If you or a family member has been hurt in a crane accident in Flushing, Queens, it’s important to have knowledgeable Flushing crane accident lawyers on your side. You have rights and may be owed compensation. At The Orlow Firm, our focused crane accident attorneys know how tricky construction accident claims can be. But we’re dedicated to standing up for you. We’ve spent many years helping victims of crane accidents. We’ve guided them through tough legal steps to get good results. Let us give you the caring, skilled help you deserve.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents in Flushing
Crane accidents in Flushing, Queens can happen for many reasons. Often, these are because of carelessness, incorrect methods, or unsafe situations at building sites. Knowing these common causes is very important for victims who want justice and payment. Here are simple descriptions of the main reasons for crane accidents:
Improper Crane Setup
Cranes need to be set up right, following exact rules for safety. If not done properly, such as not preparing the ground right, putting it on uneven ground, or not placing the weights correctly, the crane can become unstable. This could lead to serious accidents.
Operator Error
Mistakes made by crane operators can often lead to accidents. These mistakes can be caused by many things, like being distracted or tired, not handling the crane properly, making a bad decision, or just not paying enough attention. Even small errors or brief moments of poor judgment can result in serious problems.
Inadequate Training
Crane drivers need regular, detailed training to stay safe. If they don’t have enough training or experience, they are more likely to make mistakes that can cause accidents. It’s the job of construction companies to make sure their workers get complete training to avoid these risky situations.
Mechanical Failures
Crane accidents can happen suddenly and cause great harm. They can be due to things like brake problems, broken cables, leaks in the hydraulic system, faulty hoists, or weak structures. It’s really important to regularly check and take care of cranes. This can help spot and fix any mechanical problems before they get worse.
Lack of Safety Protocols
Construction sites need to follow specific safety rules. These rules keep workers and people nearby safe. Sadly, these safety steps are sometimes missed or purposely skipped to save time or money. This leads to dangerous work environments. When safety rules aren’t clearly laid out, accidents involving cranes are more likely to happen.
Poor Maintenance
It’s vital to regularly check and keep up cranes to stop accidents. If cranes are not cared for, parts that are breaking down or hidden issues can hurt how the crane works. Things like rust, parts that are worn out, unchecked rusting, or just everyday use can make the crane stop working and cause unsafe situations.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Using cranes in bad weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, snow, or fog can make it hard to see and can also affect the balance of the crane. If work doesn’t stop in these conditions, the chance of accidents can greatly increase.
Overloading
Using a crane to lift too much weight can lead to serious problems. It can make the crane break or become hard to control. It is crucial to manage the weight a crane lifts and never exceed the weight limits. This helps to keep everyone safe.
Communication Failures
Clear talk between crane drivers, signal people, and workers on the ground is very important. If people don’t understand each other or if instructions are not clear, this can lead to big mistakes. These mistakes can cause accidents.
At The Orlow Firm, our skilled lawyers carefully look into all details of crane accidents to find out what really happened. We work hard to make sure anyone who should be held responsible is. Our aim is to help those who have been hurt get the fairness and payment they deserve.
Types of Injuries from Crane Accidents
Crane accidents can cause serious injuries that can change lives forever. These accidents can harm not only the workers, but also people passing by or standing nearby. The harm caused can be different for everyone. It can be mild or very severe, and often needs a lot of medical care and healing over a long time. Common injuries from crane accidents in Flushing include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
People hurt in crane accidents can have serious head injuries. This can happen if something falls on them, or if they get hit by moving parts. These injuries can lead to a Traumatic Brain Injury. This may cause problems with thinking, memory loss, ongoing headaches, and major changes in how a person acts or feels.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A crane accident can lead to serious harm like a Spinal Cord Injury. This could cause partial or total paralysis. Often, these injuries need medical care for life, special equipment, and a lot of physical therapy.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Accidents involving cranes often lead to severe bone injuries. These can include breaks or fractures, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and hip area. These injuries might need surgery, a long time to heal, and physical therapy.
Crush Injuries
Crush injuries happen when someone gets stuck under heavy crane gear or falling stuff. These injuries can cause serious harm to the body’s inside organs. They can also damage muscles and nerves, leading to ongoing physical problems.
Amputations
Crane accidents can involve very strong forces that may cause severe harm. Sometimes, this can mean a person’s limb has to be removed for health reasons. This can change the person’s life a lot. It can make it harder for them to do their job and keep up their usual way of living. Often, they might need to use artificial limbs or get help to adapt to their new way of living.
Internal Injuries
Injuries inside the body, like harm to organs, bleeding inside, or lungs getting punctured, are very serious. They often need urgent medical care and even surgery. Signs of these internal injuries might not show up right away. That’s why it’s very important to get a medical check-up after any crane accident.
