It seems there is always some kind of construction work going on in the New York City area. It’s common to see cranes towering above. Most people don’t think twice when they see a crane. However, cranes that are poorly maintained or malfunctioning can cause devastating accidents and serious injuries. Earlier this month, a crane collapsed at a construction site of a luxury tower along the Queens waterfront. The accident happened around 2 p.m. Seven construction workers were injured. Thankfully, no one suffered any life-threatening injuries.
“I was this close to death,” a carpenter who was working at the site said. “Everybody was scrambling.” The crane is owned by New York Crane. That company has been at the center of other crane accidents in the past. The owner of the company faced criminal charges after a 2008 crane collapse left two people dead. However, he was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide. Workers at the site of this most recent collapse painted a vivid picture of the horrifying experience. They say they heard cables snap before watching the massive crane come toppling down. The crane was reportedly erected just days before the accident. As investigators try to determine what caused the collapse, they may discover that the crane was defective or that certain safety measures hadn’t been taken. When negligence is discovered to be a factor in a crane collapse, accident victims may be able to pursue legal action, especially if their injuries prevent them from working. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney is often a good first step. Source: New York Daily News, “Seven construction workers hurt after crane collapses onto Long Island City, Queens work site,” Joe Kemp and Greg B. Smith, Jan. 9, 2013
