Construction workers are at an increased risk of experiencing workplace injuries compared to many other professions, and some of the largest dangers in their work environments are cranes. These powerful machines can cause serious injuries when workers and worksites do not follow proper safety protocols.
Crane accident lawyers in NYC see unsafe crane operation lead to catastrophic accidents time and again. Are crane accidents on the rise in New York City, and what can construction workers do in the face of serious workplace accidents? A construction accident lawyer in NYC can provide personalized legal guidance for those navigating these cases.
Crane Accidents Present a Growing Concern for NYC Construction Workers
The rates of construction accidents in NYC tend to ebb and flow each year, despite efforts to increase safety compliance and uphold workers’ rights to safe work environments. One of the latest reports from the NYC Buildings government page assessed the rates of construction-related injuries and fatalities as of April 30, 2025. The report compared the number of incidents year to date in 2024 and 2025 across several categories.
In many cases, the number of incidents resulting in injury or fatality decreased between 2024 and 2025, when assessing the year-to-date incident rates as of April. For example:
- Incidents involving mechanical construction equipment decreased from 11 to 9
- Scaffold incidents decreased from 4 to 2
- Falls on construction sites decreased from 98 to 55
However, this dataset alone may not be enough to properly assess whether crane accidents are increasing or decreasing in NYC.
Across the U.S. as a whole, crane accidents pose a significant safety concern, as indicated in a July 2025 report from OSHA. This report includes harrowing statistics, such as:
- An average of between 42 and 44 crane-related deaths occurs in the U.S. each year.
- A review of 249 crane incidents found a total of 838 OSHA violations.
- As many as 11% of the construction incidents studied involved being struck by or run over by a crane.
- As many as 90% of crane accidents were caused by human error, with mistakes often including improper communication, misjudgment of movement paths, poor load planning, and a lack of control during hoisting.
- Approximately 20% of all construction-related crane fatalities are due to contact with overhead power lines.
Crane accidents may or may not be on the rise in New York City, but many can agree that these incidents are more prevalent than they should be. Adhering to proper safety regulations is key to preventing crane accidents and keeping workers safe. For those who were injured in an on-site incident, speaking with a crane accident lawyer in NYC may be a wise next step.
Common Causes of Crane Accidents on Construction Sites To Be Aware Of
Why do crane accidents happen? As we know, as many as 90% are due to human error. But the types of errors that crane accident attorneys see causing injuries can vary significantly.
Crane accidents may result from the operator’s error, a manufacturer’s error, or a bystander’s error. The crane operator might fail to control the crane, come into contact with power lines, strike structures or equipment, or even strike another worker. But workers are also responsible for knowing the proper safety protocols to follow when cranes are in use. They must avoid coming into the crane’s expected path.
Crane accidents in NYC can specifically be attributed to a wide range of causes:
- Contact with power lines: When a crane comes into contact with a power line, the electrical current travels through the crane and presents a serious electrical hazard to the operator and anyone nearby. Cranes should maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet when navigating around power lines.
- Mechanical failure: Under OSHA regulations, cranes need to undergo regular inspections to ensure safe operation. Mechanical failures involving the hoists, brakes, or hydraulic system can create serious safety hazards.
- Crane tip-overs: Cranes are at risk of tipping over in windy conditions, when traveling over unstable ground, and when not assembled properly. This can endanger the operator and anyone working near the crane.
- Improper hoisting or rigging: The loads being transported by a crane must be secured properly to avoid uncontrolled swinging. Construction workers must receive the proper training to perform rigging and hoisting, and all hoisting equipment must be in proper working condition.
- Lack of operator training: Crane operators can make dangerous mistakes when they do not know the precise techniques and protocols for operating this heavy equipment. Adequate training is especially important for emergency situations, in which an operator may need to make fast decisions to prevent accidents. Lack of training puts everyone on the worksite at risk of injury.
- Overloading: Crane equipment is rated to safely handle a certain capacity. Exceeding the rated capacity can lead to structural failure and serious worksite accidents.
- Failure to follow safety protocols: Many crane accidents happen because the operator, construction manager, or other personnel on the construction site failed to follow the proper safety protocols.
Understanding why a crane accident happened is an important step in assessing whether someone may be liable. An NYC construction accident attorney can provide further guidance for assessing liability and determining next steps.
Workers’ Rights After a Crane Accident in NYC
If you were injured in a crane accident, you may be exploring your options under New York law for personal injury compensation. Speaking with a crane accident lawyer in NYC can help you understand more about your rights and options.
You may be able to seek compensation after your accident through a workers’ compensation claim, third-party liability claim, or both, depending on the details of the accident. Before you apply for workers’ compensation or take any other steps, it may be a good idea to speak with a New York construction accident lawyer first to avoid potentially compromising your right to compensation.
Workers’ Compensation Claim
The majority of businesses in New York City are legally required to provide workers’ compensation benefits. If you are a W-2 employee, not a contractor, you likely have access to this benefit and can use it to seek compensation after a crane accident.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You can generally seek compensation for injuries that happen while you are performing your job duties, regardless of who was at fault. This also means that you cannot hold an employer directly liable for injuries in many cases.
Under New York workers’ compensation law, you can seek reimbursement for your medical bills resulting from the accident and a portion of your lost wages while you were unable to work.
Third-Party Liability Claim
If a third party was responsible for your accident, meaning a person or party outside of your construction company, you may be able to seek compensation through a third-party liability claim. These parties may include:
- Equipment manufacturers
- Subcontractors
- Property owners
- Maintenance companies
In some cases, you may be able to seek compensation through both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party liability case. You generally could not seek the same damages twice, but you may be able to pursue compensation beyond what a workers’ comp claim would cover. Speak with your construction accident lawyer in NYC about your legal options.
Consult Our NYC Crane Accident Attorneys Today
At William Schwitzer & Associates, PC, we represent construction workers across NYC after worksite accidents. We understand that crane accidents can lead to serious, life-altering injuries and even death.
We want to help you understand your rights under New York law and your options for pursuing financial compensation. We also help injured workers understand OSHA regulations and crane safety and how they apply to their cases.
For a free case evaluation, contact our crane accident lawyers in NYC today at 212-683-3800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are construction managers liable for crane accidents in NYC?
In some cases, construction managers can be held liable for accidents under New York labor laws if they failed to enforce safety protocols, ignored known hazards, or did not provide the proper equipment. Speak with an attorney about whether your construction manager may be liable.
Do you need legal representation for a workers’ compensation claim?
You aren’t required to have legal representation for a workers’ compensation claim, but seeking legal guidance can be helpful to understand all of your options for compensation and approach this process effectively.
What if I was responsible for my own crane accident?
Even if you were technically responsible for the crane accident on a construction site, you likely still qualify for workers’ compensation.
What should you do after a crane accident in NYC?
After a crane accident in NYC, seek medical attention and inform your construction manager about the incident as soon as possible. Document the accident as well as you can in case you need evidence for a liability case. Then consult a crane accident lawyer in NYC to evaluate your next steps. Certain deadlines may apply to your case, so seeking legal counsel promptly is important to avoid missing your opportunity for compensation.
