Crane & Heavy Equipment Accident Lawyer – New York
From the cranes shaping the Manhattan skyline to the forklifts and bulldozers powering city construction projects, heavy equipment is essential to New York’s growth. But when a crane collapses, a forklift tips, or a piece of machinery malfunctions, the consequences can be devastating for workers and bystanders alike. Our crane accident lawyers in NYC have the experience to investigate, identify every responsible party, and fight for maximum compensation.
Construction Equipment Accidents Can Be Devastating
Heavy machinery accidents are rarely minor. A tower crane failure can send tons of steel plummeting onto the street. A misloaded forklift can overturn, pinning workers underneath. A single mistake or oversight can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. We’ve seen the aftermath of incidents across the five boroughs and know how to navigate the unique legal and safety standards that apply to New York construction sites.
Common Types of Crane & Machinery Accidents
Crane Collapses & Failures
Poor setup, overloading, or mechanical defects can cause a crane to tip or snap, endangering everyone nearby.
Forklift & Hoist Accidents
Workers crushed, struck, or injured by dropped loads due to improper operation or lack of training.
Excavator & Backhoe Mishaps
Swing radius strikes, trench collapses triggered by vibration, or rollovers on unstable ground.
Machinery Malfunctions
Defective lifts, power tools, or equipment causing unexpected movement, electrical shock, or other hazards.
Safety Violations
No spotters for crane operation, overloading equipment, ignoring wind advisories, or bypassing safety protocols.
Who Can Be Held Liable
Liability often extends beyond the equipment operator. Depending on the cause, responsible parties may include:
- General Contractors or Site Managers for failing to enforce safety rules or allowing untrained operators.
- Equipment Owners or Rental Companies for failing to maintain machinery.
- Manufacturers when design or manufacturing defects cause the accident.
- Subcontractors whose work contributed to unsafe conditions.
Our team investigates OSHA reports, NYC Department of Buildings records, maintenance logs, and witness statements to identify every liable party.
Special Legal Protections for Workers
Some crane and heavy machinery accidents also fall under New York Labor Law 240/241, which can provide strict liability against owners and contractors for height-related incidents. For example, if a crane drops a load that strikes a worker, that can be treated as a “falling object” claim under the Scaffold Law—entitling the injured worker to full compensation, regardless of partial fault.
The Stakes Are High
Injuries from crane and heavy machinery accidents often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Severe burns from electrical contact or fires
These injuries can prevent a return to construction work, create lifelong medical needs, and cause lasting emotional trauma. Our role is to secure a recovery that truly accounts for your future needs—not just immediate bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if I was injured while operating the equipment?
Yes, if your injury resulted from defective equipment, unsafe site conditions, or another party’s negligence, you may have a claim beyond workers’ compensation.
What if I’m a pedestrian injured by a crane accident?
You may have grounds for a lawsuit against the construction company, property owner, or other liable parties.
Let's Talk
Get Legal Help After a Crane or Machinery Accident
These cases require fast action to preserve evidence and expert analysis to determine the cause. Whether your accident happened on a Manhattan high-rise project, a Queens warehouse site, or a Brooklyn infrastructure job, we’re ready to take on the legal heavy lifting while you focus on recovery. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
