A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Crane Collapse Injuries Lawyer in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Crane Injury Help

Guide to Crane Collapse Injury Claims

Crane collapses on construction sites and public streets can cause catastrophic harm to workers and bystanders in Brooklyn and throughout Kings County. When heavy equipment fails or rigging gives way, injured people often face serious medical bills, lost wages, and long recovery times. At Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, our approach focuses on identifying responsible parties, preserving critical evidence, and guiding clients through the legal and insurance processes. If you or a loved one were injured in a crane collapse, prompt action to document the scene and obtain medical care is essential to protect your rights and prepare for a potential claim.

After a crane collapse, the first priorities are safety and medical attention, followed by documentation and reporting. Photographs of the scene, witness contact information, official incident reports, and medical records become central pieces of evidence in any personal injury matter. Investigations can involve multiple entities, including contractors, equipment manufacturers, and maintenance providers, so a coordinated legal response is often required. Timely notification to insurers and, where appropriate, to your employer or workers’ compensation carrier helps preserve important deadlines. Early review of your situation can clarify options and next steps for pursuing compensation and protecting long-term interests.

Why Addressing Crane Collapse Injuries Matters

Crane collapse injuries often involve complex liability issues, significant medical needs, and long-term care planning. Pursuing a well-built claim can help injured people recover compensation for medical care, lost income, future rehabilitation, and loss of enjoyment of life. Addressing the legal aspects early also helps preserve evidence, secure expert assessments, and coordinate with regulatory investigations to strengthen a claim. For families and injured workers in Brooklyn, focused legal guidance can reduce the stress of dealing with insurance companies and opposing parties while working to achieve financial recovery that reflects both immediate needs and long-term consequences of the injury.

Ahearne Law Firm and Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients across New York, including those injured in Brooklyn crane collapses, with a focus on thorough investigation and strong advocacy. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm handle complex personal injury matters, coordinating medical documentation, accident reconstruction, and claims strategy to pursue fair compensation. The firm emphasizes clear communication, responsive client care, and methodical case preparation. For those facing mounting medical bills and uncertainty after a construction accident, the firm provides assistance with deadlines, evidence preservation, and interactions with insurers to pursue the best possible result under the circumstances.

Understanding Crane Collapse Injury Claims

Crane collapse injury claims typically revolve around proving negligence, product defects, improper maintenance, or insufficient training. Establishing who owed a duty of care and how that duty was breached requires collecting inspection records, maintenance logs, operator certifications, site safety plans, and witness accounts. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and maintenance vendors. Medical documentation that links injuries to the incident is essential to quantify damages. A careful review of workplace roles and contractual relationships helps identify all potential defendants and preserves options for pursuing compensation beyond workers’ compensation when appropriate.

The timeline for these claims often includes immediate investigation, retention of technical and medical consultants, and negotiation with insurers or opposing counsel. Structural and mechanical examinations may be needed to determine failure points, and regulatory reports from agencies such as OSHA can provide vital information. Preserving physical evidence, obtaining surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses quickly improves the ability to establish fault. Insurance companies and defendants often initiate their own investigations, so coordinating a response and documenting injuries, treatments, and economic losses promptly helps protect the claimant’s position and supports a stronger settlement or lawsuit if a negotiated resolution cannot be reached.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary

Negligence

Negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care that results in harm to others. In the context of crane collapses, negligence might include improper maintenance of equipment, failure to follow industry safety standards, inadequate site supervision, or improper rigging and load calculations. To prove negligence, it is necessary to show that a duty of care existed, that the duty was breached, and that the breach directly caused the injury and resulting damages. Documentation such as inspection records, training logs, and eyewitness testimony is often central to establishing these elements in a claim.

Third-Party Liability

Third-party liability describes situations where someone other than the injured worker’s employer may be responsible for damages. In crane collapse cases, potential third parties include equipment manufacturers, rigging companies, property owners, general contractors, and maintenance providers. A third-party claim seeks compensation for losses that workers’ compensation does not fully cover, such as pain and suffering or additional economic harms. Identifying third parties requires review of contracts, maintenance agreements, and equipment ownership records, and often entails technical analysis to link the party’s actions or omissions to the cause of the collapse.

