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 Injury Attorney in New Hempstead

Serious Construction Accidents

Guide to Crane Collapse Injury Claims

Crane collapse incidents can leave victims with life-changing injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertainty about how to move forward. If you or a loved one were harmed in a crane collapse in New Hempstead or elsewhere in Rockland County, prompt action matters to protect your rights and claim appropriate compensation. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represents injured people across the Hudson Valley and New York, offering clear guidance on next steps, claims against responsible parties, and insurance recovery. Contact Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. to discuss the facts of your case and preserve evidence while medical treatment and safety needs are addressed.

Crane collapses arise from many causes including equipment failure, improper maintenance, unstable ground, overloaded lifts, and coordination breakdowns on busy job sites. Injuries may range from fractures and crush injuries to catastrophic trauma and long-term disability. Because of the complexity of construction work and the multiple entities often involved, establishing liability requires a careful investigation of records, maintenance logs, the construction schedule, and witness testimony. Taking early steps to document the scene, obtain medical care, and secure records will strengthen a claim, and our office can help coordinate those efforts while you focus on recovery.

Why Prompt Legal Action Helps Your Claim

Timely legal attention helps preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and navigate insurance claims that often involve multiple carriers and contractors. An early investigation can secure critical documentation such as maintenance and inspection reports, operator logs, training records, and site safety plans that may otherwise be lost or altered. Engaging legal counsel early also helps meet notice requirements and avoid procedural missteps that could weaken a claim. Ultimately, focused legal support aims to maximize recovery for medical costs, lost income, ongoing care needs, and other damages while reducing the stress on injured individuals and their families during the aftermath of a serious construction accident.

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

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients throughout the Hudson Valley and New York with a long-standing focus on personal injury matters, including construction site accidents such as crane collapses. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. brings practical courtroom experience and a commitment to thorough case preparation, helping clients pursue fair compensation from insurers and responsible parties. The firm emphasizes clear communication, careful documentation, and steady advocacy so clients can concentrate on recovery. Local knowledge of New Hempstead and Rockland County courts and insurers helps the firm tailor its approach to the needs of injured people and their families in the region.

Understanding Crane Collapse Injury Claims

A crane collapse injury claim often involves multiple legal theories including negligence, product liability, and premises liability depending on the circumstances leading to the collapse. Determining responsibility requires examining who owned and maintained the crane, who operated it, whether the crane was properly inspected, and whether subcontractors or site managers failed to follow safety protocols. Investigation may also look at equipment manufacturing or maintenance defects. Each piece of information helps build a clearer picture of liability and potential compensation. Accurate reconstruction of the incident and records review are therefore essential early steps in pursuing a claim.

The legal process after a crane collapse typically includes an initial intake and investigation, demand to insurance carriers, negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation. Insurance companies representing employers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers will evaluate claims and may contest liability or damages. In some cases governmental safety reports or OSHA investigations provide useful evidence. Clients will need to document medical treatment, lost wages, and other impacts. The right procedural approach depends on the facts and the responsible entities involved, and careful case management increases the likelihood of a favorable resolution while preserving the injured person’s legal rights.

Need More Information?

Key Terms to Know

Liability

Liability refers to legal responsibility for harm caused by an action or omission. In a crane collapse case, liability could rest with a property owner, contractor, subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or a maintenance provider if their conduct or failure to act contributed to the collapse. Establishing liability involves showing that a party had a duty to act reasonably, breached that duty through negligence or defective product design, and that breach directly caused the injury. Liability assessments rely on documentation, witness accounts, safety records, and expert analysis to connect the responsible party’s conduct to the harm suffered by the injured person.

Negligence

Negligence means failing to use the care that a reasonably careful person would use under similar circumstances. In construction accidents, negligence can take many forms, including improper crane operation, inadequate site supervision, failing to perform required inspections, or using damaged equipment. To prove negligence, a claimant must show that a duty existed, it was breached, and that breach caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Evidence may include maintenance logs, operator training records, eyewitness testimony, and photographs of the scene. Negligence is a common legal basis for recovering compensation after a crane collapse.

