If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crane accident, you need a Fort Lee crane accident lawyer who understands the danger of these massive machines and the law that protects injured workers and bystanders.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we have spent decades fighting for construction workers, pedestrians, and families across Fort Lee, Hackensack, and the Bronx after serious construction injuries.
Cranes lift tons of steel above busy streets and active job sites every day in our community, and when something goes wrong, the harm is almost always catastrophic. We are ready to listen, investigate what happened, and pursue every dollar you deserve.
Call our Fort Lee office today at 201-585-9111 for a free, no-pressure consultation.
Why Choose Us as Your Fort Lee Crane Accident Lawyer
When the stakes are this high, you deserve a legal team with the experience, resources, and heart to stand beside you. Our Fort Lee crane accident attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined courtroom experience to every case we take. We treat each client like family because we believe the person next door deserves the same fierce representation as anyone else.
Here is what sets our firm apart:
- Proven results in construction injury cases, including a $101,000,000 verdict for workers harmed in a parking garage collapse
- A team of 30 dedicated professionals working on your case, not just one attorney
- Contingency fee representation so you pay nothing unless we win for you
- Deep knowledge of New Jersey and New York labor laws that protect construction workers
- Bilingual staff and personal communication throughout your case
- Trial-tested attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Martindale-Hubbell
We understand that a crane accident can change everything in a single moment. Medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future can weigh on the entire family. Our job is to lift that burden so you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you need. Call 201-585-9111 today and let us tell you how we can help.
What Counts as a Crane Accident in Fort Lee
Cranes are some of the most powerful and dangerous pieces of equipment on any construction site. From the high-rises going up along Main Street to the development projects near the George Washington Bridge, cranes are a familiar sight throughout Fort Lee.
When operated safely, they make modern construction possible. When something goes wrong, they can cause life-altering injuries in seconds.
A crane accident can involve many types of incidents, including:
- Crane collapses that crush workers, vehicles, or bystanders below
- Falling loads or debris dropped from cargo hooks, slings, or rigging
- Boom and jib failures caused by overloading or mechanical breakdown
- Tip-overs from unstable ground, improper outrigger setup, or high winds
- Electrocution injuries when a boom contacts overhead power lines
- Struck-by accidents involving swinging loads or counterweights
- Operator error caused by fatigue, inadequate training, or distraction
- Caught-in or caught-between incidents during assembly or dismantling
Each of these scenarios carries its own legal and technical questions. A skilled crane accident attorney must understand both the engineering of the machine and the safety rules that govern its use. We work with crane operators, riggers, and forensic engineers to reconstruct exactly what happened on your job site.
I am writing this review on behalf of my mother, Darlene LaVella, who does not have a Facebook. ‘Chris DiGiralamo was an excellent advocate in my negligence case. His confidence, professionalism and kindness made this difficult process easier for my husband and myself. The same for his support team. Marisol Suarez was always there via phone, email or text helping me to navigate the difficulties of Workers Comp in addition to the negligence case and Karen Sanchez, who recommended the firm to me, was invaluable in helping with video & pictures. I thank you all here, publicly, and recommend this firm highly for any legal needs.’
I cannot express how grateful and pleased I am to have had Christopher DiGirolamo and his paralegal Christine Carrino represent me in connection with my personal injury action.
What had happened to me was an event that was about to completely change my life.
Initially I was unable to go to the offices of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi because of my injuries. I had been hit by a motor vehicle while walking in a crosswalk. Christopher came to me. He offered not only expert legal advice but helped significantly with other things like obtaining police reports, how to handle telephone calls, photographing the scene and even advice about warding off “adjusters” who came knocking on my door. Most importantly, Christopher listened. His compassion, knowledge and understanding cannot be overstated.
I, as a lawyer with medical knowledge who needed a lawyer, would consider myself to be somewhat of a challenging client. Christopher took all this in stride and was fearless in offering guidance and advice when I was having difficulty looking at things objectively. Christopher allayed my anxieties and made me feel better each and every time we spoke. He put things in perspective for me while at the same time, not sugar coating the difficult days ahead that were in store for me, both physically and throughout the legal proceedings. Christopher asked me about my preferences and my choices. He was always interested in my ideas and my point of view. Christopher balanced my convictions with his undeniable objectivity and expertise.
Throughout the protracted course of discovery and pre-trial conferences, Christopher went out of his way to communicate with me and keep me informed. When Christopher was in court we engaged in many real time texting sessions. He respected my decisions about strategy and was constant in upholding his integrity. With Christopher’s tenacity and wit, the case was ultimately resolved without trial.
