A crane accident on a Bergen County job site rarely leaves minor injuries behind. When a tower crane tips, a load drops, or a boom swings into a worker, the harm is severe, and the recovery is long. A Hackensack crane accident lawyer investigates what went wrong and identifies every party that may share responsibility for the harm.
Crane work pulls many businesses onto one site, and that crowd hides the question that matters most: who actually broke the safety rules? A workers’ compensation claim may provide important benefits, but it doesn’t answer every question about how the accident happened or who may be responsible.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we dig into the records, equipment, and safety failures behind crane accidents to build the strongest claim possible. Call (201) 585-9111 or reach us through our online contact form for a free case review.
Why Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. for Your NJ Crane Accident Case
Crane accident claims often involve multiple companies, extensive safety records, and complex questions about who caused the accident. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. has the experience and resources to investigate those cases, identify every responsible party, and pursue the compensation injured workers deserve.
Built for Complex Construction Cases
A crane accident in Hackensack, New Jersey rarely points to a single mistake. The operator, equipment owner, general contractor, subcontractors, and manufacturers may all play a role.
We investigate each layer of responsibility to build the strongest claim possible and identify every available source of recovery.
Industry Experience
Crane cases often turn on evidence that many firms overlook. Our Hackensack crane accident lawyers review inspection reports, maintenance records, operator qualifications, safety documentation, and other technical evidence that can reveal how the accident occurred.
When necessary, we work with qualified experts to explain equipment failures, safety violations, and industry standards.
Proven Advocacy for Injured Clients
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. has recovered more than $300 million for injured clients. Our attorneys have earned recognition from Super Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, and other respected legal organizations for their work on behalf of injured people and their families.
Reach our team at (201) 585-9111 or through our online contact form to put that experience behind your claim.
Michael Maggiano is one of the hardest working, ethical attorneys that you can have represent you. When I was going through my injury, emotional pain and suffering, the last thing I wanted to think about was who would be the right lawyer who is caring and understanding of my situation. Well Michael was there every step of the way. Through his guidance, support and legal advice, somehow he got me through this ordeal. If I have to rate Michael between 0 to 10, he is definitely a 12! Believe it or not, if you call Michael on his telephone, he will call you back the same day or night to try to help you with your concerns and questions. Why? BECAUSE HE CARES
I wanted to make sure that you were aware of my extreme gratitude to Chris DiGirolamo, and his law firm, for the work done on my behalf.
As a 33 year licensed motorcyclist in the state of NJ, I have seen a lot of friends/family go through the process of a personal injury suit, and many times the outcome is less than favorable. Let’s face it, there is a lot of bias against bikers out there… So when it was my turn to experience the process first hand, I didn’t hold a lot of hope that I would recover any of what I lost.
Chris DiGirolamo not only got me enough of a settlement to recover what was lost, he got the max available, allowing me to have a little piece of mind for the future as well.
He was patient when I sent endless emails full of questions and kind and understanding with regard to my case. I will ALWAYS refer my friends to this firm, and use them again myself, if the situation ever arises…
Thank you again for all your hard work!
It was a pleasure having Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi take on my case. After a car accident left me jobless for several months, they helped get me back on my feet. They went above and beyond the call of duty!
What To Do After a Crane Accident in Hackensack, New Jersey
After a crane accident in Hackensack, NJ, get the medical care you need and make sure the injury has been properly documented. Taking the right steps now can help protect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.
Important steps include:
- Follow Through With Medical Treatment: Attend appointments, follow your treatment plan, and keep records of your care from Hackensack University Medical Center or other providers.
- Report the Injury and Keep Records: Make sure the accident has been reported through the proper channels and keep copies of medical records, incident reports, work restrictions, and other documents related to your injury.
- Save the Evidence You Have: Photographs, witness information, correspondence, and other records may help establish how the accident occurred and who may be responsible.
- Avoid Guessing About Fault: Crane accidents frequently involve multiple companies working on the same site. Don’t guess about who’s at fault with an insurance adjuster.