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault is a legal principle that allocates responsibility among multiple parties when an injury occurs. If a plaintiff is found partially at fault for their own injuries, the amount of recoverable damages may be reduced in proportion to that fault under New York law. In crane collapse cases, comparative fault issues may arise if an injured person ignored safety warnings or entered a restricted area, but liability still can be recovered from other parties whose actions primarily caused the collapse. Understanding how comparative fault might apply is important when evaluating settlement offers and litigation strategies.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage refers to policies that may respond to claims after a crane collapse, including general liability, contractor liability, commercial auto, and policies held by equipment owners or manufacturers. Coverage can be complex when multiple insurers are involved and when policies contain limits, exclusions, or reservation of rights. Identifying applicable insurance and communicating promptly with carriers is a key part of pursuing recovery, as is understanding policy limits and potential for multiple policy layers. A careful review of insurance contracts and timely notice to carriers helps preserve claim options and avoids forfeiting coverage opportunities.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Scene Evidence

After a crane collapse, preserving the scene and related evidence is one of the most important steps an injured person or their representatives can take to protect a claim. Take photographs and videos from safe locations, gather witness names and contact information, and request copies of any incident or inspection reports created by the employer or site manager. If possible, avoid allowing debris to be moved before documentation and coordinate with those handling the site so that relevant records are maintained for later review during investigation and claim preparation.

Document Medical Care and Losses

Carefully document all medical visits, treatments, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and instructions from healthcare providers following a crane collapse injury. Keep records of time missed from work, evolving symptoms, ongoing therapy needs, and any out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury. This documentation is essential when presenting a claim for compensation since it helps show both the extent of the injury and the financial impact, and it supports evaluation of long-term care needs and settlement value during negotiations with insurers or responsible parties.

Avoid Early Recorded Statements

Insurance companies may request recorded statements soon after an accident, but providing an unsupervised statement can complicate a claim before the facts are fully known. Seek guidance before responding to detailed inquiries from insurers or potentially liable parties. It is wise to obtain medical assessments and allow time for injuries and causation to be properly documented; doing so ensures any statements or reports reflect a complete understanding of the incident and its consequences.

Comparing Your Legal Options After a Crane Collapse

When a Full Case Investigation Is Advisable:

Multiple Responsible Parties

Comprehensive legal attention is particularly important when more than one party may share responsibility for the collapse, such as contractors, subcontractors, equipment owners, and maintenance vendors. Coordinating claims against multiple defendants often requires detailed discovery, witness interviews, and document review to establish each party’s role and degree of fault. Handling these complexities carefully can help ensure that all potentially responsible entities are identified and that insurance coverage is fully explored to maximize recovery for long-term medical care and other damages.

Complex Insurance Matters

When insurance coverage is layered, disputed, or when carriers deny responsibility, a comprehensive approach is necessary to analyze policies, issue coverage demands, and pursue litigation if needed. Insurers may contest liability, argue preexisting conditions, or limit payments based on policy terms. A careful review of all potential policies, including those of employers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers, helps determine available recovery and the best strategy for pursuing funds for medical treatment, lost wages, and ongoing care needs in a sustained and efficient manner.

When a Narrow Claim May Be Appropriate:

Minor Injuries with Clear Liability

A limited handling approach can be appropriate when injuries are minor, liability is plainly established, and recovery needs are well documented through medical bills and short-term lost wages. In such cases a focused demand to the appropriate insurer or a direct settlement negotiation may resolve the matter without extended investigation or litigation. Even with clear liability, it remains important to document the injury thoroughly and ensure that settlements account for any potential follow-up care or residual effects before accepting a final resolution.

Quick Medical Expense Resolution

When the primary concern is reimbursement of immediate medical bills and there is little risk of long-term impairment, a narrow approach aimed at prompt payment can be sensible. This often involves compiling medical invoices, verifying coverage, and negotiating directly with the relevant insurer to cover documented expenses. While quicker resolution may be beneficial, injured persons should consider potential longer-term needs that could arise before finalizing a settlement so as not to inadvertently forfeit future recovery for ongoing care.

Typical Situations That Lead to Crane Collapses

Construction Site Failure

Crane collapses frequently happen on active construction sites where load planning, site conditions, or coordination have broken down, and unstable ground or inadequate setup can lead to tipping or structural failure. When these conditions occur, there is typically a chain of events involving planning or oversight issues that investigators will examine to determine responsibility and potential legal claims.

Improper Maintenance

Equipment that has not been properly inspected or maintained is more likely to fail, and maintenance records often play a central role in establishing whether a collapse resulted from avoidable mechanical breakdown. Reviewing maintenance logs, service histories, and prior defect reports helps determine whether negligence or defective equipment contributed to the incident.

Operator Error or Miscommunication

Miscommunication among crew members, poor signaling, or operator error during lifting operations can cause catastrophic results when personnel or loads are in harm’s way. Investigators will look at training records, site communications, and eyewitness accounts to establish whether human factors played a significant role in the collapse.

