Common Causes of New York Crane Accidents

Large cranes are typically used on construction sites to move extremely heavy materials. There are many types of cranes including telescopic cranes, fixed-jib cranes, and tower cranes, and all of them have the potential to cause severe injuries and significant damage. When heavy objects fall off a crane or when a crane collapses, anyone working nearby is in serious danger of being harmed. Passers by or those who live near the construction site are also placed in jeopardy. Whenever a New York crane accident occurs, it must be determined who was responsible for the incident and how it could have been prevented.
One common cause of New York crane accidents is a crane collapse. This may occur when the crane is lifting objects that are too heavy, when it is lifting a load that has not been properly balanced, or when the crane is defective. When a boom breaks or malfunctions, it is common for workers in the area and the worker operating the crane to suffer catastrophic injuries or even death. The manufacturer of a boom that collapses when used properly may be held liable for manufacturing a dangerous and defective product.
Another common cause of crane accidents is operator negligence. A negligent, distracted or poorly trained crane operator may crash a heavy load into a building or into overhead power lines. Other crane accidents may result from an operator swinging a heavy load into a fixed structure where fellow employees are at work. In such cases, there is the potential for the workers to be crushed by a heavy load.
Some crane accidents occur because a work site is inherently dangerous. Large and powerful cranes must be utilized on solid ground. If the crane becomes unstable, it is possible that the entire crane will collapse or tip over. Employers – be it a construction company, general contractor or sub-contractor – must provide adequate training and supervision to workers at all times. Safety equipment must also be provided to employees.
Injured victims of New York crane accidents may pursue compensation for the damages they have suffered by filing for workers compensation benefits. In cases involving negligence or wrongdoing on the part of a third party, additional compensation may be available by filing a third party claim.
The experienced New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm provide assistance to the injured workers of New York. Call our offices at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation. We can also help you with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit our website: www.work4youlaw.com