Monday, November 26, 2012. It is common to see construction around the New York City area. Many construction projects require the use of cranes. While their use is important, they must be operated properly in order to prevent a tragic crane accident
. A construction crane collapsed earlier today in Manhattan. Fortunately, no one was hurt. However, this is the second crane collapse in just a month in the area. The high winds during Hurricane Sandy caused a crane to snap backwards late last month. It took days before the crane could be fixed. Luckily, no one was injured in that collapse either. The most recent collapse happened as air conditioning units were being lifted into a building along West 38th Street. The boom collapsed on top of the truck that contained the air conditioners. The driver of the truck said the collapse “sounded like an earthquake.” Officials have begun investigating what caused the collapse. Although people have avoided serious injuries in these most recent accidents, that is not always the case. Crane accidents and other construction-related accidents can leave people with severe injuries. Sadly, a construction accident can leave people with fatal injuries. In some instances, construction accidents are the result of poorly maintained or defective equipment. Other times, an accident may be the result of another person’s negligent behavior. Workers at a construction site may suffer injuries. However, innocent passersby may also suffer devastating injuries. When people in New York City are injured as a result of another person’s negligence, they may wish to pursue compensation in the form of a personal injury lawsuit. The money that is awarded through a successful claim can be used to cover medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Source: New York Daily News, “Construction crane collapse sounded like “earthquake” as it gave way in Hells Kitchen while lifting air conditioners,” Christina Boyle and Greg B. Smith, Nov. 26, 2012