Christopher and the law firm of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. made every effort to accommodate me in whatever way they could. I offer my thanks and gratitude.
Nothing but praise for Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi. I have never seen such a fantastic display of teamwork at all levels of the firm. (As an aisde, everyone one who works at the firm was extremely courteous and kind – character traits that one would not typically associate with a law firm. )
Furthermore, the legal results brought about by Mr. Maggiano’s tireless litigation efforts on our behalf were very fair and just. If you ever find yourself in a car accident, be sure to consult Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi.
Common Injuries from Crane Accidents
The forces involved in a crane accident are enormous. Even a small piece of falling material from several stories up can cause permanent harm. Workers and pedestrians injured by cranes often face long recoveries and lifelong medical needs.
Injuries we frequently see in crane accident cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from impact with falling objects or the ground
- Spinal cord injuries that can result in partial or full paralysis
- Crush injuries to the chest, pelvis, arms, or legs
- Amputations caused by falling steel or pinch points
- Multiple broken bones requiring surgery, hardware, and long rehabilitation
- Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Severe burns and electrocution injuries from contact with power lines
- Wrongful death when the injuries cannot be survived
We also handle cases where workers develop chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia after a crane-related trauma. These conditions are real, often invisible to outsiders, and deserve to be taken seriously by both medical providers and the legal system. We have a long track record of recovering compensation for clients living with chronic pain caused by job site injuries.
Federal and State Laws That Protect You
Crane safety in New Jersey and New York is governed by a web of federal, state, and local rules. Knowing which rules apply and how they were broken is often the key to a successful claim. We dig into these regulations on every case.
Some of the most important laws that may apply to your crane accident include:
- The federal OSHA Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC), which sets training, inspection, and operation requirements
- New Jersey workers’ compensation law under N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 et seq., which provides benefits for workers hurt on the job in Fort Lee and Hackensack
- New York Labor Law Sections 200, 240(1), and 241(6), which give powerful protections to construction workers injured by gravity-related hazards in the Bronx
- New Jersey Crane Operator Licensing Act, which requires licensed operators on most large cranes in the state
Linking your injury to a specific violation of one of these rules can make a major difference in your case. Our attorneys know how to gather inspection records, OSHA citations, equipment maintenance logs, and operator certifications. We use this evidence to show exactly how the rules were broken and why you should be compensated.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Crane Accident
Construction sites are crowded places. On a typical project in Fort Lee or along the Hudson, you might have a property owner, a general contractor, several subcontractors, a crane rental company, and the crane operator’s employer all working together. When a crane accident happens, more than one of these parties may share the blame.
Parties who may be legally responsible for your crane accident include:
- General contractors who failed to coordinate safety on the site
- Property owners who knew or should have known about unsafe conditions
- Crane rental and leasing companies that supplied defective or poorly maintained equipment
- Crane manufacturers when a design flaw or part failure caused the incident
- Riggers and signal persons who made dangerous mistakes during a lift
- Subcontractors who created hazards in the work zone
- Maintenance and inspection companies that signed off on faulty equipment
Identifying every responsible party matters because it directly affects how much compensation you can recover. Workers’ compensation alone often does not cover the full cost of a serious crane injury.
A separate third-party lawsuit against a contractor or equipment company may be the only way to pay for long-term medical care, lost earning power, and pain and suffering. We pursue every avenue at the same time.
Our Track Record in Construction Injury Cases
When a crane accident has changed your life, you need a firm with a real history of winning cases like yours. Construction injury work is one of our strongest practice areas, and we have helped workers and families across the New York and New Jersey region recover the resources they need to rebuild.
A few results we have secured for construction injury clients include:
- $101,000,000 for 20 injured workers and the families of four who died in a parking garage collapse
- $3,200,000 for a 35-year-old iron worker who fell from a steel frame building
- $2,600,000 for the widow and child of a dock builder killed during a pile driving operation
- $2,325,000 for an HVAC worker who fell through a roof opening
- $1,100,000 for an architect injured on a mall construction site
Past results do not guarantee a future outcome in your case. Every claim is different, and the value depends on the facts, the injuries, and the law. What these numbers do show is that we have the experience, the financial resources, and the willingness to take on the biggest insurance carriers and corporate defendants when it matters most.
How We Build a Strong Crane Accident Case
Crane accident cases are some of the most complex claims in personal injury law. The evidence disappears fast, multiple companies start protecting themselves immediately, and insurance carriers move quickly to minimize what they pay. From the day you call us, we move just as quickly to protect your rights.