New Hempstead Crane Collapse Attorney

Why Clients Choose Ahearne Law for Crane Collapse Claims

Clients turn to Ahearne Law Firm PLLC for dedicated handling of construction accident matters, including crane collapses, because of the firm’s longstanding practice representing injured people across the Hudson Valley. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. focuses on careful fact development, timely preservation of evidence, and persistent advocacy with insurers and responsible parties. The firm seeks to reduce the burden on injured clients by managing communications, record collection, and legal deadlines so clients can concentrate on recovery and rehabilitation while their claim proceeds through the necessary steps toward resolution.

Communication and responsiveness are central to the firm’s approach, with attention to client concerns about medical care, income replacement, and long-term recovery planning. The team works to explain options clearly, set realistic expectations, and pursue fair recoveries for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering when appropriate. For those injured in New Hempstead and Rockland County, the firm leverages local knowledge of courts and insurers to provide practical guidance and steady advocacy during what is often a difficult and confusing time.

Contact Ahearne Law Today

People Also Search For

crane collapse lawyer New Hempstead

construction accident attorney Rockland County

crane collapse injury claim Hudson Valley

New Hempstead personal injury attorney

crane accident compensation New York

construction site injury lawyer

Rockland County crane accident attorney

Ahearne Law crane collapse claims

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a crane collapse causes injury?

Seek immediate medical attention and follow all instructions from healthcare providers to address injuries and document treatment. If you are able, document the scene through photographs and videos from safe locations and collect names and contact information for witnesses and first responders. Preserve any protective clothing, identification badges, or records related to the job site and report the incident to a supervisor or site manager so an official record exists. These steps protect your health and create critical evidence that supports a later claim for compensation. After initial medical care, notify your insurer and retain legal assistance to help manage communications and preserve records. Legal guidance can assist in gathering maintenance logs, inspection reports, operator training records, and other documentation that might otherwise be lost. Acting promptly to secure this information improves the ability to identify responsible parties and to pursue appropriate claims against insurers, contractors, or equipment manufacturers while evidence is still available and witnesses recall the event clearly.

Who can be held responsible for a crane collapse?

Responsibility for a crane collapse can rest with one or multiple parties including the equipment owner, the hiring contractor, a subcontractor, the operator, maintenance providers, or equipment manufacturers if a defect contributed to the failure. Each situation requires investigation to determine who had control over the crane, who performed maintenance, and whether safety protocols were followed. Identifying the proper defendants is essential because different parties may have different insurance coverage and liabilities that affect recovery options. Determining liability typically involves reviewing contracts, maintenance and inspection records, operator qualifications, and site safety procedures. Testimonies from witnesses, site photographs, and expert analysis of equipment failure or load calculations may also be needed. Because multiple entities are often involved in construction projects, a thorough investigation is necessary to evaluate potential claims against all responsible parties and to pursue the fullest available recovery for the injured person.

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

In New York State, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury, though there are exceptions and additional notice requirements that can apply in construction or governmental contexts. It is important to act promptly because delays can jeopardize the ability to file a timely claim and to preserve perishable evidence such as scene conditions and records. Consulting with legal counsel early helps ensure all deadlines and procedural steps are met to protect your right to seek compensation. Certain claims, such as those involving a government entity or specific contract provisions, may require shorter notice periods or distinct filing rules. If a loved one suffered a fatality, different deadlines and procedures apply for wrongful death claims. Given these nuances, seek legal advice promptly to confirm the applicable timelines for your case, preserve evidence, and take any required preliminary steps that could affect the viability of a claim.

Will my medical bills be covered if the crane operator was an employee?

If the crane operator was an employee at the time of the accident, workers’ compensation may provide coverage for medical treatment and wage replacement benefits regardless of fault. However, workers’ compensation can limit the ability to pursue a lawsuit against the employer directly for additional damages. In many crane collapse cases there are circumstances that permit third-party liability claims against contractors, equipment owners, maintenance providers, or manufacturers in addition to workers’ compensation benefits, which can allow for recovery of pain and suffering and other damages not covered by workers’ comp. Evaluating the availability of workers’ compensation and third-party claims requires review of employment status, contracts, and the accident circumstances. Legal guidance can help coordinate workers’ compensation claims while preserving the right to pursue additional claims against non-employer parties whose negligence or defective equipment contributed to the collapse. This approach helps maximize compensation for medical care, lost earnings, and long-term needs beyond what workers’ compensation alone may provide.