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation provides no-fault benefits to employees injured on the job, covering medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. In cases of crane collapses, injured employees may receive prompt medical benefits and wage replacement through workers’ compensation, but those benefits typically do not include compensation for pain and suffering. When a third party’s negligence contributed to the collapse, an injured worker may pursue a separate civil claim against that third party while receiving workers’ compensation benefits for workplace-related medical care and partial wage loss.

OSHA Violations

OSHA violations refer to breaches of federal and state occupational safety regulations that govern construction site operations, equipment maintenance, and worker protections. Evidence of OSHA citations or investigation findings can be persuasive in showing unsafe conditions or lapses in required protocols that contributed to a crane collapse. While OSHA enforcement is separate from a civil personal injury claim, its findings and documentation are often used by injured parties to support claims of negligence and to establish a pattern of unsafe practices that affected site safety and equipment reliability.

PRO TIPS

Document the Scene

Take clear photographs and video of the crash site, damaged equipment, surrounding conditions, and any visible injuries as soon as it is safe to do so. Collect contact information for witnesses, note weather and lighting conditions, and preserve any clothing or tools that may be relevant to the investigation. Prompt documentation helps preserve perishable evidence and creates a factual record that supports insurance claims and any later legal proceedings, especially when multiple parties may dispute the sequence of events.

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Obtain medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor at first, because some conditions worsen over time or become apparent later. Keep detailed records of every visit, diagnosis, treatment plan, and medication, and follow recommended care to both protect your health and create a documented link between the accident and your injuries. Consistent treatment records are central to proving the extent of injury and future medical needs when pursuing compensation.

Preserve Evidence

Save any correspondence, work orders, inspection reports, and emails related to the equipment or project, and keep copies of pay stubs and time records that document lost earnings. Avoid discarding damaged gear or clothing until after they can be photographed and preserved for inspection. Preserving documentary and physical evidence helps investigators establish mechanical causes, maintenance histories, and chain of responsibility for the collapse.

Comparing Legal Approaches

When a Broad Legal Response Is Best:

Complex Multi-Party Cases

When multiple parties may share liability—such as a general contractor, subcontractor, equipment owner, maintenance provider, or manufacturer—a coordinated legal approach that investigates each potential source of responsibility is essential. These cases often require technical consultants, accident reconstruction, and synchronized discovery to determine how equipment, procedures, and human actions combined to cause the collapse. A comprehensive response helps ensure that all avenues for compensation are explored so the injured person can seek recovery from every responsible party rather than relying on a single, potentially inadequate source.

Severe or Catastrophic Injuries

For catastrophic injuries that result in long-term care needs, disfigurement, or permanent disability, a full legal strategy that assesses current and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and the need for ongoing support becomes necessary. Such claims often require life-care planning, vocational assessment, and careful calculation of future costs to present a complete picture of damages. A broad approach also includes readiness to litigate when settlement offers do not reflect the true long-term impact of the injury.

When a Limited Approach May Work:

Clear Liability and Minor Injuries

If liability for a crane collapse is straightforward and injuries are minor with quick medical resolution, a more focused approach aimed at efficient negotiation with insurers can be appropriate. In such situations, streamlined documentation and direct negotiations may secure fair reimbursement for medical bills and time away from work without extensive litigation. Careful assessment remains important to ensure that initial symptoms do not worsen and that settlements account for any lingering effects that could develop later.

Workers' Compensation Only Cases

When an injury is covered entirely by workers’ compensation with no viable third-party claim, pursuing benefits through the workers’ compensation system may be the appropriate path. This route provides medical care and partial wage replacement without the need to prove employer fault. Even in these cases, reviewing whether a separate third-party claim exists is important because a third-party action can provide compensation beyond what workers’ compensation covers.

Common Circumstances Leading to Crane Collapses

Mechanical Failure

Mechanical failures such as worn components, lubrication issues, structural fatigue, or brake malfunctions can precipitate a crane collapse, often stemming from inadequate maintenance or missed inspections. Investigating maintenance logs, repair histories, and manufacturer guidance is critical to determine whether avoidable mechanical issues caused the incident and who is responsible for ensuring proper upkeep.

Operator Error

Operator error, including improper load handling, incorrect rigging, or failure to follow safety protocols, may lead to overloads or destabilization that cause a collapse. Reviewing operator training records, shift supervision, and documented procedures helps establish whether operator conduct or inadequate oversight contributed to the accident and the resulting injuries.

