New York Law Blog

The New York City Buildings Department and their commissioner Robert LiMandri are implementing new rules to keep better track of crane parts to prevent further construction accidents from occurring. This is great news for construction workers all over the City, and Jeffrey Lichtman had this to say on the new regulations:

This is another example of how our legal system attempts to address critical safety issues. The Buildings Department is now focused on new rules and regulations aimed at preventing another devastating crane collapse in New York City. The crane parts are finally going to be better tracked so that crane operators can be more confident that they are working a structurally sound machine. Last May, a crane collapse took the lives of Donald Leo (30) and Ramadan Kurtaj (28). The age and mechanical condition of the crane are the focus of a federal probe and lawsuit. It is my hope that the lawsuit and probe are successful in creating strict crane-oversight programs preventing these types of events from ever occurring.

Trolman, Glaser & Lichtman: Don’t settle for less!

The rigger responsible for the death of seven people after a crane collapse last year in New York City is being brought up on manslaughter charges by Manhattan prosecutors. Also included in the construction accident charges is Rapetti Rigging Services, the overall contractor on the site. Jeffrey Lichtman, senior partner at Trolman, Glaser and Lichtman had this to say about the impending ruling:

I have seen a growing number of accidents involving crane collapses throughout the city.  In this particular case, William Rapetti, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment and second-degree assault.  This case exposes the missteps by city agencies as well as the Buildings Department’s lack of attention to public safety.  A series of these fatal collapses has led to the resignation of the city’s building commissioner and the arrests of its chief crane inspector.  Unfortunately, these accidents are a result of the workload brought on by the city’s last real estate boom.  My hope is that the scrutiny following this case sets stricter adherence to public safety and develops strong guidelines for crane operators, in turn, preventing accidents like this from occurring.

Trolman, Glaser & Lichtman - Don’t settle for less!

While working on a construction site at 11 Times Square, Jaos Pires was buried from the waist down when a 100 year old underground wall collapsed around him. An employee of Roadway Contracting which was being used by the overall contractor Plaza Construction, Mr. Pires was freed from the debris and taken to Bellevue hospital where he underwent surgery to repair the damage to his legs. 28 violations have been issued at this particular construction site by the Buildings Department. From senior partner Jeffrey Lichtman:

Unfortunately, in my line of work, one becomes accustomed to construction horror stories like this collapse in Times Square.  Over the years I have seen countless incidents where serious injuries and death’s have occurred from a failure to adhere to safety regulations. Plaza Construction, the employer of Jaos Pires, received 28 violations prior to the collapse. This is yet another example of contractors failing to maintain a safe work environment for their employees.

Trolman, Glaser & Lichtman: Don’t Settle For Less