Burns and Electrical Injuries
When using cranes, mistakes with electricity or touching power lines can lead to severe burns and electrical harm. These injuries can cause a lot of pain. They might also need specific care and a long recovery period.
Psychological Trauma
Crane accidents can also deeply affect a person’s feelings and thoughts. This can lead to problems like worry, sadness, a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
At The Orlow Firm, we know how harmful injuries like these can be for the victims and their loved ones. Our committed legal team works hard to get the money needed to pay for medical bills, missed paychecks, hardships, and long-term care needs.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Crane Accident?
Figuring out who is at fault in crane accidents can be tricky. It often involves many people and aspects. It’s important to know who might be held liable in order to make a successful money claim. Usually, these parties could be to blame for crane accidents:
Construction Companies and Employers
Companies and bosses must keep work places safe. They need to train workers the right way and make sure safety rules are followed. If they fail to do this, they can be blamed for accidents that happen.
Crane Operators
Crane operators must handle their machines safely. They need to follow the rules set for their job. When operators act carelessly, don’t pay attention, feel overly tired, or work under the influence, accidents can happen. Such behavior can lead directly to people getting hurt.
Crane Owners
Owners of cranes must make sure that their cranes are checked and cared for on a regular basis. They also need to ensure they are safe to use. If they don’t do this, and an accident happens because the crane isn’t working right, they could be held responsible.
Equipment Manufacturers
If a crane accident happens because of faulty parts or design mistakes, the makers can be held accountable. This is called a product liability claim. Such claims can come up due to bad manufacturing, not enough safety warnings, or design errors.
Maintenance Providers
If a company that’s not directly involved, also known as a third-party maintenance provider, doesn’t check or fix crane equipment the right way, they might be responsible too. This is especially if their carelessness leads to the equipment not working, and then causes accidents.
General Contractors
General contractors are responsible for making sure that safety rules are followed at work sites. If they don’t do their job properly, and this leads to a crane accident, they can be held accountable by law.
Architects and Engineers
When architects or engineers plan a project, they must think about crane safety. If they don’t, and a crane accident happens because of their professional mistake or carelessness, they could be held responsible.
At The Orlow Firm, our skilled lawyers work hard to find out who is responsible for crane accidents. We make sure everyone who should be held responsible is, which helps victims and their families get the money and fairness they need.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If a crane accident has caused you harm, you might have the right to get important financial help. This aid can ease the money worries and emotional stress tied to your injury. After a crane accident, you can usually get help in these ways:
Medical Expenses
You may get money to cover all your medical bills linked to your injury. This includes past, present, and future costs. Hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and devices that help you, are all included.
Lost Wages and Income
Crane mishaps can often lead to injuries that might stop you from getting back to work right away, or even forever. The money you receive for lost wages doesn’t just take care of the income you’ve already lost. It also covers what you would have earned in the future, and any decrease in your ability to earn.
Pain and Suffering
Crane accidents can lead to serious harm and deep emotional upset. When you’re hurt and feeling distressed, you may be able to get help through compensation. This means you could get support for your physical pain and emotional stress caused by the accident.
Disability and Impairment
If a crane accident causes you a lasting disability or injury, you could receive compensation. This could account for the long-term effects on your life quality, like limits on your daily tasks and less self-reliance.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Crane accidents can lead to long-term mental health problems. These might include feelings of anxiety, sadness, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other emotional issues. Money awarded as compensation can assist with the costs of therapy, counseling, and other mental health care.
Loss of Consortium
If a loved one’s accident has deeply changed your bond with them, like losing their support or companionship, you could also be eligible for compensation.
Punitive Damages
When someone acts very carelessly or on purpose causes harm, the court might order them to pay extra money. This is to teach them a lesson and discourage such actions in the future.
At The Orlow Firm, we strongly stand up for your rights to make sure you get full compensation. Our devoted lawyers work hard to help you get the highest possible compensation. This helps lessen your money worries and aids in your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Crane Accident
If you or someone close to you has been part of a crane accident, acting quickly and properly can greatly affect your chances of getting compensation and guarding your legal rights. Here are important steps to take after a crane accident:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Taking care of your health and safety is very important. If you get hurt, even if it doesn’t seem bad, you should see a doctor right away. Sometimes, you might not feel sick or hurt right after an accident, but you could have serious problems later if you don’t get checked out.
Report the Accident
Let your boss or the person in charge know right away if you have an accident. Make sure all details of the incident are correctly written down. This includes when it happened, what time it was, and what was going on when the accident occurred.
Gather Evidence
If you can, gather proof at the accident location. This could mean taking photos or making videos of the place, crane machinery, clear injuries, and any situations that might have played a part in the accident.
Identify Witnesses
Write down the names and how to reach any people who saw the accident. What these witnesses say can be very important and help your case.
Preserve Relevant Documentation
Be sure to keep detailed records of your medical care, including all doctor visits and treatments, medical bills, any lost pay from work, and all letters or emails about your injury. Keeping good records will help make your request for payment stronger.
