Crane accidents are some of the most dangerous and high-stakes construction incidents in New York City. When a crane tips, collapses, drops a load, strikes a structure, or malfunctions during a lift, the results can be catastrophic—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, amputations, multiple fractures, internal injuries, and wrongful death. Because cranes operate over active job sites and public sidewalks, a single failure can harm operators, riggers, laborers, motorists, and pedestrians in seconds.
Crane work requires careful planning, proper equipment selection, safe setup, trained personnel, and strict adherence to manufacturer specifications and jobsite safety rules. Negligence often shows up as overloading, improper rigging, unstable ground conditions, inadequate counterweights, poor signaling/communication, rushed lifts, unsafe weather decisions, missing inspections, or defective crane components. When safety corners are cut, preventable crane accidents happen.
Our Brooklyn crane accident lawyers investigate construction crane and heavy equipment cases throughout Brooklyn, Staten Island, and NYC. We move fast to preserve critical evidence—incident reports, lift plans, maintenance logs, inspection records, operator certifications, site-control documents, witness statements, and available video footage. When needed, we work with engineering and construction safety experts to determine exactly why the crane failure occurred and who is responsible.
Like many jobsite cases, crane injuries may involve two legal paths: workers’ compensation and, when another party contributed to the danger, a third-party personal injury claim. Third-party claims can seek damages workers’ comp does not cover—such as pain and suffering and full loss of earning capacity. We handle crane accident cases on contingency: you pay no legal fee unless we recover compensation for you.
What kinds of incidents are considered crane accidents?
Crane accidents can include collapses or tip-overs, dropped loads, rigging failures, boom failures, strikes to workers or structures, contact with power lines, and malfunctions during lifting, hoisting, or assembly/disassembly operations.
Who can be held responsible for a construction crane injury in NYC?
Depending on the facts, liability may involve a property owner, general contractor, subcontractor, crane rental company, maintenance provider, rigging company, or a manufacturer of defective crane components or safety devices.
Can a crane accident injure people who are not construction workers?
Yes. Because cranes operate over sidewalks and streets, crane failures can injure pedestrians, motorists, and nearby occupants. Non-workers may have claims against the responsible parties for negligence and related damages.
What evidence helps prove a crane accident case?
Important evidence may include the lift plan, inspection and maintenance logs, operator certification records, rigging documentation, site safety logs, weather reports, photos/video, witness statements, and any OSHA/DOB-related records when applicable.
Do crane injury cases involve workers’ compensation and lawsuits?
Often, yes. Injured workers may receive workers’ compensation, and may also have a third-party claim when another company or manufacturer contributed to the unsafe condition. Third-party claims can seek damages not available in workers’ comp, including pain and suffering.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for a crane accident?
We handle crane accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
How quickly should I call a lawyer after a crane incident?
Immediately if possible. Crane accident evidence can be time-sensitive, and early investigation can help preserve equipment, documents, video footage, and witness accounts that may be critical to your case.