Queens Crane Accident Lawyer

Legally Reviewed by:

Sameer Chopra
Sameer Chopra, managing partner and personal injury attorney at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP in Garden City, NY

Sameer Chopra is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with 17 years of experience standing up to large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords on behalf of injured individuals. He is a true New Yorker and recognized as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. 

He was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017-2019 and then became a Super Lawyer from 2020 to present. He was also recognized as the 2021 Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Lawyers and was selected by Top Attorneys in North America as a distinguished Exclusive Presidents Circle Attorney for his continued excellence within the legal community.  Sameer has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including significant verdicts against the City of New York and/or their affiliated agencies, and independent insurance carriers.

Content Last Updated:   May 29, 2024

Cranes dotting the Queens skyline may mean growth and progress. However, these massive machines can also pose serious and sometimes fatal risks if they aren’t maintained or used properly. Understanding the dangers of crane operations is crucial. If you fall victim to a crane accident, our Queens crane accident lawyers are here to help. 

Our skilled attorneys can be instrumental in navigating the aftermath of crane accidents in Queens, helping you understand your rights and the legal avenues available for seeking compensation. We are standing by to provide the support and guidance you deserve on the road toward compensation. Call (855) NYC-HURT or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.

Why Choose Our Queens Crane Accident Lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino?

After a crane accident in Queens, choosing the right legal representation can make a huge difference in your case. Our legal team prioritizes our clients, providing you with compassionate legal counsel from attorneys who understand and respect your needs. 

Our multilingual staff is here to help each member of our diverse community, ensuring they have access to justice and accountability. With decades of combined experience handling complex personal injury cases, we bring a wealth of knowledge and dedicated advocacy to the table.

Award-Winning Law Firm

You want a law firm with a strong track record of success. Our awards and accolades prove our dedication to providing high-quality legal services to our clients in their hour of need:

  • Top 100 Lawyers, 2021 Attorney of the Year
  • National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star 2017-2019 
  • Super Lawyers 2020-present
  • Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Most Top 50 Settlements of any Law Firm in New York in 2020 and 2022

Our Track Record of Success

Our history of securing high-value case results is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the best interests of our clients:

What Our Clients Have To Say

We are dedicated to delivering the highest-quality legal services possible, but you do not have to take our word for it. Our client testimonials speak for themselves:

Queens Neighborhoods We Serve

Our Queens personal injury lawyers defend the rights of accident victims throughout our community. We proudly serve all neighborhoods in the borough, including:

  • Corona
  • Jackson Heights
  • Elmhurst
  • Rego Park
  • Ridgewood
  • Woodhaven
  • Pomonk

Who Is Liable For Damages In Crane Accidents?

Determining liability in Queens crane accidents can be challenging, involving many potential sources for compensation, including manufacturers, property owners, and contractors. We understand the legal issues involved in these cases and work hard to identify all responsible parties. Our team will thoroughly investigate your case to secure the compensation you deserve.

Workers Compensation Coverage

Worker’s compensation insurance is normally the first source of compensation for injuries sustained on the job. This insurance, paid for by your employer, covers medical bills, lost wages, and disability. One important aspect of worker’s compensation is that you don’t need to prove fault to access benefits. 

However, worker’s compensation does have significant limits and disadvantages. For example, it will not reimburse you for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. It also will not fully cover lost income, as it covers only up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage.

Despite these limitations, worker’s compensation can provide critical support during recovery. Our attorneys are here to help you receive all the benefits you are entitled to, helping ease your financial burden during recovery.

Third-Party Lawsuits

Fault in crane accidents may not be limited to employers. Other liable parties may include:

  • Equipment manufacturers – Manufacturers could be liable if the accident was caused by defective machinery or equipment.
  • Property owners – Property owners and management companies might be responsible if hazards on their premises contributed to the accident.
  • Contractors and subcontractors – Contractors can be liable if their negligence in maintaining safety, training, and supervision standards contributed to your accident.

Filing a third-party claim could provide compensation beyond what is available through worker’s compensation. This is particularly important in cases involving severe injuries requiring long-term medical care or that significantly reduce your quality of life.

“Alex, Erica, and the team at Chopra & Nocerino are exceptionally helpful. They walked me through every stage after my accident from consultation, helping me get the medical help I needed and dealing with the other parties and my insurance company. I would highly recommend them, as they exceeded my expectations, providing amazing results in my case and exceptional personal attention to all of my needs during a very stressful situation.”