- Speak With a Crane Accident Lawyer: A Hackensack crane accident attorney can investigate the accident and identify potentially liable parties. We’ll help collect critical evidence and determine whether additional claims may exist beyond workers’ compensation.
The earlier one of our lawyers can begin reviewing the facts, the easier it often becomes to identify responsible parties and secure the evidence needed to support your claim.
Is Your Hackensack Crane Injury a Workers’ Comp Case or a Third-Party Claim?
Many crane accident victims have more than one potential claim: Workers’ compensation may cover your workplace injury, while a separate third-party claim may exist against another company that contributed to the accident.
Crane projects often involve multiple businesses working together on the same site. When a contractor, crane company, equipment owner, maintenance provider, or manufacturer causes a crane failure, that company may be held responsible even though it is not your employer.
This distinction matters because crane accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. Workers’ compensation may provide medical benefits and partial wage replacement, but it doesn’t compensate injured workers for every loss. A third-party claim may allow you to pursue additional damages when an outside company contributed to the accident.
Determining which claims apply requires a careful investigation into how the accident happened and who controlled the crane, equipment, or work area involved. Our attorneys examine every layer of responsibility to identify all available sources of compensation.
Who Is Liable When a Crane Fails on a Hackensack Job Site?
The general contractor, crane operator, crane company, equipment owner, manufacturer, or another contractor may all share liability when a crane accident causes injury. Determining who is responsible depends on how the accident occurred and which company controlled the crane, equipment, or work area involved.
Crane accidents in Bergen County rarely stem from a single mistake. When multiple failures contribute to the same accident, multiple parties may share responsibility for the resulting injuries.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- General Contractors: A general contractor may be responsible when poor site coordination, unsafe scheduling decisions, or safety violations contribute to a crane accident on a large commercial project, such as those found along the Hackensack Avenue corridor.
- Crane Operators and Crane Companies: An operator may cause an accident through negligent operation, while the company that employs the operator may also be liable under New Jersey’s rules governing employer responsibility.
- Crane Owners and Equipment Rental Companies: Companies that own, lease, maintain, or service cranes may be liable when poor maintenance, defective repairs, or inspection failures contribute to a collapse or equipment malfunction.
- Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers: A crane manufacturer or component supplier may face product liability claims when a defective brake system, control mechanism, structural component, or other part contributes to the accident.
- Subcontractors and Other Site Contractors: A subcontractor may share responsibility when unsafe work practices, electrical hazards, rigging failures, or other dangerous conditions contribute to the incident on a busy construction site near Route 4.
Defendants often try to shift blame to one another or argue that an injured worker shares responsibility for the accident.
Our Hackensack crane accident attorneys use maintenance records, inspection reports, site documentation, witness testimony, and expert analysis to determine where the failure began and who should be held accountable.
What Types of Crane Accidents Lead to a Third-Party Claim?
Tip-overs, dropped loads, electrocution accidents, struck-by incidents, and mechanical failures are among the crane accidents most likely to support a third-party claim in New Jersey. These accidents often involve equipment owners, crane companies, contractors, manufacturers, or other parties who operate outside the employer-employee relationship.
Tower cranes, mobile cranes, and overhead cranes fail in different ways, and each failure may point to a different liable party. Contractors, crane operators, and other parties responsible for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety compliance under 1926 Subpart CC may share fault.
Common examples include:
- Tip-Overs: A crane may topple because of unstable ground, improper setup, overloading, or poor site planning.
- Dropped Loads: A worn rigging line, defective hook, or improper lift plan can cause a load to fall onto workers below.
- Boom Contact With Power Lines: Electrocution injuries can occur when a crane operates too close to energized lines.
- Struck-By Accidents: A swinging load, rotating crane, or moving counterweight can seriously injure nearby workers. These incidents often involve operational errors, inadequate signaling, or unsafe site coordination.
- Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, hydraulic malfunctions, structural defects, and other equipment problems may create product liability claims against manufacturers, parts suppliers, or maintenance companies.
