Staten Island Crane Accident

Because construction sites are so dangerous, both the federal government and New York state enacted laws to protect those who work at construction sites. Despite the detailed rules that about safety accidents still occur at construction sites on a regular bases. One category of accidents that can lead to catastrophic injuries are accidents involving cranes. Because cranes are extremely, narrow, heavy pieces of equipment, when something goes wrong victims suffer serious injuries such has traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and back injuries. Such injuries are not only physically and mentally painful, they also can cause the victim financial stress since the victim may have to miss a substantial amount of work while faced with substantial medical bills. If you or a loved one was injured in a crane-related construction accident, it is important that you immediately speak with an experienced Staten Island construction accident lawyer who will review your case and work hard to ensure that you receive the compensation and benefits that you deserve.

Even though there are both federal and state regulations that require the implementation of safety precautions when using cranes, each year both workers and bystanders suffer serious injuries in crane accidents that could have been avoided but for negligence.

• Dropped loads: Dropped loads can hit a victim causing a brain injury. Even if the load does not hit someone, debris from the load may hit someone. In other cases victims are injured while trying to avoid being hit by the load.
• Power lines. Another common type of crane accident occurs when a crane hits a power line. This can result in an electrocution.
• Overturning. A common reason for crane overturning is that it is overloaded. Cranes have weight limits that operators must follow.
• Mechanical failures. Mechanical failures can lead to injuries. Operators must routinely check components and properly service them to ensure that they operate correctly.

Crane accidents are typically caused by operator error, operator inexperience, poor communication between workers and failure to follow OSHA safety requirements. Most crane accidents would not have occurred if safety measures were strictly followed.

Construction workers injured in crane accidents may be eligible to receive benefits through workers' compensation. Workers' compensation benefits include:

• Medical care. In order to receive medical benefits, the injured employee must follow workers' compensation procedures, including going to an improved medical provider.
• Cash benefits. Because injured employees may not be able to work, workers' compensation insurance will provide victims with a portion of their weekly wages.
• Vocational counseling. In cases where the victim's injury prevents him from returning to the same job, workers' compensation provides vocational counseling that will help the injured worker find a new job.

While most construction accidents will be covered by workers' compensation, there are some cases where the victim will have the right to pursue a personal injury claim despite the fact that the injury occurred in the workplace. In such cases compensable damages include medical expenses, lost wages, income and benefits, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering.

If your injury is so serious that you are not able to return to work for a long time, if ever, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crane accident, it is important that you are represented by someone with experience representing clients who suffered catastrophic injuries in construction accidents. While you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, you may also be eligible to receive compensation through a personal injury claim. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates has experience successfully representing clients injured in construction accidents, as well as vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents and other types of accidents caused by negligence. In addition, we have the resources to handle complex construction accident cases. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.