What Are the Causes of Crane Accidents?

Cranes are a common sight on construction sites in New York City, towering over buildings as they lift heavy materials and equipment. While these powerful machines are essential for many construction projects, they also pose significant risks. Crane accidents can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities, and when such incidents occur, it's important to understand your legal rights.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Crane Collapse

A crane collapse can be one of the most catastrophic types of crane accidents. This often occurs due to structural failure, improper setup, or exceeding the crane’s load capacity. A collapse can result in severe damage to property and pose a significant risk to anyone in the vicinity.

Overturned Cranes

Cranes can overturn when they are not properly stabilized or when they are set up on uneven ground. Overturning can also occur if the crane's load is not correctly balanced or if the crane is operated in poor weather conditions, such as high winds.

Improper Crane Selection

Selecting the wrong type of crane for the job can lead to serious accidents. Each crane has specific capabilities and limitations, and using the wrong crane for a particular task can result in overloading, instability, and other dangerous conditions.

Mechanical Failures

Cranes are complex machines with many components that must be regularly inspected and maintained. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, hydraulic system issues, or boom collapses, can cause accidents if not addressed promptly. Regular maintenance and thorough inspections are critical to preventing these types of failures.

Dropped Loads

One of the most common crane-related accidents involves dropped loads. This can happen if the load is not properly secured, if the rigging fails, or if the crane is overloaded. Dropped loads can result in serious injuries to workers on the ground and significant damage to property.

Boom Collapsing

The boom is the long, extendable arm of the crane, and it is one of the most critical components. A boom collapse can occur due to mechanical failure, improper operation, or overloading. When the boom collapses, it can cause significant damage and pose a grave threat to the safety of those nearby.

Electrocution

Electrocution is a serious risk in crane operations, especially when cranes come into contact with overhead power lines. Electrocutions can occur when the crane’s boom or load lines touch or come too close to electrical wires, leading to fatal incidents. Proper planning and awareness are essential to prevent such accidents.

Struck-By Incidents

Workers on the ground are at risk of being struck by crane loads, falling objects, or even parts of the crane itself. Struck-by incidents are among the leading causes of fatalities in construction and are often the result of dropped loads, improper rigging, or crane components falling due to mechanical failure.

Insufficient Training and Operator Inexperience

Operating a crane requires specialized knowledge and training. Insufficient training or inexperience can lead to operator errors, which are a major cause of crane accidents. Proper training and certification are essential for all crane operators to ensure safe operation.

Rigging Failures

Rigging involves using ropes, chains, and other equipment to secure loads for lifting. Rigging failures can occur if the rigging is not correctly assembled, damaged or worn, or improperly used. Such failures can result in loads being dropped, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Improper Assembly or Disassembly

A crane's stability is highly dependent on its proper assembly and disassembly. Accidents can occur when cranes are not assembled or disassembled according to manufacturer guidelines or when corners are cut to save time. This can lead to structural failures or tipping incidents.

Exceeding Crane Capacity

Each crane has a maximum load capacity, and exceeding this limit can lead to accidents such as tipping, collapsing, or dropped loads. Overloading a crane often results from miscalculations or pressure to complete a job quickly.

Who Is Liable for a Crane Accident?

Determining liability in a crane accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Understanding who is liable is crucial for pursuing compensation for injuries, damages, and other losses. Here are some of the key parties that could be held accountable in a crane accident:

• Crane Operator: The crane operator is often the first party considered in a crane accident. If the operator's negligence – such as improper handling, lack of attention, or failure to follow safety protocols – contributed to the accident, they could be held liable. Operators are expected to have the necessary training and experience to safely operate such heavy machinery.
• Construction Company or Contractor: The construction company or contractor overseeing the project may also be liable, particularly if they failed to provide proper training, neglected to maintain the crane, or ignored safety regulations. If the company pressured the operator to rush or cut corners, leading to unsafe working conditions, they could be held responsible for the accident.
• Crane Manufacturer: In some cases, the crane accident may be due to a defect in the equipment itself. If the accident was caused by a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or failure of a critical component, the manufacturer of the crane or its parts could be held liable under product liability laws.
• Maintenance Crew: Regular maintenance is essential for the safe operation of cranes. If the maintenance crew failed to properly inspect or repair the crane, leading to mechanical failure, they could be held liable for the accident. This includes any third-party companies responsible for servicing the crane.
• Site Supervisors or Safety Managers: Site supervisors and safety managers are responsible for ensuring that the construction site adheres to safety standards. If they failed to enforce safety protocols, overlooked hazardous conditions, or improperly assembled or positioned the crane, they could be partially or fully liable for the accident.
• Property Owners: If the crane accident was due to unsafe conditions on the property, such as unstable ground or obstacles that contributed to the accident, the property owner might also share liability. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their land is safe for construction activities.
• Shared Liability: In many crane accidents, liability may be shared among multiple parties. For example, a poorly maintained crane operated by an inadequately trained operator on an unsafe site could implicate the crane operator, the construction company, the maintenance crew, and the property owner.

$6 Million Settlement for Injured Workers in NYC Crane Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident, it’s important to know your legal rights. Crane accidents can result in severe injuries, leading to substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs. In many cases, these accidents are due to negligence, whether it’s on the part of the crane operator, the construction company, or the equipment manufacturer.

At Keogh Crispi, P.C., we have extensive experience handling construction accident cases in New York, including those involving cranes. We are committed to helping victims of crane accidents secure the compensation they deserve.

In one notable case, we represented three construction workers who were injured when a crane collapsed while they were building the first floor above ground level on a construction site in New York City. Our investigation revealed violations of multiple New York laws, including Labor Law 240 and Labor Law 241, as well as OSHA safety regulations. The confidential settlements we obtained for our clients totaled $6 million.

To see how we can help with your potential legal case, contact Keogh Crispi, P.C. today for a free consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process to achieve the best possible outcome.