One of Several Lawsuits in 2008 Crane Accident Settled
In March 2008, a crane accident killed seven people and injured several others on East 51st Street. Several lawsuits resulted, the first of which was settled a few weeks ago. Though the specifics are not yet being released, a judge has ordered that the details be made public to help settle the remaining cases.
Seven people were killed in the crane accident-six construction workers on the site and a tourist. Twenty-four were injured and 18 homes were evacuated, when the crane released a six-ton steel collar. The collar came loose when a support strap snapped, according to the NY Daily News. When the collar fell from the crane, it flattened a brownstone, causing local evacuations and a significant number of injuries.
This crane accident shows just how dangerous construction sites can be and why the highest in safety standards must be adhered to.
The settled lawsuit involved the families of the six construction workers. Other lawsuits, no doubt from the killed tourist, injured parties, and property owners are still pending. When such a crane accident or construction accident occurs, the injured person(s) can file a claim for damages including compensation for their injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering.
The crane rigger was initially charged with manslaughter in the case, though he was later acquitted. Now, the construction companies are being held financially responsible in civil court.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Carol Edmead determined that the settlements should not be kept secret in the interest of settling the remaining crane accident cases in mediation. But the construction companies disagreed and convinced the Appellate Court to delay her ruling until a hearing could be held.
Construction sites pose dangers to their workers; everyone knows that. But we rarely recognize the risks they pose to the general public, as seen in this particularly tragic crane accident case.
Companies must do their part to keep construction sites and equipment safe foreveryone, including the public. When they fail to live up to this standard, and are negligent in keeping things safe, they can be held responsible in the civil courts of New York.
While death is the ultimate injury, crane and construction accidents can cause a range of injuries. If you’ve been injured on a construction site, or merely while passing by a construction site, the company could be held responsible for your injuries. Consulting with the construction accident attorneys of Omrani & Taub will allow you to determine if compensation is possible. Contact our experienced attorneys today for some valuable legal advice and a free consultation on your case. Call us at 212-529-7848 (that’s 212-LAW-SUIT).
