Investigation Underway After Two Injured in Flatbush, Brooklyn After Work Truck with Crane Tipped Over
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (February 18, 2025) -Two people were injured in Flatbush, Brooklyn after a crane truck tipped over by the intersection of Nostrand Avenue and East 31st Street.
New York City officials are saying that the accident took place on Tuesday. The work truck with a crane hit a vehicle and toppled over next to a building along Glenwood Road.
There were two people sitting inside of the vehicle that was struck. Both sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital by paramedics.
The department of buildings said that it will issue three citations as a result of the accident. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for New York City Crane Accidents
Accidents involving work cranes may seem like freak occurrences, they are unfortunately all too common. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “From 2011 to 2017, the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported 297 total crane-related deaths, an average of 42 per year over this 7-year period. Men accounted for 293 of the 297 fatal injuries involving cranes.” There are many steps that construction companies should take in order to avoid crane accidents.
- Construction companies should ensure that all crane operators are properly trained and certified.
- Construction companies should perform regular equipment inspections and look for signs of potential weakness or worn-out parts.
- Construction companies should adhere to all load limits.
- Construction companies should establish a perimeter around their work zone to avoid potentially injuring someone from the public.
Construction companies have a legal obligation to maintain their work sites in a reasonably safe condition. Depending on the facts of any case, a construction company could be liable for a construction accident through New York Labor Law § 200. This statute is a codification of an employer’s general duty to maintain job sites in a safe condition. According to the statute, “All machinery, equipment, and devices in such places shall be so placed, operated, guarded, and lighted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to all such persons.” It is important that certain steps are taken after any workplace accident.
- Medical records related to the accident should be collected.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- An investigation by OSHA should be conducted.
- An experienced construction accident attorney should be contacted.
Construction accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where safety protocols are not being followed. This could include crane operators driving a vehicle too fast for the prevailing conditions. It is important that victims of construction accidents understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, an attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Brooklyn Crane Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this Brooklyn crane accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Someone could have easily been killed.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Brooklyn crane accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
