Posted On: April 14, 2008 by Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro

Two Killed in Crane Accident – This Time in Miami

Proof positive that the dangerous nature of crane accidents are not reserved for New York alone, a seven-ton section of crane fell 30 stories in Miami recently, killing two workers and injuring 5 others. Fire and rescue officials said the collapse occurred about 1:45pm as a construction crew tried to lengthen the crane for work on a 46-story luxury high-rise overlooking Biscayne Bay. The 20 foot section dangled before dropping through the roof of the home contractors used as an office.

This crane collapse may appear eerily similar to the collapse that occurred in New York, but upon closer inspection, there are some major differences. While the cause of the collapse had not been determined, the circumstances in New York were unique, where a six-ton steel collar meant to help hold the crane in place broke free and plummeted from 18 stories high, leading the entire crane to detach from the building and fall toward the ground, with one section landing on a town house. In the Miami instance, a large 20-foot section of the crane itself weighing seven tons fell through the Spanish style home in Miami.

Many crane related accidents involve mobile cranes, and many "non-crane" workers have also suffered serious injuries. These non-crane operators include mechanics, oil workers, ironworkers, rigger, and stevedores.

Our construction litigation department has been handling complex construction accident cases for years and has a vast degree of knowledge about New York State Labor Law and the Industrial Code.

We only represent individuals who are injured by negligence; through the malpractice of doctors or hospitals; injured in workplace accidents or by faulty products, equipment or machinery; injured in automobile accidents; or through the negligent maintenance of property. The firm has achieved great success in these specialties which are all bound together by a common thread: an individual has suffered serious physical or emotional injury.