$5.99M
Construction Accident
Recovery obtained in a major construction injury matter.
New York Construction Accident Attorneys
New York Crane Accident Lawyer
Crane accidents can cause life-changing injuries in seconds. A collapse, dropped load, rigging failure, unsafe lift, hoist malfunction, or defective component may injure workers, pedestrians, or others near the site.
Berkowitz & Weitz Law represents injured New Yorkers in complex construction and catastrophic injury claims. Our attorneys investigate the project, preserve critical evidence, identify potentially responsible parties, and pursue compensation from appropriate contractors, property owners, crane companies, equipment businesses, and insurers.
No fee unless we recover
Confidential consultation
Serving all five boroughs
Millions RecoveredFor injured clients and families
Trial AttorneysPrepared to litigate serious cases
Direct AttentionClear communication throughout your case
No Fee Unless We WinContingency-fee representation
Representative Results
Serious Cases Require Serious Preparation
Our firm has handled substantial injury claims involving construction accidents, unsafe premises, falls from heights, defective equipment, and catastrophic injuries.
$4M
Premises Liability
Substantial recovery for injuries caused by unsafe property conditions.
$3.9M
Motorcycle Accident
Recovery for a client who suffered severe injuries in a collision.
$2.29M
Construction Trip Accident
Recovery involving dangerous conditions at a construction site.
$2.21M
Ladder Fall
Recovery for a worker injured in an elevation-related accident.
$2M
Scaffold Fall
Recovery in a serious scaffold and fall-from-height matter.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts, injuries, available insurance, and applicable law.
Crane Accident Representation
Crane Cases Often Involve Multiple Companies, Contracts, and Safety Failures
A crane accident is rarely a simple workplace incident. The owner, general contractor, crane operator, subcontractors, rigging crew, maintenance company, and equipment manufacturer may all have played a role.
That complexity makes early investigation essential. Equipment may be moved, repaired, dismantled, or returned to service. Video can be overwritten, lift documentation can be difficult to obtain, and witnesses may leave the project. Our attorneys work to preserve the scene, obtain records, and determine how the lift was planned, supervised, communicated, and performed.
✓
Immediate evidence preservation
Site photographs, video, incident reports, lift plans, load charts, rigging records, inspection logs, contracts, and operator or signal-person records.
Site photographs, video, incident reports, lift plans, load charts, rigging records, inspection logs, contracts, and operator or signal-person records.
✓
Expert analysis
Engineering, crane-operation, rigging, medical, and vocational experts when appropriate.
Engineering, crane-operation, rigging, medical, and vocational experts when appropriate.
✓
Full damages assessment
Medical needs, wage loss, future care, pain and suffering, and reduced earning capacity.
Medical needs, wage loss, future care, pain and suffering, and reduced earning capacity.
Types of Crane Accidents
We Investigate the Full Chain of Events
Crane accidents can result from a single dangerous decision or a series of failures involving planning, supervision, equipment, communication, and site safety.
Crane Collapses
Structural failure, improper assembly, inadequate support, unstable ground, overloading, or unsafe operation can cause devastating collapses.
Falling Loads
Improperly secured materials, defective hooks, failed slings, and poor communication can cause suspended loads to fall on workers or pedestrians.
Rigging Failures
Worn rigging, incorrect load calculations, improper attachment points, and unqualified personnel can place everyone near the lift at risk.
Contact With Power Lines
Failure to maintain safe clearance from energized lines can cause electrocution, burns, falls, and secondary injuries.
Struck-by and Caught-between Incidents
Workers may be pinned, crushed, or struck by crane components, counterweights, booms, loads, or moving equipment.
Operator or Signal Failure
Inadequate training, blind lifts, poor communication, fatigue, and failure to follow lift plans can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Why Choose Berkowitz & Weitz
Focused Representation for High-Stakes Injury Claims
Trial-Ready Strategy
We prepare serious cases with litigation in mind from the beginning.
Construction Knowledge
We understand New York construction claims, site relationships, and liability issues.
