Houston crane accident attorneys discuss a fatal Manhattan tower crane accident that provides a clear example of the importance of sound crane components to U.S. worker safety. In Manhattan in May 2008, a large, heavy tower crane suddenly collapsed when a component part gave way causing the structure of the crane to collapse. The sudden crane collapse sent the tower crane’s operator, 30-year-old Donald Leo tumbling 140 feet to his death. The deadly crane collapse also killed a worker on the ground, 27-year-old Ramadan Kurtaj. The crane collapse at 91st Street and 1st Avenue occurred at the site of construction of a luxury high-rise tower.
66-year-old James Lomma, crane boss at the Manhattan construction site, stands accused of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and other crimes stemming from the deadly crane collapse. The charges allege that Lomma knowingly replaced a defective part in the tower crane with a cheap (and inadequate) replacement part from China in order to save money, and that the failure of the cheap part caused the tower crane to suddenly collapse at the construction site.
Our Houston crane accident attorneys emphasize that tower cranes stand about 150 high, and must lift loads up to nearly 20 tons (40,000 pounds) in weight. Because of their size, weight, and potential instability, tower cranes present enormous dangers at construction sites. Because of their danger, OSHA (the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration) has promulgated very specific rules regarding their use and operation. The huge tower cranes are subject to extreme stresses as they maneuver heavy loads in a confined space and through prescribed arcs.
To do the required jobs, tower cranes require sound components without defects. The weight of the structure of the tower crane itself can simply crush a cheap part. Then the part of thetower structure that relied on that component for support collapses, with deadly results. The deaths of the two workers at the Upper Manhattan construction site were unnecessary. Substituting a substandard, cheap component for a component of the required strength and durability is more than simply negligent. Had a proper repair and replacement been made on the tower crane before placing it back into use, Daniel Leo and Ramadan Kurtaj might still be alive.
If you’ve lost a loved one to a Texas crane accident, contact our Houston crane accident attorneys for a free and confidential legal consultation. We have more than 12 years of experience successfully holding negligent defendants accountable for the harm they’ve caused to victims and their families. Our practical experience and in-depth knowledge of the legal issues involved in a fatal crane accident could help put you on the road to a full financial recovery for the loss you’ve suffered.
Money can never replace the special role that a lost loved one played in your life, but it can send an important message to the negligent parties that caused your loss and motivate careful prevention of future accidents. And your recovery could also pay your expenses from the tragic loss, and help you to move forward n life again. Don’t let defendants get away with the negligence that hurt you. Hold them accountable for their actions. Our Houston crane accident attorneys could help you recover. Call today at 877-307-9500 or use our convenient web contact features to schedule your free consultation/case evaluation.