What Should You Do After a Crane Accident?
February 17, 2023 in Construction Accidents, Personal Injury
Crane accidents are prevalent today and can result in electrocution, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations, and wrongful death. Negligent practices and equipment malfunction are among the most common causes of crane injuries. Because you may be eligible for compensation, you should reach out to an attorney following a crane accident that resulted in an injury.
What Kind of Injuries Do Crane Accidents Cause?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost three-fifths of crane-related fatalities involve construction workers struck by falling objects or equipment. Although the implementation of standardized safety guidelines has prevented some crane-related deaths in the past few decades, crane accidents are still prevalent today. Some of the most common crane-related injuries construction workers experience include the following:
- Electrocution
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
Why Do Crane Accidents Occur?
Human error can contribute to crane accidents, but malfunctioning equipment and negligent practices account for most of these accidents. Cranes can spontaneously malfunction due to poor manufacturing or inherent flaws in the design of the machine. On the other hand, cranes can also malfunction due to negligent practices. For example, machines like cranes are required to undergo routine inspections and maintenance to ensure proper functioning by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employers must also provide adequate training and supervision to ensure comprehensive safety. Noncompliance with OSHA protocols and failure to ensure complete safety is negligent practices that are common determinants of crane accidents.
I’ve Been Injured in a Crane Accident. What Do I Do?
Following a crane injury, you should contact a lawyer to determine if you are eligible for compensation. Multiple parties may share liabilities for your injuries and other damages, including property owners, equipment manufacturers, equipment owners, supervisors, subcontractors, general contractors, architects, and engineers.
Workers who sustain crane-related injuries may also seek benefits from a workers’ compensation claim. New York law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides payment of medical bills, disability payments, and a portion of salary after a work-related accident. Eligible workers must only prove that an injury occurred directly from job duties to receive compensation. If the claim does not provide enough adequate compensation, there may be grounds for a third-party liability claim. Therefore, reach out to an attorney to determine if you are eligible for a third-party liability claim.
Contact the New York Attorneys at SPBMCC To Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or someone you care about suffered a crane injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo (SPBMCC) at (212)732-9000 for a free consultation to determine if you are eligible for compensation.