Here is how we work to build the strongest possible case for you:
- We preserve the scene by sending investigators and engineers to document the site
- We request all OSHA reports, inspection records, and prior citations on the equipment
- We interview eyewitnesses including coworkers, signal persons, and bystanders
- We secure maintenance and rental records for the crane and its components
- We consult with crane safety experts who can testify about industry standards
- We work with your medical team to document the full scope of your injuries
- We calculate lifetime damages including future medical care and lost earning capacity
- We negotiate firmly with insurance carriers and prepare every case for trial
This thorough approach is one reason our clients trust us with such serious cases. We know that the difference between a fair settlement and a low one is the work that happens behind the scenes. Our team puts in that work every single day.
Compensation Available After a Crane Accident
Recovering from a crane accident is about more than just medical care. The financial impact on a family can reach into the millions of dollars over a lifetime. New Jersey and New York law allow injured people to seek compensation for both the obvious losses and the long-term ones that are harder to measure.
Compensation in a Fort Lee crane accident case may include:
- Past and future medical bills, including surgeries, therapy, and assistive devices
- Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your trade
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional harm
- Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries limit activities you once loved
- Disfigurement and scarring from serious wounds and burns
- Loss of consortium for spouses affected by your injuries
- Wrongful death damages for families who have lost a loved one
These categories are not just line items on a form. They reflect real human costs that we work hard to prove in detail. When you sit down with our team, we will walk you through each one and explain how it might apply to your situation.
Verdicts and Settlements
$6,200,000 - Traumatic Brain Injury
A commercial truck driver disabled after a crash which resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
$1,500,000 - Late Diagnosis
A gastric bypass patient suffered serious complications of a gastric leak which was not timely diagnosed.
$325,000 - Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Awarded to a nursing home resident who developed a Stage IV ulcer requiring surgery where the nursing home alleged the resident was non-compliant with recommendations to reduce pressure from excessive wheelchair use.
FAQs Answered by Our Fort Lee Crane Accident Lawyers
Crane accidents raise many questions in the days and weeks after they happen. Here are answers to some of the most common ones we hear from clients across Fort Lee and the surrounding area.
How long do I have to file a crane accident lawsuit in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. Workers’ compensation claims have separate, often shorter deadlines for reporting the injury to your employer.
Because deadlines can vary based on the type of claim and the parties involved, it is important to speak with an attorney quickly so no rights are lost.
Can I sue if I was hurt by a crane accident at work?
Workers’ compensation usually prevents you from suing your direct employer, but you may have a third-party claim against other parties on the job site. This can include a general contractor, the crane rental company, the manufacturer, or another subcontractor. Our team looks closely at every angle to find every source of compensation available to you.
What if a loved one died in a crane accident?
Family members of a person killed in a crane accident may be able to bring a wrongful death claim under New Jersey or New York law. These cases seek compensation for lost financial support, funeral costs, and the loss of companionship and guidance. We handle these matters with great care and respect for what your family is going through.
How much does it cost to hire a crane accident lawyer in Fort Lee?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no upfront cost to hire us. We only get paid if we recover money for you, and our fee comes out of that recovery. The first consultation is always free, so you have nothing to lose by calling.
What if I was partly at fault for the crane accident?
Both New Jersey and New York follow comparative fault rules, which means you can still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but it is not automatically barred. Our attorneys know how to push back against unfair attempts to shift blame onto injured workers.
Will my crane accident case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will be tried in court. Insurance companies often offer more when they know your attorneys are ready, willing, and experienced at trial. If a fair settlement is not on the table, we will not hesitate to bring your case before a jury.
What evidence should I save after a crane accident?
If you can do so safely, save photos of the scene, your injuries, and any equipment involved. Keep medical records, pay stubs, and the contact information of any witnesses. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner we can take over the work of gathering and preserving evidence on your behalf.
Talk to a Fort Lee Crane Accident Lawyer Today
A crane accident can shake the foundation of your life, but you do not have to face what comes next alone. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we stand in your shoes, listen to your story, and fight to hold the right parties accountable.
Our team has helped families across Fort Lee, Hackensack, and the Bronx recover the compensation they need to move forward, and we are ready to do the same for you.
Call our Fort Lee office today at 201-585-9111 for a free consultation with a Fort Lee crane accident lawyer. There is no fee unless we win your case, and there is no pressure to decide anything during your first call.
Let us listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward justice and recovery.
