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Crane Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn - Fallen crane

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. 

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FAQ

Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.

  • What Should I Do After Getting Hurt in a Crane Accident?

    If you got hurt in a Brooklyn crane accident, consider the following steps to protect your legal rights and health: 

    • Seek medical assistance immediately 
    • Tell your supervisor or employer about the accident
    • Make notes of the contact details of witnesses
    • Take pictures of the accident scene, crane, and your injuries 
    • Contact a crane accident attorney to protect your rights and determine your next best steps
  • Is the Crane Manufacturer Liable?

    If your accident happened due to a crane defect, a manufacturer could be liable for your damages. Among other safety standards, crane manufacturers must:

    • Provide safety latches for crane hooks 
    • Install an electrical disconnect switch on all cranes
    • Provide clear labeling regarding maximum load capacities

    Cranes that lack these security features or are poorly designed and defective could give you legal recourse against a manufacturer. However, several different parties could be liable for your damages, including but not limited to:

    • An employer
    • A supervisor or coworker
    • Other contractors on site
    • Other crane or equipment operators

    You could sue and recover compensation if a third party is liable for your accident. However, knowing who or what caused your accident is critical. Consider speaking to one of our experienced crane accident lawyers in Brooklyn who can identify the liable parties and move forward with a claim on your behalf. 

  • Can I File a Lawsuit Even if I Am Collecting Workers’ Comp?

    Knowing what to do for the best if you are hurt at work can be challenging. Most construction workers injured in a scaffold accident would file a workers’ compensation claim and collect benefits for their medical treatment and income loss. Since workers’ comp is a no-fault system, even workers who caused their accident could be entitled to benefits.

    However, if someone else carelessly or recklessly caused a crane accident and your injuries, you could potentially sue them and receive additional damages. Workers may be eligible to file a lawsuit even when collecting workers’ comp benefits. A personal injury lawsuit could allow you to receive damages unavailable with workers’ comp, such as pain and anguish. However, you may have to pay back some of your recovery to your employer or insurer. Therefore, consider seeking advice from an attorney regarding your specific situation. 

  • How Much Time Do I Have to File a Crane Accident Lawsuit in Brooklyn?

    How much time you have to file a suit depends on the type of case you are bringing. According to New York Civil Practice Law & Rules §214, you generally must file a personal injury or defective product lawsuit within three years. However, if you are looking to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Brooklyn, you only have two years from the death of your loved one. Generally, the statute of limitations starts running down on the day of your crane accident and injury or the date of your loved one’s death. 

  • Do I Need a Lawyer to Handle My Crane Accident Case?

    Construction accidents can be tricky to understand and litigate. Moreover, there could be several liable parties, such as other contractors, a crane manufacturer, your employer, and others. Therefore, it is advisable to at least consult with an attorney to determine your legal options and the best course of action. You could have several ways of recovering benefits and compensation.

    Moreover, your case may be worth much more than you think. Workers affected by crane accidents often suffer life-changing consequences and high financial damages. Knowing what your claim is worth can be crucial for getting what you deserve. An attorney can calculate all your damages, including non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Unrepresented claimants may not know what their case is worth and inadvertently accept a lowball offer. An attorney can scrutinize an insurer’s offer and ensure that you are not leaving any money on the table.

  • How Can a Morgan & Morgan Crane Accident Attorney Help Me?

    Having experienced and determined legal counsel on your side during the legal process can be invaluable and provide you with your best chance of getting what you truly deserve. As America’s largest personal injury firm, we have the resources few other law firms can match. Our teams of investigators, legal team members, and attorneys can analyze your accident comprehensively, determine the liable parties, and move forward with legal action on your behalf. We can: 

    • Investigate the cause of your crane accident.
    • Identify all responsible parties in your accident.
    • Gather evidence such as security camera footage, witness statements, photos, medical reports, and other material.
    • Liaise with your medical providers to understand the scope and permanence of your injuries.
    • Document your damages, such as wage losses and medical bills.
    • Determine your future expected costs.
    • Correspond with insurance companies and the defendants in your case.
    • Handle all paperwork correctly and timely.
    • Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurer.
    • Present your case powerfully at trial.

    While you are free to heal and focus on getting your life back on track, our attorneys can work tirelessly for the maximum possible compensation on your behalf.

  • Morgan & Morgan Wants You to Win

    If you were hurt or your loved one died in a Brooklyn crane accident, get legal advice and help as soon as possible. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner you can receive what you need to get your life back on track. Morgan & Morgan is here for injured workers. We fight employers and others that try to get away with putting profit before people. Our legal teams and professional investigators can shed light on the real reason for your crane accident and hold those responsible accountable for your ordeal. 

    Our crane accident lawyers in Brooklyn want you to have the best chance of winning after suffering a work injury or grieving the death of a loved one. You pay nothing until we win. Don’t make the mistake of trying to handle your complex workers’ comp claim or lawsuit alone. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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