Earlier this year, a crane collapsed in Queens, New York, resulting in injuries to several workers. According to an online news blog, the crane company owner had previously been acquitted of negligent homicide following a 2008 crane collapse case which resulted in the deaths of two workers.
The crane involved in the accident was a 300 foot crane which collapsed while the crane was lifting a load. Several workers at the scene were taken to local area hospitals. Source: “Seven Injured After Crane Collapses in Queens” cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com
About Crane Accidents
Crane accidents are relatively rare. In fact, according to OSHA, approximately 90 crane accidents occur in the U.S. each year. Workers are more likely to get injured at work in a trip and fall type accident. Learn more about workplace fall accidents. However, when crane accidents occur, fatalities may result.
Fortunately, this recent crane collapse accident did not result in any fatalities. When large cranes collapse, especially on large construction sites, fatalities often occur because of the presence of many workers. A typical construction site for a large commercial building may have between 50-100+ workers present on any given day. When a crane collapses, unsuspecting workers may become crushed underneath the crane or become injured by flying parts.
These kinds of accidents often occur due to negligence of multiple parties. For more information about heavy equipment accident lawsuits, click here. From crane operating companies to crane manufacturers, liability may be shared by multiple entities. Some of the most common causes of crane accidents include:
- load strike accidents,
- electrocution,
- assembly/disassembly accidents,
- failure of boom/cable,
- tipover situations, and
- falls.
The single most important factor in determining the relative strength or weakness of a crane or construction accident case is proper and prompt investigation of the accident scene, the crane and other equipment parts. It is important that anyone with a potential case contact a construction accident lawyer immediately.
Related construction accident posts:
- Can a worker injured in a crane accident sue the crane operator?
- Workplace Fall Accidents – Justice for Workers
Pennsylvania and New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyers
Jeff Laffey is passionate about workers’ rights and accident safety. Learn about his 2012 workplace safety presentation to union members in Philadelphia.
Jeff’s law firm proudly represents union and nonunion workers, such as:
- carpenters,
- plumbers,
- electricians,
- steel workers,
- iron workers, and
- laborers.
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt or killed in a construction accident, contact our Pennsylvania and New Jersey construction accident lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. Our lawyers accept cases in other states such as New York or Delaware on a case by case basis and welcome calls from local counsel. Call (215) 399-9255.
Disclaimer: The lawyers at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan provide quality legal advice to individuals after accepting their case. No attorney-client relationship is created by this website. Nothing on this site is intended to provide legal advice. Because every case is unique, discussion of prior outcomes and settlements in past cases is no guarantee of a similar outcome in current or future cases.