Brain Injuries / Back Injuries / Spinal Cord Injuries May Lead to Major Lawsuits

On February 5, 2016, a lower Manhattan crane collapse garnered nationwide coverage. A 38-year-old man walking to work died in the accident. Three other individuals sustained injuries of varying severity. One of them was a man who was sitting in a parked car, waiting for his daughter to complete a medical appointment. The 73-year-old Massachusetts man suffered fractures to both his skull and spine when the crane boom came down on him.

Buildings Department Faulted

On Friday, March 18, 2016, the attorney for the man filed a complaint with the New York City Controller that blamed the city buildings department for failing to adequately monitor the construction site. In the complaint, the department is accused of “negligence, recklessness and carelessness.”

A $30 million lawsuit names the New York City Department of Buildings as the defendant, according to the New York Daily News. The suit claims that the department failed to consider weather reports that predicted high winds across New York City on the date of the crane collapse.

Medical Evaluation Continues

The case illustrates some of the potential consequences of brain injuries, back injuries and spinal cord injuries. The injured man is still being evaluated for a possible traumatic brain injury according to his attorney. It is also possible that he’ll require spinal surgery to repair the fractures. The retired businessman and dirt bike enthusiast now faces repeated visits to a Boston physician’s office.

Although the circumstances of every construction accident are unique, it is important that there be a knowledgeable analysis of which parties were negligent. When it is reasonable to assert negligence in such an accident, it is often possible for a victim to seek monetary damages for a variety of losses, including medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages.

If you or a family member suffers injury or loss of life in an accident, it is possible to review the details with a personal injury attorney focused on relevant areas of the law. Our firm offers this type of consultation free of charge. To learn more, please contact us.