– Douglas McGirt, Google

How Can Chopra & Nocerino Assist In Proving Negligence In a Queens Crane Accident?

Proving negligence is normally essential to securing the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers bring extensive experience in construction accident law and will aggressively advocate on your behalf.

Detailed Investigations

Our process starts with thoroughly investigating each detail of your crane accident. We will review all safety protocols and compliance records at your construction site. We will also scrutinize maintenance logs to identify any failures in crane upkeep and associated machinery. 

Further, we will assess the training certifications of the crane operator and other relevant personnel. Our rigorous investigation will help us uncover deviations from standard safety practices and regulations.

Expert Collaboration

To build a compelling crane accident case, we will consult top experts to gather testimony, including forensic engineers, construction safety analysts, and medical specialists. Expert testimony can be critical in proving negligence. Insights from these professionals can have a profound impact on your case.

Strategic Legal Advocacy

We will carefully craft our legal strategy to meet the unique needs of your crane accident case. Our attorneys will develop clear, compelling legal arguments that pinpoint liability. They will stand firm in negotiations with insurance companies and opposing counsel to recover a meaningful settlement. If negotiations fail, we will prepare a strong litigation strategy backed by robust evidence and expert testimony.

Personalized Client Support

At Chopra & Nocerino, we treat our clients like family. This means we keep you in the loop through each stage of your case. Throughout the process, our lawyers will keep you fully informed about your legal options and the process ahead. We aim to make your legal experience as stress-free as possible so you can focus on your recovery.

“I can’t recommend Chopra & Nocerino enough. They took my case when no one else would and earned me a settlement that most didn’t think was possible. They have the resources of a larger firm but treat you as if you are their only client. Great firm with great lawyers, especially Alex Nocerino.”

– Marty B, Google

What To Do After a Crane Accident in Queens?

Experiencing a crane accident in Queens can be challenging, but taking the correct steps can significantly help the outcome of your legal claim. We will guide you through the essential post-accident steps to protect your rights and establish a strong foundation for your case. Here are a few basic steps:

  • Seek medical attention – Your health is the top priority. Early medical attention will support a strong recovery and establish a record of your injuries. Even if you don’t feel hurt, medical exams can detect latent injuries that may not arise for days or weeks. 
  • Report the accident – Immediately report the accident to your employer or the site manager. Remember to keep a copy of the written report for your records.
  • Collect and preserve evidence – If your injuries allow, gather evidence at the scene. Take pictures of the accident scene, the crane, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses. Keep any relevant physical evidence intact, such as your protective gear.
  • Consult a lawyer – Contacting a skilled Queens crane accident lawyer is a crucial early step in the recovery process. Do not hesitate to schedule your free consultation.

What Not To Do After a Crane Accident

Knowing what to avoid is as important as taking the proper steps. Do not enter any premature settlement agreements without consulting an attorney, as doing so can leave significant compensation on the table. 

Also, don’t sign medical record releases or agree to have your statement recorded by insurers before securing legal counsel. Further, avoid posting about your accident on social media. Remember, anything you say can be used against you in negotiations and court.

Time Limit to File a Claim for Queens Crane Accident Lawsuits

Victims of Queens crane accidents should be aware of the New York statute of limitations. The deadlines for filing your case are as follows:

  • Personal Injury Deadline – You must typically file your personal injury lawsuit within three years from the date of your crane accident.
  • Wrongful Death Deadline – Claims for crane accidents resulting in a wrongful death must generally be filed within two years from the date of death.
  • Worker’s Compensation Deadline – You must notify the Worker’s Compensation Board of your crane accident injury within two years from the date of your accident. You must also give your employer notice of your accident within 30 days, preferably in writing, to avoid compromising your claim. 

Adhering to these deadlines is essential for effectively protecting your right to compensation Failure to file before the governing deadline normally results in your case being dismissed in court, irreversibly impacting your ability to recover damages.

Contact the Queens Crane Accident Lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino

If you or a loved one were injured in a crane accident in Queens, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. At Chopra & Nocerino, we provide the aggressive representation and personalized attention you deserve. 

free consultation with our firm will give you a risk-free opportunity to learn about your full legal rights and options. Call (855) NYC-HURT or contact us online to schedule yours today. Para servir mejor a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad, ofrecemos servicios en español.

“Highly professional and hard working. Made my experience as seamless as possible. Handled everything for me, even scheduling appointments, etc. And my case had a great outcome!”

– Alizeh Habib

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