Crane Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn

Cranes are invaluable for lifting heavy materials like concrete and steel all over construction sites in Brooklyn. However, when cranes are defective or operated negligently, they can pose a considerable danger to the operator, workers on the ground, and members of the public. Collapsing cranes, uncontrollably swinging arms in bad weather, and dropped loads can cause severe accidents with catastrophic injuries and deaths.

Crane accident cases can be highly complicated and may involve several parties, such as developers, property owners, subcontractors, equipment operators, and others. Moreover, injured workers could have several options for receiving the benefits and compensation they deserve. 

If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a crane accident, you do not have to fight alone. We can be here for you during the most challenging time in your life. Morgan & Morgan’s crane accident lawyers in Brooklyn can help you navigate the legal process and fight vigorously for what you need to rebuild your life. Contact us today to determine your next best steps in a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Reasons for Brooklyn Crane Accidents

Unfortunately, crane accidents are not a rarity in Brooklyn. Earlier in 2022, a Brooklyn crane operator lost his life when he was crushed to death due to a malfunctioning crane. In October 2016, a crane operator died in downtown Brooklyn when a piece of equipment fell from the crane and hit him. Figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that New York State has the second-highest death rate from crane accidents in the nation. 

Reasons for crane accidents can include:   

• Improper maintenance of cranes
• Lack of regular safety inspections
• Untrained crane operators
• Electrocution due to contact with overhead power lines
• Collapsing cranes
• Ignoring maximum load restrictions 
• Dropped loads and falling objects
• Lack of supervision
• Making contact with a vehicle or building 

Crane accidents are rarely harmless and can cause considerable property damage, catastrophic injuries among workers and bystanders, and tragic fatalities. 

Injuries in Crane Accidents

Injuries in crane accidents can be catastrophic, life-changing, and fatal for workers and anyone in the vicinity of the accident scene. Common injuries in crane accidents can include: 

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Bone fractures
• Amputations
• Electrocution 
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Emotional trauma

How to Pursue Benefits and Compensation After Your Crane Accident

If you are injured at work in Brooklyn, you are generally not allowed to sue your employer. However, most injured workers are eligible for workers’ comp benefits, and there may be legal options for recovering compensation if a third party caused your accident.

Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim 

Most construction firms in Brooklyn carry workers’ comp insurance. If you are injured, let your supervisor or employer know immediately and ask about filing a workers’ comp claim. You could qualify for various benefits from the program, including: 

Healthcare Costs

Workers’ compensation typically pays for all reasonable healthcare expenses due to a work-related injury or condition, including: 

• Hospitalization
• Emergency treatment
• Medications
• Diagnostic testing
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Medical devices
• In-home medical care

Income Replacement 

Significantly injured workers may not be able to work for some time. Under the workers’ compensation program, workers can receive wage replacement benefits up to two-thirds of their average weekly salary. If you suffered a permanent impairment, such as loss of a limb, loss of hearing or eyesight, and others, you could be entitled to additional cash payments.  

Vocational Benefits

Some injured construction workers recover but are unable to continue working in the field due to the lasting impact of their injury. New York State’s workers’ comp program can offer workers help with retraining and finding alternative employment.

Survivor’s Benefits

The family of a construction worker who died in a crane accident is generally eligible for survivor benefits, which can include a lump sum for funeral expenses and weekly cash payments for the spouse and dependents. 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Depending on the facts and circumstances of your crane accident and injury, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party and recover compensation. Liable parties in a crane accident suit could include a crane manufacturer, reckless contractor, grossly negligent employer, and others. 

Compensation in Personal Injury Lawsuits

There is no such thing as an average settlement amount in a personal injury lawsuit. The amount of compensation you could receive will depend on your injuries and the facts of your accident. However, if you win the case, you could receive the following awards and others:

• Lost wages and future loss of income
• Medical expenses and future medical costs
• Long-term care 
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Disfigurement
• Loss of a limb
• Loss of life quality

Crane accidents can be complex. You may have to stand up to a powerful crane manufacturer or developer to get what you deserve. Therefore, consider consulting with one of our experienced crane accident attorneys to determine the worth of your claim, understand your legal rights, and discover your next best steps. 

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Losing a loved one in a crane accident comes as a shock. Nobody can prepare families for the feelings of loss and grief when a loved one passes away unexpectedly. However, if someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused your loved one’s accident and death, you could be entitled to compensation with a wrongful death claim. A fair settlement could help you avoid financial chaos after the death of your loved one. 

Damages close family members of the decedent could qualify for include:

• Medical expenses before death
• Burial, cremation, or funeral costs
• Pain and suffering before death
• Loss of financial support from the decedent
• Loss of services and parental guidance 
• Loss of inheritance

You do not have to struggle with a wrongful death claim on your own. Our determined crane accident lawyers in Brooklyn can leave no stone unturned in fighting for the compensation you deserve.