Site Safety Violations

Site safety violations, such as lack of exclusion zones, missing safety plans, or noncompliance with regulatory requirements, create conditions where crane operations become hazardous. Records of inspections, safety meetings, and any regulatory citations can be used to show patterns of unsafe practices that increased the risk of collapse and harmed workers or bystanders.

Brooklyn Crane Collapse Injury Attorney

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Crane Collapse Injuries

Ahearne Law Firm offers focused representation for crane collapse injury victims in Brooklyn, combining local knowledge of New York construction practices with a methodical approach to claims. The firm emphasizes detailed investigation, coordination with medical and technical consultants, and clear communication with clients about options and likely outcomes. For injured workers and pedestrians, thorough case development helps ensure that insurance companies and responsible parties are properly held to account and that recovery efforts fully reflect the medical and economic consequences of the incident.

Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team provide hands-on support, assisting clients in preserving evidence, documenting damages, and preparing claims or lawsuits as needed. The firm answers questions about timelines, potential recovery, and procedural requirements while helping clients navigate interactions with insurers and regulatory agencies. For a free consultation regarding a crane collapse injury in Brooklyn or Kings County, contact Ahearne Law Firm PLLC at (845) 986-2777 to discuss your case and next steps for pursuing compensation.

Contact Us Today

People Also Search For

crane collapse lawyer Brooklyn

crane accident attorney Brooklyn

construction accident lawyer Brooklyn NY

crane collapse injuries Brooklyn NY

Kings County crane accident lawyer

Brooklyn construction injury attorney

crane collapse lawsuit New York

Ahearne Law crane accident Brooklyn

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a crane collapse?

Seek immediate medical attention for any injury, even if symptoms seem mild, because some conditions develop or worsen over time. If safe, document the scene with photos and video, collect witness names and contact information, and note environmental factors such as weather or unusual site conditions. Report the incident to on-site supervisors and request that official incident reports be filed. Preserving physical evidence and creating a contemporaneous record of what occurred strengthens any later claim and helps ensure that medical needs are addressed promptly. Contacting legal counsel early can help preserve evidence and advise you on communications with insurers and employers. There are deadlines and procedures that may affect your ability to pursue compensation, and an early assessment can guide steps like securing maintenance logs or halting destruction of potential evidence. Legal guidance can help coordinate medical documentation, negotiate with insurers, and determine whether a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party lawsuit, or both are appropriate for your circumstances.

Who can be held liable for crane collapse injuries?

Liability in a crane collapse can extend beyond a single party and may include general contractors, subcontractors, crane owners, equipment manufacturers, maintenance providers, and even property owners if site conditions contributed to the incident. Operator actions and training records are relevant, as are maintenance logs and inspection histories that show whether required checks and repairs were performed. Each party’s contractual role and control over equipment or site operations is examined to determine responsibility for the unsafe condition or failure. Determining liability typically requires gathering a wide range of documents, technical analysis, and witness statements. Accident reconstruction and engineering opinions may identify mechanical failures or design defects, while regulatory findings can highlight violations or recurring hazards. A careful claim development process identifies all potentially responsible parties and builds the factual record needed to seek recovery from each source that contributed to the collapse.

How long do I have to file a claim in New York?

In New York, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident, which means most civil lawsuits must be filed within that timeframe. Wrongful death claims have a different deadline, commonly two years from the date of death. These time limits can have exceptions and special rules depending on the circumstances, so waiting to act may result in forfeiting the right to pursue a claim. Prompt review of your case clarifies the deadlines that apply to your situation. There are additional deadlines and notice requirements for claims against government entities, and workers’ compensation claims follow their own procedures and timing. If an injury was not immediately apparent, certain tolling rules may apply, but those are fact-specific and require timely legal assessment. Consulting counsel early helps preserve rights and ensures that required filings or notices are submitted in time.

Will workers' compensation cover crane collapse injuries?

Workers’ compensation provides no-fault benefits for employees injured on the job, covering medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, and is often the first source of benefits after a construction accident. These benefits are intended to provide prompt care and partial wage replacement without requiring proof of employer fault. However, workers’ compensation does not typically compensate for pain and suffering or the full extent of economic losses that may result from a catastrophic injury. If a third party’s negligence contributed to the crane collapse, an injured worker may have the option to pursue a separate civil claim against that third party while still receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Third-party claims seek compensation beyond workers’ compensation and can address damages like pain and suffering and full lost earning capacity. Coordinating both types of claims is important to maximize recovery while complying with rules about benefit offsets and subrogation.

