accident lawyers to make sure you get the compensation you may be entitled to.

Why Choose Shulman & Hill?

At Shulman & Hill, we understand how to successfully handle your crane accident case. We have helped our clients get the compensation they need to cover medical expenses and lost wages while they recuperate.

Navigating the workers’ compensation and personal injury claims processes can be a challenge on your own. Our team can handle all the work for you, giving up the peace of mind to focus on your health. Contact Shulman & Hill today for a free legal consultation.