How is fault determined in a crane collapse case?

Fault is established by showing that a party owed a duty of care, breached that duty through negligent actions or omissions, and that the breach caused the injuries. In crane collapse cases, this can involve demonstrating failures in maintenance, improper operation, inadequate training, or defective equipment and linking those failures to the harm suffered. Evidence such as maintenance logs, inspection records, operator qualifications, photographs, and witness statements are often central to proving fault. Reconstruction of the accident scene and, when necessary, technical analysis of the crane and components may be required to establish how the collapse occurred. Comparative fault rules can reduce recovery if the injured person shares responsibility, so a comprehensive investigation is important to accurately determine fault apportionment and to prepare robust claims or defenses in negotiations or court proceedings.

Can I recover damages for long-term care after a crane collapse?

Yes, injured victims may recover damages for long-term care needs if the injury causes lasting impairment, disability, or ongoing medical treatment. Calculating future medical expenses and care needs often involves medical opinions, rehabilitation assessments, and cost estimates for therapy, assistive devices, home modifications, and attendant care. Demonstrating a reliable prognosis and anticipated future care needs helps in negotiating settlements or presenting evidence at trial to obtain compensation that addresses both current and expected future economic impacts of the injury. Claims for long-term care can also include compensation for lost earning capacity, diminished ability to perform household tasks, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A careful evaluation of medical records, vocational assessments, and life-care planning documentation supports these claims. Seeking early legal guidance helps document these needs from the outset and positions the injured person to seek a recovery that reflects the full scope of anticipated future care obligations and lifestyle impacts.

What evidence is most important after a crane collapse?

Key evidence includes scene photographs, videos, witness names and statements, maintenance and inspection logs, operator training and certification records, incident reports, and any communications relating to the lift or site conditions. Medical records documenting the nature and extent of injuries, along with bills and treatment plans, are also essential. Early preservation of such evidence strengthens a claim and can be critical to proving causation and liability when multiple parties are involved in the project. Other valuable materials may include equipment manuals, load charts, service histories, and logs of prior equipment issues or repairs. Official reports from regulatory or safety inspections and any video footage from nearby cameras can also provide objective support. Coordinating collection of these materials soon after the incident helps prevent loss or alteration of information and supports a comprehensive presentation of the facts during settlement negotiations or courtroom proceedings.

Should I talk to insurance companies right away?

It is prudent to be careful in communications with insurance companies and potentially liable parties in the immediate aftermath of a serious injury. Insurers often seek early recorded statements or obtain medical authorizations to evaluate claims quickly, and unguarded remarks can be used to dispute liability or diminish perceived damages. Discussing the incident with a qualified attorney before providing detailed statements can help protect your rights and ensure that any information given is accurate and appropriate for the claims process. You should promptly provide necessary factual information required for emergency treatment or benefits, but avoid signing releases or agreeing to recorded interviews without legal guidance. An attorney can advise on which communications are necessary, negotiate with insurers on your behalf, and handle requests for records or statements so you can focus on medical recovery while your claim is advanced properly and strategically.

What types of compensation are available for crane collapse victims?

Victims of crane collapses may be eligible to recover economic damages such as current and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment and recovery. Non-economic damages for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also be recoverable depending on the severity and permanency of the injuries. The total available compensation varies with the facts of each case including the extent of injuries and the parties found responsible. In certain cases, punitive damages may be available when conduct was particularly reckless or involved intentional wrongdoing, though such awards are less common and depend on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. Recovering the full range of damages often requires careful documentation, medical and vocational assessments, and negotiation or litigation to achieve a fair outcome that addresses both immediate and long-term needs of the injured person.

How can Ahearne Law help with my crane collapse claim?

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assists by promptly investigating the incident, identifying potentially responsible parties, and collecting crucial evidence such as maintenance records, inspection reports, and witness statements. The firm coordinates with medical providers to document injuries and treatment needs and communicates with insurers to pursue appropriate compensation. By managing procedural requirements and deadlines, the firm helps reduce the burden on injured clients, allowing them to focus on recovery while their legal claim is advanced thoughtfully and professionally. The firm also assesses potential recovery avenues beyond workers’ compensation, such as third-party claims against contractors, equipment owners, or manufacturers, to pursue damages for medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic harms. Through negotiation and, when necessary, litigation, the firm seeks to obtain fair compensation while keeping clients informed about options and likely outcomes so they can make decisions that best support their long-term health and financial stability.

Personal Injury Services in New Hempstead

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services