Avoid Making Statements
Be careful while talking with people from insurance companies or your workplace. Don’t say anything or sign any papers without first talking to a lawyer. What you say can sometimes be used in a way that’s not good for you.
Consult a Crane Accident Attorney
Get in touch with a lawyer who knows about crane accidents right away. They can help you understand the tricky legal steps, keep your rights safe, and assist you in seeking the money you should get.
At The Orlow Firm, our committed lawyers are ready to stand by your side after a crane accident. We offer understanding and informed legal advice. Our aim is to guide you through your recovery process and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose The Orlow Firm for Your Crane Accident Case
Choosing the right lawyer for your crane accident case can greatly impact your results. At The Orlow Firm, we commit ourselves fully to defend your rights and get the compensation you are due. Here’s why clients continually choose us for their crane accident claims:
Extensive Experience
Our lawyers have many years of experience in dealing with cases related to construction and crane accidents. We know these cases can be complicated, but we’re skilled at understanding the details. This helps us represent you in the best way possible.
Proven Track Record
We’ve effectively helped many crane accident victims in Flushing and the wider New York area. Our strong past performance shows we can work hard to get the most possible compensation for our clients.
Comprehensive Investigations
We carry out complete checks to find all responsible parties, collect key evidence, and create strong cases. Our careful method makes sure that we look at and record every detail.
Personalized Attention
At The Orlow Firm, we put our clients first. We focus on each case with full attention. Our lawyers are easy to reach and quick to respond. They make sure to communicate clearly at every step of the legal journey.
Aggressive Representation
We work hard to safeguard your rights and interests. Whether we’re settling terms outside court or arguing your case inside court, our lawyers are committed supporters. Our aim? To get the best possible result for you.
No Fee Unless We Win
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay any lawyer fees unless we win your case and get money for you. This way, you can seek fairness without worrying about money.
Compassionate Guidance
We know that crane accidents can cause a lot of physical pain, emotional hardship, and financial stress for victims and their families. Our caring team is here to give you the legal guidance you need, every step of the way.
When you choose The Orlow Firm, you’re teaming up with a devoted group of legal professionals. They are determined to help you seek justice. If you’ve had a crane accident, reach out to us now. We can talk about your case and explain how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crane Accidents
Dealing with the effects of a crane accident can be tough. Those who’ve been hurt might have a lot of questions about their rights, how the law works, and how to seek payment for their injuries. Here are clear answers to some frequently asked questions:
What Should I Do Immediately After a Crane Accident?
First, make sure you get medical help. After that, tell your boss about the accident. If you can, take pictures of where the accident happened and of any injuries you have. Try to get the names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened. Finally, it would be wise to talk to a lawyer who knows about crane accidents.
Who Is Liable in a Crane Accident?
Sometimes, more than one party might share in the blame for an accident. This could include the crew who built the site, crane owners and operators, the people who made the equipment, the main contractors, and those in charge of upkeep.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
People who have been hurt might have the right to get money to help with medical bills, lost pay from not being able to work, pain and discomfort, inability to do things they used to, emotional stress, loss of companionship, and in some cases, extra money as a punishment for the person or company that caused the harm.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In New York, you usually have three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim. This includes accidents involving cranes. But sometimes, these deadlines can change. So, it’s very important to talk to a lawyer quickly.
Do I Need an Attorney?
Although you don’t have to hire a lawyer, it can greatly help your chances of getting a fair settlement. A lawyer can guide you through difficult legal steps, find out who is responsible, and strongly support your case.
What If I Am Partially at Fault?
In New York, the rule of comparative negligence is followed. This means even if you’re partly to blame for an accident, you can still get compensation. However, the amount you receive might be less, depending on how much of the accident was your fault.
Can I Sue if My Employer Has Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Usually, workers’ compensation insurance can limit how much you can sue your employer. But, you can still make claims against other parties. These could include equipment makers or contractors who played a part in your injuries.
How Much Does a Crane Accident Attorney Cost?
At The Orlow Firm, our payment method is based on contingency. This means you don’t have to pay any legal fees unless we win your case and get you compensation.
If you need clear answers or advice about your crane accident, feel free to get in touch with our informed lawyers at The Orlow Firm. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Contact Our Flushing Crane Accident Lawyers Today
If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a crane accident in Flushing, Queens, it’s important to get legal help quickly. The Orlow Firm is here to assist those hurt in crane accidents. We aim to help you get the justice and money you’re entitled to. Our caring and informed legal group is prepared to look at your case, answer your questions, and walk you through each part of the legal journey.
Schedule Your Free Consultation: (646) 647-3398
We provide a free consultation where you can talk about your case and look at your legal choices. Contact our lawyers today to know your rights and discover how we can assist you in getting the most compensation for your injuries.
