Crane Mechanic Escapes Jail Time for Accident that Killed Two
It’s been several years since the crane repaired by Tibor Varganyi collapsed on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, killing two workers. But he was finally sentenced this week to a year of community service, much to the outrage of the victims’ family members. His boss, who he testified against, was acquitted, escaping all punishment.
The crane accident occurred in May 2008. Varganyi admitted to arranging repair on the crane that was more concerned about the bottom line than the ultimate safety. Authorities called the job a “penny pinching, shoddy” repair job.
Both Varganyi and his the crane owner James Lomma were charged with manslaughter. In a plea agreement, Varganyi escaped jail time by testifying against Lomma. Lomma, however, escaped punishment.
Both men admit the crane repair was done in an effort to save time and money, with little thought given to safety.
The 200 foot crane came toppling down just one month after the repair. Just two months prior another crane in Manhattan had collapsed, killing seven.
Cranes are dangerous simply because of their size. But when they are not maintained properly, they become an accident waiting to happen. Because of this, employers are required to adhere to strict standards when working with cranes and when repairing them.
According to OSHA, failure to inspect, improper usage, and poor maintenance can all increase the chances of a crane accident.
Because we live in a city where buildings are practically built on top of each other, cranes are an everyday sight. The majority of construction sites do what’s necessary to keep the areas around them safe and secure when a crane is in use. But still, accidents happen.
When a crane malfunctions or even when a load shifts slightly, the results can be tragic. In addition to falling debris, the entire crane can tilt and fall, or the arm can fall apart. In any of these situations, the risk of serious injury is great.
At Omrani & Taub, our attorneys know NYC construction workers are some of the toughest guys out there, working in some of the most dangerous conditions. When you are hurt on the job, you need someone who will be tough as well.
Contact our offices today if you’ve been seriously injured in a construction accident. We can offer a free consultation and some potentially valuable legal advice. Call 212-529-7848 (that’s 212-LAW-SUIT).
