Why are crane accidents prevalent in New York City?

New York City is known for its vast number of high-rise buildings that dot the city skyline. Erecting high-rises requires lifting heavy beams and other materials to substantial heights, and various types of cranes are essential for this type of construction work.

According to an article released in 2016, at any given time, about 300 cranes are in operation for construction in NYC.

What types of accidents often occur with cranes?

The following are some crane accidents that occurred at various points during recent years in NYC:

• The TriBeCa crane accident in 2016 occurred when a crane operator was lowering the crane to a secure position based on a decision that the 20 mile per hour winds were too high for the construction workers to work that day. While lowering the crane, it collapsed killing a pedestrian who was walking by on his way to work.
• In 2015 a crane cable broke while hoisting an industrial air conditioner to the top of a midtown building and the AC unit fell 30 stories. It injured two construction workers and eight pedestrians.
• In 2013, a faulty crane toppled at the site of a Long Island City luxury development.
• In 2012 during construction work on the 7 train extension at 34th Street, the upper section of a crane broke off. It killed a construction worker and injured four other people. The crane operator was also injured while operating the crane controls.
• In 2008, a crane collapsed that was being used on high-rise construction in Midtown East. Seven people died and 24 people were injured.
• In 2007 during construction on the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park, a crane dropped a five foot tall bucket that it was lifting to the roof. Windows shattered and glass shards fell onto the sidewalk, injuring 8 people.
• In another 2007 crane accident, a nylon sling broke while hauling seven tons of metal studs at the 43-story Battery Park City building being erected for Goldman Sachs. As a result of the accident, an architect suffered severe injury.

If you have suffered serious injury in a crane or heavy equipment accident, arrange a free consultation to discuss legal prospects with our attorneys at Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP.  We can determine whether you have a potential case.