Crane Accident Attorney in Long Island
20+ Years, 10,000+ Cases. Direct Attorney Access from Day One.
Crane accidents produce some of the most severe injuries on any construction site: spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, crush injuries, amputations, and fatalities. If you or a family member was hurt in a crane accident on Long Island, The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. can pursue compensation available under New York law. Gregory Goodman brings more than 20 years of personal injury experience and a record of over 10,000 successful cases representing clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Not every victim immediately recognizes they have a viable claim. Workers, riggers, ground crew, and bystanders caught in a crane’s load path or swing radius can all be injured, and liability may rest with parties beyond the direct employer. Acting quickly matters: evidence degrades fast, and legal deadlines begin running from the date of injury.
Call The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. at (800) 242-3740 for a free consultation. There’s no cost and no obligation to retain our firm.
In-House Preparation from Day One
Crane accident cases are legally complex. A single incident can involve the property owner, the general contractor, one or more subcontractors, and the crane manufacturer, each with their own insurer and defense team. We build every case in-house from the first consultation through resolution. Gregory Goodman prepares each case as if it will go before a jury, and clients have continuous direct access to him throughout the process rather than being passed to rotating staff or outside counsel.
That approach matters when you’re up against well-funded construction insurers who rely on delay tactics and low initial offers. Our familiarity with Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola and Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead informs how we document, position, and, when necessary, litigate each claim. Representation is available on a contingency basis: no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Common Crane Accidents on Long Island Job Sites
Construction activity across Long Island spans residential renovations, commercial builds, and infrastructure projects, all of which can involve crane operations at varying scales. The accidents we see most often fall into these categories:
Types of crane accidents:
- Crane Collapse from overloading or improper erection
- Boom Failure from mechanical defects or unsafe operation
- Dropped Loads from frayed rigging or unsecured cargo
- Electrocution when the boom or cables contact live power lines, a particular risk given Long Island’s dense residential and commercial infrastructure
- Overturning from uneven ground, poor stabilization, or adverse weather
- Swing-radius Strikes from limited visibility or ignored safety protocols
- Mechanical Failures involving hydraulics, hoist lines, gears, or brakes
New York State requires a Crane Operator Certificate of Competence issued by the New York State Department of Labor to legally operate a crane. Allowing an uncertified operator to run a crane is a safety violation that can support a negligence claim in a personal injury case.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Crane Accident
New York’s Labor Law provides strong protections for construction workers. Three sections are central to most crane accident claims:
New York Labor Law Section 200
Requires property owners and general contractors to maintain safe working conditions at construction sites. Liability generally depends on whether a defendant exercised supervisory control over the work or had actual or constructive knowledge of a dangerous condition.
New York Labor Law Section 240 (the Scaffold Law)
Imposes strict liability on property owners and general contractors for gravity-related injuries, including those caused by crane loads falling from height or workers falling from crane platforms. Strict liability means fault doesn’t need to be proven against each defendant individually.
New York Labor Law Section 241
Sets specific safety requirements for construction, demolition, and excavation work. When a crane accident stems from a regulatory violation on the job site, Section 241 can apply.
Beyond property owners and contractors, liability can extend to subcontractors responsible for improper crane erection or operation, crane manufacturers and component makers when a defect caused the failure, and government entities where public infrastructure or municipal property is involved. Claims against government entities require a notice of claim filed within 90 days of the accident and carry a shortened lawsuit window of one year and 90 days, distinct from the standard three-year deadline that applies to private parties.
Compensation Available to Long Island Crane Accident Victims
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, but it doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or long-term loss of earning capacity. A third-party personal injury claim pursued alongside a workers’ comp claim can allow recovery beyond workers’ compensation alone. Damages available in a crane accident lawsuit include:
- Current and future medical bills, including rehabilitation and long-term care
- Full lost wages during recovery
- Lost earning capacity if the injury prevents return to prior work
- Retraining expenses if construction work is no longer possible
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium for the effect of the injury on family relationships
- In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages
Families of victims who died in crane accidents may file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. Bystanders and other non-employees aren’t subject to the workers’ compensation system and may file a direct personal injury claim without those restrictions.
Speak with a Long Island Crane Accident Lawyer Today
Your initial consultation with The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. is free, with no obligation to retain our firm. We work on contingency, so there’s no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call (800) 242-3740 to speak directly with Gregory Goodman about your case.
Our Satisfied Clients
We genuinely care about our clients and will do everything we can to ensure their satisfaction
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“Greg is a very trustworthy, knowledgeable attorney”
Greg is handling a litigation matter for me. He is efficient, is moving my case right along and treating me with the upmost respect. He keeps me advised of all phases of the case and I believe he will fight for the best recovery that I can possibly receive. Not many attorneys are this conscientious.- Client -
“They keep in contact with you by letting you know everything that's going on with your case.”
“This firm was on point they keep in contact with you by letting you know everything that's going on with your case. I'm happy to have them represent me anytime. Thank you guys.- Shirvon G.
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“This law firm was recommended to me and thankfully I reached out to them.”
My name is Jeffrey and was in an automobile accident. This law firm was recommended to me and thankfully I reached out to them. They made the whole process so very easy. It was really great how they clearly explained what was going to happen and what was expected of me. I would like to thank Daniel and the wonderful ladies of the staff for all their hard work. I would highly recommend this firm as well as personally recommend them to anyone I encounter who needs help. Thank you for all your dedicated hard work through the whole process.- Jeffrey F. -
“Greg will thoroughly, effectively and patiently represent you for all your personal injury needs. Cannot recommend him enough.”
“Greg will thoroughly, effectively and patiently represent you for all your personal injury needs. Cannot recommend him enough.”- Steven D. -
“Very professional”
Very professional, very respectful and kind, and got the job done for me.- Barwhale G. -
“Gregory Goodman is very professional and consistent.”
Gregory Goodman is very professional and consistent, he provides in detail all options and is very thorough with his work, I highly recommend. He helped with a situation a few months ago and since then all has been very well! Thank you Gregory Goodman!- Davin S. -
“Goodman is a person of human quality, responsible and honest. I recommend it.”
You who are reading, will be in good hands. Goodman is a person of human quality, responsible and honest. I recommend it.- Melissa F. -
“I highly recommend Mr. Goodman.”
I highly recommend Mr. Goodman. I was in a hopeless, scary medical debt situation which he was able to assist me with. From my first consultation with him the weight was lifted off my shoulders. Within just a short time court was able to be avoided and a reasonable settlement was established.- Gabrielle B.