Determining how the accident happened often requires reviewing inspection records, maintenance logs, operator qualifications, and other evidence. Your Hackensack crane accident lawyer can investigate every potential cause to identify all available sources of compensation.
What Money Can You Recover After a Hackensack Crane Accident?
Crane accident victims may recover workers’ compensation benefits, and some may also pursue additional compensation through a third-party claim. The benefits and damages available depend on the facts of the case and the parties involved.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation may provide important financial and medical benefits after a crane accident in Bergen County, regardless of who caused the injury.
Depending on your situation, available benefits may include:
- Medical Treatment: Workers’ compensation may cover authorized medical care related to your crane injury.
- Temporary Disability Benefits: You may receive partial wage replacement while your injury prevents you from working.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: Additional compensation may be available if the accident leaves you with a lasting impairment.
- Death Benefits: Certain surviving family members may qualify for benefits after a fatal crane accident.
Third-Party Claim Damages
A third-party claim may provide compensation that workers’ compensation doesn’t cover. When another company contributed to the accident, additional damages may include:
- Full Lost Wages: You may seek the full amount of income lost because of the injury rather than the limited wage benefits available through workers’ compensation.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: Compensation may be available when your injuries affect the type of work you can perform in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: A third-party claim may allow recovery for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life caused by the accident.
- Medical Expenses: You may be able to recover medical costs as damages in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits that apply.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Families may have the right to pursue compensation when a crane accident results in the loss of a loved one.
Your Hackensack crane accident lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case to determine which claims apply and what compensation may be available under New Jersey law.
Verdicts and Settlements
$800,000 - Workplace Safety
To an electrician who suffered flash burns when he plugged in a meter to read the electric usage of a shopping mall tenant.
$1,700,000 - Rear-Ending Accident
A 50-year old housewife was injured when her car was rear-ended while stopped a traffic light.
$2,500,000 - Rear-Ended by Bus
A middle-aged tax preparer was injured when a New Jersey Transit Bus struck his car in the rear after exiting the Lincoln Tunnel, requiring two back surgeries following diagnosis of aggravation of pre-existing stenosis and a herniated disc leaving him permanently disabled from his career and in need of a Life Care Plan.
FAQ for Hackensack Crane Accident Lawyer
Do I Need a Hackensack Crane Accident Lawyer if Workers' Comp Is Already Paying?
Working with a crane accident lawyer in Hackensack is still beneficial even if workers’ compensation is paying benefits. Crane accidents often involve multiple companies, and an investigation may reveal claims against parties other than your employer.
A lawyer can protect your workers’ compensation rights, identify additional sources of recovery, and determine whether a third-party claim may apply.
What if I Can't Afford To Hire an Attorney While I'm Out of Work?
You don’t need any money up front to get started with Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. because we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay a fee only if we recover money for you.
Is My Case Over if the Crane Company Already Blamed the Operator?
A crane company may still be responsible even when it blames the operator. Companies are often legally responsible for the actions of employees performing their job duties, which means shifting blame to a crew member doesn’t automatically eliminate the company’s liability.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Crane Accident in New Jersey?
Several parties can share responsibility, including the general contractor, the crane’s owner, the operator’s company, and the equipment maker. Each one owes a separate duty of care on the site. A Hackensack crane accident lawyer can review the records to name every party at fault.
How Do You Prove a Crane Itself Failed?
Our crane accident lawyers in New Jersey prove a mechanical failure through inspection logs, maintenance records, and expert testimony. Maintenance logs, inspection reports, repair histories, and expert analysis often reveal problems that are not obvious immediately after an accident.
Get Answers About Your Hackensack Crane Accident Claim
A crane site changes fast, and the records that prove your claim can vanish with it. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. can review the facts, explain your legal options, and determine whether workers’ compensation, a third-party claim, or both may apply to your situation.
Call (201) 585-9111 or contact us online today for a free case review. Our Hackensack office is located at Court Plaza South, 201 Main St., Suite 206, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
Hackensack Office
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.
Court Plaza South, 21 Main St Ste 203
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 585-9111
