Crane Accidents
CRANE ACCIDENTS IN NEW YORK CITY
GET HELP FROM A LAWYER EXPERIENCED WITH CRANE ACCIDENTS IN Queens, NYC
Cranes are present in most large construction sites. This equipment is necessary to help workers perform essential tasks, but they are also very dangerous and may cause serious injuries to both the crane operators and to others working on the site. When coupled with heavy loads, inclement weather conditions, high winds, and failure to follow proper safety protocols, crane accidents can lead to devastating results.
Cranes can vary in height, weight, and carrying capacity. However, whether it is a 50-ton-bearing crane or a 500-ton-bearing crane, an accident of any kind within the zone of danger likely leads to serious injuries and deaths. One careless move or overestimation can lead to a terrifying tragedy. Cranes can tip over, collapse, drop loads, can be negligently operated, or can be past due for inspection.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set up specific regulations in order to keep construction workers safe. According to OSHA, there are approximately 125,000 cranes in operation today in the construction industry. OSHA’s analysis of crane accidents in general industry and construction identified an average of 71 fatalities each year.
Crane collapses are one of the most catastrophic construction accidents to occur. Unfortunately, crane accidents occur with alarming frequency. Injuries from falls, blunt force trauma from heavy equipment, loss of limbs, or even death are commonplace when a crane accident takes place. Some common crane accident injuries include:
- Back Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Electrocution
- Head Injuries
- Paralysis
- Shoulder Injuries
- Spinal Cord
- Wrongful Death
When you’re injured or you’ve lost a loved one in an accident, you could be entitled to compensation to help you through this difficult time. Do not hesitate, because certain time limits apply to accident injury claims.
Individuals who suffer catastrophic injury from a crane collapse or families who have lost a member in a crane accident need to know their rights and seek out proper representation from an experienced lawyer.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CRANE ACCIDENT IN NEW YORK
If you or a family member have been injured in a crane accident, the injured may be entitled to benefits or compensation. There are two options for pursuing compensation for crane accidents.
File a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation benefits are available to all covered workers for any on-the-job injury you may suffer regardless of whether a mistake or negligence was involved. These claims can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and disability benefits when necessary. Workers’ compensation death benefits can be provided if a worker was killed in a construction accident to surviving dependents.
File a personal injury or wrongful death claim. You can’t file an injury or wrongful death claim against an employer as workers’ compensation is an exclusive remedy. However, you can pursue a claim against any third party that was responsible for the injuries. A third-party lawsuit may include the manufacturer of the crane or similar parties. When crane accidents result in workers’ deaths, we can represent family members in wrongful death claims.
Whether you or a family member was injured due to a crane accident, you may be entitled to full benefits and compensation. Know your rights and get the answers you deserve. Our attorneys are dedicated to getting crane accident victims the compensation they deserve. Call the trusted law firm to represent you in the case of a crane accident. Contact our New York City and Queens construction accident lawyers.
Crane Safety
When we hear the word crane accident, we remember the dramatic ones that get a lot of media coverage. Consider what happened to young Gregory Echevarria in April 2019. He was on a crew installing a large crane at a Soho construction site when its 7.5-ton counterweight he was setting slipped, fell and crushed him to death. Before this tragedy, the NYC Department of Buildings had received several safety complaints about this site. This tragedy illustrates that ANY construction worker can be killed by an accident involving a crane, even a mobile one.
The main causes of worker deaths involving cranes are electrocution, crane collapse, or being struck by a crane’s load. Many more fatalities involve construction laborers than crane operators or crew, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). From 2011 to 2015, it says white, non-Hispanic workers accounted for 74 percent of fatal crane-related injuries, followed by 14 percent Hispanic.
Surveying and Preparing the Area
Since cranes take up a lot of space, safely preparing the area where a crane will be used is vital. The following are essential when preparing the area properly:
There must be plenty of clearance between the crane and any power line. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says 45 percent of all fatalities involving a construction crane are caused by electrocution when the crane touches a power line. The ground must be firm and level. Softer ground is ideal for a crawler crane. But mobile truck cranes work best on hard, dry ground. OSHA has specific guidelines for safe area preparation for crane installation.
- Can the crane safely rotate 360 degrees?
- Is there adequate space for the outriggers?
Installation and Use of Cranes
Rigging a crane involves special precautions to keep it safe for all construction site workers. Riggers must be qualified to perform their work. These crane safety practices prevent accidents and injuries.
- Avoid rigging above or near areas where other work is being performed.
- Never exceed the crane’s maximum lifting capacity.
- Use only hooks with self-closing latches.
- Inspect straps and chains daily for defects
- Examine all nylon straps each day for even the slightest fraying. Also, eliminate any straps with knots as they reduce lifting capacity by up to half.
- Never leave materials suspended on a crane for extended periods of time.
Working Around a Crane? Keep a Sharp Lookout and Your Ears Open
Those on the ground must always be aware of their surroundings, in front of and above. Never cross safety barriers that surround a crane. Avoid working near the clearance area. If a crane is raising a load near you, keep an eye on it, even if you must stop working for a few moments. And immediately follow any directions given to you by the crane’s radioman, riggers, or safety workers; especially if they tell you to avoid an area.
Employees working for small contractors or subcontractors comprised a large portion (about one-third) of the total number of crane-related deaths and hundreds (at least) of serious, non-fatal injuries over the years
Do you think it can’t happen to you? Maybe Mr. Echevarria thought the same thing.
Following these simple, common-sense tips while working with or near a crane at your construction site will help to increase worker safety, and prevent costly delays due to accidents and injuries.
Whether you or a family member was injured due to a car accident, commercial vehicle accident, or semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to full benefits and compensation. Know your rights and get the answers you deserve. The attorneys at Kalra Law Firm are dedicated to getting car accident victims the compensation they deserve. Call our office now to speak with one of our experienced car accident lawyers to represent you in your case. We offer a free initial consultation and will not charge unless we win your case. Call our New York City and Queens car accident lawyers today if you have any questions about a car accident you were involved in. Call us at (718) 897-2211 www.unionlawyer.com
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About Kalra Law Firm
NYC Construction Injury Lawyers from Kalra Law Firm have recuperated millions of dollars for our clients. The toll of serious injury can be tremendous on you and your loved ones. We have devoted ourselves to fighting for justice and to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. With Law Offices in Queens, Long Island, Corona, and The Bronx We are ready to serve you today.