A construction crane owner and his mechanic are facing manslaughter charges in New York because of deadly accidents in which two workers were killed and another seriously injured because of a faulty repair on their equipment. Read full story here.  In a separate incident, some months before this accident, another crane owned by the same company collapsed in Manhattan killing seven people. New York Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri reportedly called the charges an important reminder of the construction companies’ responsibility.

While fatal work injuries in the private construction sector declined according to the most recent figures from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries – down 20 percent in 2008 from 2007 – there is still a need for more diligence as it relates to crane safety practices. The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) reports that the average number of worker deaths involving construction cranes at 42 a year. The leading cause of fatal crane accidents is cranes coming into contact with power lines; other causes, almost all preventable, include the crane collapsing or worker being struck by a crane boom/jib.

While crane accidents may not happen with much frequency, the results of this type of accident can be devastating in terms of injury or death. Furthermore, operators are not the only ones at risk. Other construction workers and individuals who just happen to be near the site are in just as much danger if a crane drops its load or tips over.

Injuries and deaths resulting from crane accidents are complex legal cases. They require lawyers experienced in wrongful death litigation and serious injury cases. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a crane accident, Blackman Legal Group has the experience to advise you. Contact the firm at 1-866-528-8115 for a consultation.