Direct Communication
Clients receive clear guidance and regular updates as the case progresses.
No Upfront Legal Fee
We are paid only if compensation is recovered for you.
New York Labor Law
Labor Law 240 and 241 May Provide Important Protections
New York construction claims may involve several overlapping laws. The provisions that apply depend on the work being performed, the type of hazard, the safety devices involved, and what caused the accident. For a broader overview, visit our New York construction accident lawyer page.
Labor Law § 240
Often called the “Scaffold Law,” Labor Law §240 may apply to certain elevation-related hazards when an appropriate safety device was absent, inadequate, improperly placed, or failed. Crane cases involving suspended loads, hoists, falling objects, or other gravity-related risks may raise §240 issues, but the statute does not apply automatically to every crane accident.
Labor Law § 241(6)
Labor Law §241(6) may apply when a specific and applicable Industrial Code regulation was violated and contributed to a construction, demolition, or excavation accident. Determining whether a regulation applies requires careful review of the work, equipment, lift activity, and site conditions.
These claims are fact-sensitive. An attorney should evaluate the project, the injured person’s role, the accident mechanism, and the relationships among the companies involved.
Potentially Liable Parties
More Than One Party May Be Responsible
A careful investigation may reveal overlapping responsibility among companies involved in the project. An injured worker’s direct employer is generally protected from an ordinary personal injury lawsuit by workers’ compensation exclusivity, subject to limited exceptions, while claims may still be available against qualifying third parties.
Property Owners
Owners may have legal duties under New York law depending on the work and circumstances.
General Contractors
General contractors may be responsible for coordination, supervision, and site safety obligations.
Crane and Rigging Companies
Operators, riggers, and crane providers may be liable for unsafe lifts, poor maintenance, or improper setup.
Subcontractors
Subcontractors may contribute to unsafe conditions, planning failures, or dangerous work practices.
Equipment Manufacturers
A manufacturer or distributor may be responsible when a defective component or system contributes to the accident.
Maintenance and Inspection Companies
Negligent maintenance, missed defects, or inadequate inspection can create preventable hazards.
Common Injuries
Crane Accidents Frequently Cause Catastrophic Harm
The forces involved in a collapse, falling load, or crushing incident can produce permanent injuries and long-term financial consequences.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head trauma can affect memory, judgment, personality, mobility, and the ability to work.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord may lead to paralysis, chronic pain, and lifelong care needs.
Crush Injuries
Crushing forces can damage muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and internal organs.
Amputations
Severe trauma may require surgical amputation or result in traumatic limb loss.
Fractures
Multiple or complex fractures may require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended time away from work.
Burns and Electrocution
Electrical contact and fire can cause deep burns, nerve injury, cardiac damage, and scarring.
Internal Injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage may require emergency surgery and intensive care.
Wrongful Death
Families may have legal options after a fatal crane or construction accident.
Compensation
What Damages May Be Available?
The value of a crane accident claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the effect on the injured person’s life, the responsible parties, and available insurance coverage.
Medical Expenses
Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical care.
Lost Income
Past lost wages, missed benefits, reduced earning capacity, and future income loss.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Future Care
Home health care, medical equipment, therapy, modifications, and long-term support.
Permanent Disability
Compensation for lasting impairment and the effect on daily life and independence.
Wrongful Death Damages
Potential recovery for financial losses and other damages available to eligible family members.
How We Build the Case
A Structured Investigation From Day One
Initial Review
We learn how the accident happened, identify urgent deadlines, and discuss immediate next steps.
Evidence Preservation
We seek photographs, video, inspection records, lift plans, contracts, logs, and witness information.
Liability Analysis
We evaluate each company’s role, legal duties, and potential responsibility.
Damages Development
We document medical care, wage loss, future needs, and the full impact of the injuries.
Negotiation or Trial
We pursue a fair result and prepare to litigate when insurers refuse to act reasonably.
Do Not Wait to Protect Critical Evidence
Crane equipment may be moved, repaired, or returned to service. Video can be deleted. Witnesses can disappear. Early legal action can help preserve the information needed to prove what happened.
Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C.
New York Personal Injury Attorneys
About the Firm
Experienced Advocacy, Careful Case Development, and Direct Client Attention
Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C. represents people and families affected by serious personal injuries throughout New York. In construction and crane accident matters, the firm focuses on prompt investigation, preservation of evidence, identification of responsible parties, and complete documentation of the client’s losses.
Every crane case presents different technical and legal questions. Our approach is to examine the project relationships, available contracts, site records, inspection materials, lift planning, equipment history, witness accounts, and medical evidence before determining the best strategy for the claim.
Construction-Law Focus
Evaluation of Labor Law, job-site responsibility, third-party liability, and safety issues.
Evidence-Led Investigation
Early attention to photographs, video, equipment, records, contracts, and witness testimony.
Serious-Injury Analysis
Documentation of medical treatment, wage loss, future care, disability, and life impact.
Client Communication
Clear explanations, direct guidance, and practical updates throughout the legal process.
Content review: This page is presented by Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C. for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice about a specific matter.
Related Practice Areas
Construction and Catastrophic Injury Claims
Construction Accidents
Claims involving unsafe job sites, contractors, equipment, and Labor Law violations.
Learn more →
Scaffold Accidents
Representation for workers injured by unstable, defective, or inadequately protected scaffolds.
Learn more →
Ladder and Fall Accidents
Claims involving defective ladders, inadequate fall protection, roof work, openings, and elevation hazards.
Learn more →
Falling Object Accidents
Injuries caused by unsecured tools, building materials, machinery, rigging components, and suspended loads.
Learn about elevation-related protections →
Catastrophic Injuries
Serious cases involving brain injury, spinal damage, amputation, burns, and permanent disability.
Learn more →
Wrongful Death
Compassionate representation for families after fatal construction and crane accidents.
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
New York Crane Accident FAQs
Who can be held liable for a crane accident in New York?
Potentially responsible parties may include property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, crane operators, rigging companies, maintenance providers, inspection companies, and equipment manufacturers. Liability depends on the work being performed, the cause of the accident, contractual relationships, and applicable New York law.
Can I bring a claim if I receive workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation may provide benefits regardless of fault, but it may not be the only source of recovery. In some cases, an injured worker may also have a claim against a property owner, contractor, equipment company, or another third party. These claims can provide damages not available through workers’ compensation.
Does Labor Law 240 apply to crane accidents?
Labor Law §240 may apply to certain elevation-related crane accidents when an appropriate safety device was absent, inadequate, improperly placed, or failed. Whether it applies depends on the work activity, the hazard, the equipment involved, and what caused the accident.
What should I do after a crane accident?
Obtain medical care, report the incident, preserve photographs and documents, collect witness information when possible, avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice, and speak with an attorney promptly. Early action can help preserve equipment, video, inspection records, and other evidence.
How long do I have to file a crane accident claim?
Deadlines vary by claim and defendant. Many New York personal injury claims are subject to a three-year limitation period, but claims involving a municipality, public authority, or other government-related entity may require much earlier notices or filings. Workers’ compensation and insurance claims also have separate deadlines.
How much is a crane accident case worth?
There is no single formula. Value depends on liability, the severity and permanence of the injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future care, insurance coverage, and how the accident affects the injured person’s life. A detailed case review is necessary.
What if the crane or rigging equipment was defective?
A defective crane component, sling, hook, brake, control system, or other product may support a claim against the manufacturer, distributor, maintenance company, or other responsible business. The equipment should be preserved and evaluated before it is altered or destroyed.
How much does it cost to hire Berkowitz & Weitz?
Crane accident cases are generally handled on a contingency-fee basis. That means there is no upfront attorney fee, and the firm is paid only if compensation is recovered. The fee arrangement will be explained during the consultation.
Free Consultation
Speak With a New York Crane Accident Lawyer
You do not have to investigate a serious crane accident alone. Contact Berkowitz & Weitz to discuss what happened, the parties that may be responsible, and the steps needed to protect your claim.