Construction Accident Lawyer Believes Crane Accident, House Bisection Could Have Been Prevented
New York, New York (PRWEB) July 16, 2013 -- High winds were blamed for a crane that collapsed into a house. Wind blew down a crane and left the home looking like it had “been cut through as if by a giant knife,” said CBS News(7.11.13). David Perecman and other construction accident lawyers at The Perecman Firm were thankful no people were hurt in the accident.
Said CBS News, the crane operator could have been killed if the house did not break the fall of the crane.
“Material things can be replaced, but people can’t be,” said Perecman. “No one got hurt but they easily could have been. This incident should call attention to the need for more crane safety.”
A tree removal company was using the crane at the time of the accident in Valley Cottage, New York. The plan was to take down a tree before it fell on the house. Heavy rain and wind can be strong enough to break tree branches and down trees, even healthy ones. If the falling tree or branch does injure someone or cause damage to property, this may become the basis for a premises liability lawsuit.
In this case, the tree did not fall but the crane did, and the crane bisected an upstairs bedroom.
The owner of the tree removal company blamed the weather for the accident. Allegedly, the combination of heat, humidity and high winds knocked out the radios and fogged up the cab windows. It is also reported by CBS News that the wind strengthened as the heaviest part of the tree was being lifted.
Employers using cranes on job sites are responsible for protecting their employees against hazards, including high winds. All necessary precautions must also be taken to ensure the crane's stability, said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“Cranes are not supposed to fall down,” said Perecman.
The CBS News article cited is “Crane Brought In To Limit Tree Damage Blows Over, Cuts Home In Half.”
For more than 30 years, the construction accident attorneys at The Perecman Firm in New York have aggressively helped victims of crane accidents obtain compensation for their injuries. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a crane accident or other serious accident in New York, contact The Perecman Firm at 212-977-7033.
About David Perecman and The Perecman Firm, PLLC:
For the past 30 years, the New York construction accident, medical malpractice, auto accident, personal injury, and civil rights violation lawyers at The Perecman Firm, PLLC have handled all types of New York construction accident cases, including building and crane collapses. David Perecman, founder of the Firm, has been recognized for his achievements as an Honoree in the National Law Journal's Hall of Fame, in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in America" and The New York Times Magazine "New York Super Lawyers, Metro Edition" for the years 2007-2010. The prestigious U.S. News & World Report ranks The Perecman Firm among the top 20 personal injury firms in New York City for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.
The Firm has recovered millions of dollars for its clients. Among the more recent victories, Mr. Perecman won a $15 million verdict** for a construction accident (Index 112370/03) Supreme Court, New York County, a $5.35 million dollar verdict*** for an automobile accident (Index 2749/04) Supreme Court, Kings County, and a $40 million dollar structured settlement for medical malpractice (Index 2146/03)****Supreme Court, Kings County.
The Perecman Firm serves Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, Upstate NY, Morris County, and Rockland County.
**later settled while on appeal for $7.940 million
*** later settled for $3.5 million
**** total potential payout
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Sherry Ishak, The Perecman Firm, 212-977-7033, [email protected]
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