Surprisingly, more than 20% of all construction fatalities involve crane accidents. These accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Due to the technological advances in the construction industry, cranes are now bigger, faster and carry heavier loads than ever before. Everyone is in jeopardy should an accident occur. If you have been injured due to a crane accident, speak to a New York City Crane Accident from Stephen Bilkis and Associates.
These accidents are commonly caused by:
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) says that the most common reason for a crane accident is the crane boom hitting live power lines. Unfortunately, electrocution accounts for 45% of all crane injuries. Power lines can cause an accident in other ways as well, and high winds combined with power lines is a particularly dangerous combination.
Determining LiabilityTo determine the value of a crane accident case, your lawyer will need to research the details surrounding your accident. In most cases, negligence is to blame. Due to the dangerous nature of operating large machinery, accidents usually cause severe injury. A common cause of death is electrocution, which can cause thermal burns, heart attack and death. Blunt force trauma can also be involved, which can include injuries to the head, back and limbs.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crane accident, the smartest move you can make is to contact a New York City crane accident lawyer from Stephen Bilkis and Associates for guidance. Our attorneys have a track record of success, which shows in the results we get our clients. We have proven time and time again, that there is no substitute for experience. Our firm has settled or won over 200 cases in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) each.
Valuing a Crane Accident CaseThere are numerous items to consider which include the following:
Economic Damages: Economic damages address any lost earnings you have suffered because of the accident. You deserve to be compensated for your lost wages. This includes temporary time off work to heal, as well compensation for permanent disability if you are unable to return to your job.
Pain and Suffering: The law in New York says that you can be compensated for your pain and suffering because of an accident. We can all agree that pain is a very subjective thing, and it is difficult to attach a dollar amount to this. However, your lawyer uses a mathematical formula that allows them to arrive at a number. The court will also consider the severity of your injuries, and whether you have experienced a loss of quality of life.
Medical Bills: Depending on the type of injury you sustained, your medical expenses can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This number can also include any future medical expenses if applicable, such as a revision surgery or physical therapy for instance. To ensure you receive the best possible outcome, it is important to discuss your medical expenses with a crane accident lawyer who is familiar with New York City case law.
Insurance/Workers' CompensationUnder Workers' Compensation, workers are often prohibited from suing their employers for negligence. However, in the event of a crane accident it works differently. Cranes are operated by company contractors not in charge of the site, and they can be held liable for an accident. Parties held responsible can include onsite contractors, manufacturers, distributors and crane maintenance companies.
Recent cases in the area have had the following results:
Bronx, New York-$2,000,000 Verdict: Plaintiff becomes trapped under unstable cement wall at the job site.
Onondaga City, New York-$1,050,000 Verdict: Construction foreman falls 8 ft. from failed scaffolding.
New York County, New York-$1,750,000 Verdict: Plaintiff electrician falls through hole in pump room.
Whether you need help in determining the value of a crane accident case, settling or bringing a lawsuit, you will need a lawyer that you can rely on. It is important to not delay in acting, the sooner you contact us the better the outcome of your case. Our lawyers will sort out the details of your accident and set to work gathering evidence and creating a legal strategy to get you the compensation you deserve.
Speak to one of our New York City attorneys regarding your crane accident case. We have offices throughout New York, including offices in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County, Nassau County and Westchester County. Call us today at 800.696.9529.