Seven Workers Hurt, Operator Cited for Ignoring Safety Regulations After Construction Crane Collapses in Queens

In January, seven workers were reportedly injured when a crane collapsed during the construction of an apartment building in Queens. According to witness reports, the 170-foot boom fell into the wooden framework of a building that was being constructed in the Long Island City neighborhood. The crane allegedly broke while moving more than double the amount of weight it was designed to lift. In addition, the crane was purportedly operating outside of an approved safety zone.

Three of the seven injured construction workers were reportedly extricated from beneath the wreckage of the crane. Deputy Fire Chief Mark Ferran stated none of those hurt suffered life-threatening injuries. He also added that heavy machinery was not required to free the trapped employees.

New York City Buildings Department officials allege the crane's operator, Paul Geer, and construction contractor, Cross Country Construction LLC, failed to properly inspect the machine and operated it in an unsafe manner. Both reportedly face more than $60,000 in fines for five safety violations related to the collapse. In addition, the building site safety manager, Arthur Covelli, and building developer, TF Cornerstone, allegedly face at least one safety violation each. Following a Buildings Department inspection, a stop-work order was reportedly issued for the construction project.

Construction cranes are a common sight throughout New York City, but they can pose a danger to both construction workers and area residents. Unfortunately, workers and individuals who are traveling on the streets below construction cranes are placed in danger of unexpected injury from accidents like this one every day. Sadly, construction accidents injure or kill thousands of individuals each year.

Workplace injuries in New York are normally subject to state workers' compensation laws. In some cases, however, a third party may be held legally responsible for a construction worker's harm that resulted from inadequate safety measures or other hazards. If you or a close family member was hurt by a malfunctioning crane or another construction site hazard, you are advised to contact a skilled personal injury attorney to discuss your rights.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a construction accident, do not hesitate to contact the hardworking lawyers at Korngut Paleudis LLC. At Korngut Paleudis LLC, our dedicated New York City personal injury and accident law attorneys are available to help the victims of construction accidents receive the financial compensation they deserve based upon the severity of their injuries. Our knowledgeable lawyers have more than 45 years of experience helping clients who are located in New York and New Jersey. To speak with a committed attorney about your injury claim, please contact Korngut Paleudis LLC through the law firm's website or give us a call at (212) 835-6768 in New York City.

Additional Resources:

NYC crane collapses at construction site; 7 hurt, by Deepti Hajela, boston.com

Operator, contractor cited in NYC crane collapse, by The Associated Press, Galveston County Daily News