A crane accident in New York does not just slow down a job site; it can stop your life in its tracks. One moment you’re doing your work in Manhattan, the Bronx, or Westchester County. The next moment, you are dealing with an ambulance ride, a serious injury, and medical bills. 

If you are trying to figure out how you will pay your bills, protect your job, and hold the right people accountable, a crane accident lawyer can help. At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers P.C., we help injured construction workers explore all available legal options after crane accidents, including third-party claims when applicable. Our goal is to protect your rights and fight for fair compensation so you can focus on healing.

Why Do Crane Accidents Cause so Much Harm?

Cranes lift heavy loads over job sites and nearby public areas. When a load drops, swings, or equipment fails, the injuries can be severe. Some common injuries include:

  • Broken bones. These injuries can require surgery, months of therapy, and can limit your ability to work.
  • Traumatic brain injury. Head trauma can affect memory and focus for weeks or longer.
  • Spinal cord injuries. Back and neck damage can cause lasting pain or paralysis, often requiring long-term care.
  • Crush injuries and amputations. A dropped load or equipment failure can trap a person and cause tissue damage, necessitating multiple procedures.

Work sites should be reasonably safe for workers, and many crane accidents are preventable. They often happen when a crane carries too much weight, the rigging is incorrect, or parts fail due to poor maintenance. Accidents can also be due to operator mistakes or an improperly secured work zone. 

A legal claim may help hold responsible parties accountable and address medical expenses, lost income, and long-term consequences of the injury.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Crane Accident?

Crane accidents often involve multiple companies working on the same site. Determining responsibility requires looking beyond the surface.

Potential responsible parties may include:

  • Property owners. Owners may have legal duties tied to site safety and hazardous conditions.
  • General contractors. Contractors often control job site operations and safety planning.
  • Crane owners or leasing companies. Companies that supply, inspect, or maintain cranes may be liable for failures.
  • Rigging or signaling crews. Mistakes with rigging or communication can lead to falling loads.
  • Equipment manufacturers. Defective crane parts or design flaws can cause serious failures.

A crane accident attorney can help you identify the correct parties and develop a claim supported by evidence.

What Should You Do After a Crane Accident?

The moments after a crane accident can feel overwhelming, but your actions matter.

If possible, take these steps:

  • Seek medical care immediately. Some injuries are not apparent right away.
  • Report the accident. Notify a supervisor and request a written report.
  • Document everything. Take photos of the crane, equipment, and surrounding area, if safe to do so.
  • Collect witness information. Names and contact details can be crucial later. 
  • Obtain legal guidance. Avoid providing recorded statements or signing documents from insurers without legal advice.

These steps can protect your health and legal rights. Consulting a crane accident lawyer early can also help you understand your options.

Do You Have Options Beyond Workers’ Compensation?

Many injured workers believe workers’ compensation is their only option after a crane accident. That’s not always the case.

When a party other than your employer caused or contributed to the accident, you may be able to pursue a third-party lawsuit. Unlike workers’ compensation, a third-party claim may allow recovery for pain and suffering and other noneconomic damages.

A crane accident attorney can review the facts of your case and explain whether a third-party claim applies.

What Compensation May Be Available in a Third-Party Claim?

A third-party lawsuit may allow you to seek compensation for losses that workers’ compensation does not fully cover.

Depending on your case, this may include:

  • Medical expenses, including future treatment;
  • Lost income and reduced earning ability;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Long-term disability impacts; and
  • Costs tied to permanent injuries.

Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries and how they affect daily life and employment.

How Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers P.C. Can Help

Crane accident cases are rarely simple. Multiple companies may deny responsibility, and important evidence can disappear quickly. When you work with Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers P.C., you work with Bronx construction accident attorney who understand New York construction accident litigation and the demands of third-party claims.

A crane accident attorney from our firm can help:

  • Investigate what happened. We assist in identifying who caused the accident and why it happened.
  • Preserve key evidence. We act quickly to secure records and other evidence before they disappear.
  • Handle the insurance companies. We manage calls and negotiations so you can focus on recovery. 
  • Build a strong claim. We document your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers has represented injured New Yorkers since 1959. Our firm has earned recognition from the New York State Trial Lawyers Association for extraordinary service. When you hire us, you work with a team that takes your recovery seriously and fights for fair compensation from the responsible parties.

Contact our office today to discuss your options after a crane accident and learn whether a third-party claim may be available.