You Need an Experienced Crane Accident Lawyer

We get results for crane accident victims in New York.

Cranes are everywhere on construction sites in New York, and with advances in technology, they can hoist bigger loads higher than ever. However, they need to be built, installed, maintained, and operated with safety in mind, and too often, they cause devastating injuries when companies fail to do so. If you were hurt, you need a crane accident attorney to demand the compensation you deserve.

Keogh Crispi, P.C. has a proven track record of results for victims of crane accidents, including multiple million-dollar recoveries for injured construction workers. We know how to elevate the value of your case with thorough research and relentless advocacy. Schedule your free consultation with an experienced attorney today.

Our legal team can identify the cause of your crane accident.

The single most common cause of lethal crane accidents is contact between the crane and energized power lines, which can cause electrocution. That’s why OSHA has set specific standards for crane safety around power lines: the lines must be de-energized, or if that is not possible, a safe distance from the lines must be maintained. Either the crane operator or a designated spotter must visually observe the proper clearance. The safety standards require insulated barriers that are not part of the crane to be used to prevent contact with energized lines; cage-type boom guards, proximity warning devices, and insulating links are not an acceptable substitute.

Because of their size and mechanical complexity, there are several other things that can go wrong when cranes are poorly maintained or improperly operated. Some of these causes include:

• Miscommunication: safely operating a crane requires effective communication between operators, signalmen, and other workers. The employer needs to set standard operating signals and put appropriate protocols in place.
• Heavy loads: under no circumstances should a crane lift a load that exceeds its rated capacity. Overloading can cause the load to be dropped or even unbalance the entire crane to the point where it overturns.
• Unsafe rigging/slings: the chain, or sling, that is selected needs to be rated for the load, weight and configuration of the lift, and needs to be inspected regularly.
• Shackles: this fastening device also needs to be appropriate and safe for the lift, and should also be inspected regularly.
• Man baskets: if this type of work platform is used, it needs to meet OSHA standards and be inspected before use.
• Inappropriate installation: when a crane is installed, all appropriate precautions need to be taken to ensure it is secure, especially on soft ground.
• Inexperienced operators: crane operators need to be trained and experienced to handle their machines safely.
• Poor design or maintenance: if a crane is not properly maintained, there is a danger of mechanical failure.

In short, cranes have the potential to be incredibly dangerous, which means safety must be the priority on any construction site where they are being used. When any responsible party fails to put safety first, serious construction accidents follow. Depending on the circumstances of a crane accident, liability (legal responsibility) could fall on:

• The crane company. Usually, cranes are operated by crane companies distinct from the construction company that is responsible for the site as a whole. If you worked for an employer other than the crane company, you can file a third-party claim.
• The property owner or general contractor. New York Labor Law 240 holds property owners and general contractors strictly liable for gravity-related injuries, meaning they are responsible for protecting workers from falls and falling objects.
• The crane manufacturer. Companies that manufacture, distribute, sell, and maintain cranes have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe and reliable. A mechanical failure may have been caused by a design defect.
• Other on-site contractors. Any company doing work on a construction site could contribute to a miscommunication or other act of negligence that leads to a crane accident.

Crane accidents can be caused by a single error or a complex mix of factors. Getting to the bottom of what happened may require exhaustive investigation. If multiple companies are at fault, they may try to blame each other while the injured worker is caught in the middle. That’s why it’s so important to have a crane accident attorney on your side, conducting an investigation on your behalf.

We’ll fight for full value for your crane accident.

When crane accidents happen, they can cause devastating, life-altering injuries. You may not be able to work for quite some time, or you may have to change careers and be permanently disabled. The medical bills are piling up. Your relationships are affected by the injury. When you come to us, we’ll listen to your story, seek to understand the full extent of how the injury has affected your life, and immediately get to work on a strategy to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Evidence in a construction accident can disappear quickly, especially outdoors. Our legal team will take immediate action to preserve the evidence we need to build a strong case. We review documents, talk to witnesses, and hire experts to prove fault and to establish the extent of your damages. Then, we’ll fight for the full compensation you need for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs.

We prepare every case we handle for trial. When the insurance company sees that we’re ready to take them to court, they offer larger settlements than they would have otherwise. Often, with this leverage on our side, we’re able to get the result you need through negotiation; if not, we’re ready to fight for your interests before a judge and jury. Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed, actively involve you in strategy discussions, and make sure you’re always prepared for the next step. You were there. You know what happened. Our job is to help you tell your story and protect your legal rights.

Get started with a free consultation with crane accident attorney Pat James Crispi. The consultation is free and there’s no obligation to hire us, just clear answers about your legal options. If you do choose to hire us, we work on a contingency fee, meaning you don’t owe us a penny until and unless we win your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.