Can I sue a third party in addition to filing a workers' compensation claim?

Yes, an injured employee who receives workers’ compensation benefits may still be able to sue a third party whose negligence caused or contributed to the crane collapse. Examples of third parties include equipment manufacturers, maintenance contractors, property owners, or subcontractors who performed work that created unsafe conditions. A successful third-party action can recover damages not available through workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering, full wage loss, and future care costs that exceed workers’ compensation limits. Coordinating a third-party claim with workers’ compensation requires attention to liens and subrogation, because the workers’ compensation carrier may have a right to reimbursement from any third-party recovery. Proper handling ensures that medical bills and wage replacement provided through workers’ compensation are accounted for while pursuing the additional compensation that addresses the broader impacts of the injury.

What kind of compensation can I recover after a crane collapse?

Recovery in a crane collapse case can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and lost earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, assistive devices, and home modifications when needed. Economic losses are documented through medical records, bills, and employment records to quantify the financial impact of the injury. For those with long-term or permanent impairments, future medical needs and vocational limitations are also part of the compensation calculation. Non-economic damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life when applicable under New York law. In limited circumstances where conduct is particularly reckless or egregious, additional damages may be pursued, but such outcomes depend on the facts of the case and the available legal theories against responsible parties.

How long does a crane collapse injury claim typically take?

The timeline for resolving a crane collapse injury claim varies significantly based on the severity of injuries, complexity of liability, number of parties involved, and willingness of insurers to negotiate. Cases with straightforward liability and minor injuries may resolve in months through negotiation, while complex matters involving multiple defendants, technical investigations, and disputed causation can take a year or more, and sometimes several years if litigation is required. The time needed to reach a fair settlement often depends on obtaining complete medical documentation and conclusively establishing permanent or long-term needs. While the duration can be uncertain, actively managing the claim through timely investigation and documentation can reduce unnecessary delays. Preparing for potential litigation when appropriate and staying organized with medical and financial records helps move the case forward. Regular communication with the claims representative or opposing counsel and realistic evaluations of settlement offers assist in making informed decisions as the matter progresses.

Do I need a lawyer for a crane collapse injury claim?

While some individuals attempt to handle smaller claims on their own, the complexity of crane collapse cases often makes legal representation advisable. These matters can involve technical engineering analysis, coordination of multiple parties, and negotiations with insurance companies that aim to limit payouts. Representation helps ensure evidence is preserved, medical records are organized, and claims are advanced effectively to pursue appropriate compensation for losses and ongoing needs. Many personal injury lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means clients pay legal fees only if a recovery is achieved. Early legal involvement can improve the prospects of a favorable outcome by guiding evidence collection, advising on communications with insurers and employers, and developing a strategy for settlement or litigation if necessary. Prompt contact helps protect both legal rights and the financial interests of the injured person.

What evidence is important in a crane collapse case?

Important evidence in a crane collapse case includes photographs and video of the scene, damaged equipment, and any visible injuries, along with witness statements and contact information. Maintenance logs, inspection reports, load charts, operator training records, rigging documentation, and service histories are often central to establishing whether mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or procedural lapses contributed to the collapse. Regulatory inspection reports and citations can also provide supporting evidence of unsafe conditions or noncompliance. Medical records, bills, and employment documentation showing lost wages and reduced earning capacity are essential to quantify damages. Preserving electronic data, such as equipment telematics, maintenance software records, and site surveillance footage, can be critical. Acting quickly to secure and preserve these materials helps prevent loss or destruction of evidence that could otherwise undermine the claim.

How much will hiring a lawyer cost for a crane collapse injury claim?

Many personal injury attorneys, including those who handle crane collapse cases, work on a contingency fee basis, which means that legal fees are paid as a percentage of any recovery rather than as hourly charges upfront. This arrangement allows injured people to pursue claims without immediate out-of-pocket legal fees. Clients are typically responsible for case-related expenses, which may be advanced by the attorney and then reimbursed from the recovery if the case is successful. Fee structures and expense arrangements should be explained clearly during the initial consultation. Before proceeding, discuss fee details and how expenses are handled to ensure you understand the financial aspects of representation. A transparent agreement outlines the percentage for contingency fees, how costs are advanced, and any circumstances that could affect the client’s net recovery. Clear communication about fees and billing practices helps clients make informed decisions about pursuing their claim.

Personal Injury Services in Brooklyn

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services